// CASE STUDY //

AT BOTH NELSON AND MARLBOROUGH SITES, CONNECTIVITY IS FUNDAMENTAL TO MAINTAINING ACCURATE INVENTORY RECORDS AND ENSURING FREIGHT MOVEMENTS ARE VISIBLE IN REAL-TIME.

How did the problems with Wi-Fi connectivity affect business operations?

The connectivity issues became an operational constraint rather than simply an IT problem. Forklift operators and warehouse staff rely on real-time access to inventory and logistics systems, and Wi-Fi dead spots created interruptions to those workflows. Staff often had to adjust how and where they worked to maintain connectivity, which reduced efficiency and created frustration. The issues also delayed communications between field devices and warehouse management systems, impacting pallet scanning, inventory transactions and other real-time operational processes. Internal business case documentation identified productivity impacts, increased support requests and limitations on our ability to modernise operations as key concerns.

What do you use Wi-Fi for in the warehouse?

Wi-Fi connectivity supports several operationally critical processes inside our warehouses. Forklift-mounted terminals and handheld RF scanners are used to scan pallet movements and record inventory transactions within our warehouse management systems. We also use devices for container loading and unloading activities, truck dispatch processes, inventory management, operational reporting and communications. At both Nelson and Marlborough sites, connectivity is fundamental to maintaining accurate inventory records and ensuring freight movements are visible in real-time.

What benefits have you seen with regards to forklift connectivity and tracking?

With Ericsson’ s Private 5G technology, designed and installed in partnership with Spark, the biggest immediate benefit has been consistency. Forklifts equipped with onboard routers and connected devices can remain online throughout their operation without the connectivity interruptions previously experienced in some areas of the warehouses and yards. This improves the reliability of pallet scanning, reduces delays in updating warehouse systems and gives us better visibility of operational activity as it occurs. Reliable connectivity also establishes a foundation for future capabilities such as asset tracking, equipment telemetry, location-based services and potentially automated or semiautomated operational processes.

What feedback have you received from staff since implementation?

Formal post-implementation surveys are still evolving, but the initial feedback has been positive because the technology addresses a long-standing problem recognised by frontline teams. Prior to the deployment, staff had regularly reported connectivity frustrations and operational disruption associated with Wi Fi performance. The more consistent network coverage has reduced those pain points and improved confidence that devices will remain connected as operators move around the site

How do you see operations at Port Nelson improving further?

We see the private 5G network as foundational infrastructure rather than a standalone project. The immediate benefit is more reliable connectivity, but the longer-term value comes from what that connectivity enables. Future opportunities include asset tracking, geofencing and location-based safety controls, digital push-to-talk communications, predictive maintenance, IoT sensor integration, smarter warehouse operations, AI-enabled vision systems and greater operational visibility across the port. As part of Port Nelson’ s broader technology goal of‘ Connected Port’, these capabilities have the potential to improve productivity, enhance safety outcomes, increase operational resilience and support future automation initiatives across both warehousing and wider port operations. Reliable connectivity has become as important to modern port operations as roads, cranes and warehouses. The move to private 5G solves a long-standing operational challenge for us today, but more importantly it creates a platform for the next generation of safety, automation and operational intelligence at Port Nelson. �

16 Intelligent SME. tech