Enhancing Safety and Efficiency of Omera LPG Carrier Operations with Bongo IoT Solutions

Introduction

Omera LPG is a leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) brand operating within Bangladesh. Established by Omera Petroleum Limited, a subsidiary of MJL Bangladesh Limited, Omera LPG has been a key player in the importation, storage, bottling, and distribution of LPG across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors since its inception in 2015. Committed to providing high-quality, safe LPG at an affordable price, Omera LPG has become synonymous with reliability and accessibility throughout the country. Utilizing cutting-edge European technology and advanced machinery, Omera LPG operates state-of-the-art bottling and storage facilities strategically located in Mongla, Ghorashal, Bogra, and Mirasarai. These complexes are meticulously designed to meet stringent safety standards while ensuring efficient distribution to meet the diverse energy needs of its customers nationwide.

Challenges

Omera LPG, one of the prominent LPG distribution companies, faces several challenges in operating their large LPG carrier vehicles:

Driver Sleepiness:
1. Long hours and the demanding nature of the job lead to fatigue.
2. Increased risk of accidents due to driver fatigue.
Smoking Risks:
1. High flammability of LPG means even a single spark could cause a catastrophic explosion.
Vehicle Size and Maneuverability:
1. The large size of carriers creates numerous blind spots.
2. Difficult to maneuver, especially on narrow or congested roads.
Unsecured Dashboard:
1. A common practice of allowing passengers on the dashboard is extremely dangerous.
2. Distracts the driver and endangers both passengers and the driver due to the explosive cargo.
Lack of Evidence in Accidents:
1. Authority often lacks evidence when accidents occur, complicating investigations and accountability.
Need for Live Communication:
1. Critical for the authority to communicate with drivers in real-time, providing timely instructions and support.
Monitoring Driver Behavior:
1. Real-time monitoring helps ensure safe driving practices.
2. Identifies risky behaviors and allows for prompt corrective actions.

Solution

With the use of cutting-edge technology and creative thinking, Bongo IoT has developed a comprehensive solution to tackle the difficulties Omera LPG is facing in managing its large LPG carrier vehicles. The solution includes:

AD Plus 2.0 Cameras:
- Install AD Plus 2.0 cameras to provide real-time monitoring of the front view and cabin view.
- Utilize the AD Plus 2.0 system’s capabilities to track driving behavior, including overspeeding, harsh cornering, and harsh braking.
- Generate alerts for any detected risky driving behaviors to prompt corrective action and improve driver safety.
Driver Status Monitoring System(DSM) Camera:
- Implement DSM cameras to continuously monitor the driver’s behavior and alertness.
- Utilize facial recognition and eye-tracking technology to detect signs of drowsiness or distraction.
- Issue immediate alerts to the driver and the control center in case of detected fatigue or distraction, enabling timely intervention to prevent accidents.
External Cameras for 360° View:
- Install external cameras strategically to provide a comprehensive 360° view around the vehicle, eliminating blind spots.
- Utilize high-resolution imagery and wide-angle lenses to ensure maximum coverage of the vehicle’s surroundings.
- Integrate the external camera feed with the vehicle’s monitoring system to provide real-time visibility to drivers and the control center.

Vehicle Details

Vehicle Brand: TATA, Ashok Leyland
Vehicle Length: 14.63 meters

Installation Devices

AD Plus 2.0
DMS
External camera

Implementation Steps

Assessment and Planning:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of Omera LPG’s current fleet operations, including vehicle types, routes, and driver behaviors.
- Identify specific challenges faced by the company, such as driver fatigue, safety compliance issues, and blind spots.
- Develop a comprehensive plan outlining the objectives, scope, and timeline for implementing the Bongo IoT solution.
Installation and Integration:
- Install Bongo IoT’s tracking devices and cameras on Omera LPG’s fleet of LPG carrier vehicles.
- Ensure proper placement and mounting of devices to optimize performance and coverage.
- Integrate Bongo IoT’s software platform with installed cameras.
Data Integration:
- Configure data pipelines to capture and process real-time vehicle telemetry, driver behavior data, and surveillance footage.
- Ensure data security and compliance with relevant regulations throughout the integration process.
Calibration and Testing:
- Calibrate tracking devices and cameras to accurately capture vehicle movements, driver behaviors, and environmental conditions.
- Conduct rigorous testing of the entire system to validate functionality, accuracy, and reliability under various operating conditions.
- Perform simulated and field tests to assess the system’s performance in detecting safety risks, optimizing route planning, and enhancing overall fleet efficiency.

Results and Benefits

Improved Safety:
- Reduction in accidents and incidents due to proactive monitoring of driver behavior and real-time alerts for risky driving habits.
- Enhanced compliance with safety regulations and standards, leading to a safer working environment for drivers and other road users.
- Minimized risks associated with driver fatigue, smoking, and unsecured dashboard practices through continuous monitoring and intervention.
Increased Efficiency:
- Optimized route planning and vehicle utilization based on real-time data insights, leading to reduced fuel consumption and operational costs.
- Streamlined fleet management processes, including maintenance scheduling, driver assignments, and dispatching, resulting in improved productivity and resource allocation.
Enhanced Visibility and Control:
- Comprehensive 360° view of vehicle surroundings provided by external cameras, reducing blind spots and improving situational awareness for drivers and supervisors.
- Real-time tracking and monitoring of vehicle locations, statuses, and performance metrics enable better decision-making and operational control for management.
Reports:
- The platform provides more than 150 reports, allowing the authority to analyze data and make well-informed decisions.
- Identification of trends, patterns, and areas for improvement, leading to enhanced operational efficiency.

Enhanced Compliance and Accountability:
- Documentation of driver behavior and vehicle operations through comprehensive data logs and reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
- Improved accountability and transparency in fleet operations, with the ability to track and audit performance metrics and safety compliance metrics over time.

Conclusion

By implementing Bongo IoT’s comprehensive solution, Omera LPG has significantly enhanced the safety, efficiency, and accountability of its LPG carrier operations. The advanced monitoring and real-time data insights provided by Bongo IoT’s technology have empowered Omera LPG to proactively address risks, optimize fleet performance, and ensure the safe and reliable delivery of LPG across Bangladesh. This case study highlights the transformative impact of leveraging cutting-edge IoT solutions in the logistics and transportation industry, setting a benchmark for others to follow.