The digital revolution has had a profound effect on delivery logistics and supply chain management. The Internet of Things (IoT)—the use of the Internet to interconnect computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to transfer various data—has changed how delivery and fulfillment companies conduct and manage their operations. In the modern supply chain, IoT is making the process more efficient, and here’s how.
IoT Enhances Product Traceability in the Supply Chain
One of the first aspects of the supply chain that will be positively impacted by IoT is product traceability. These technologies can connect products, which each transmit their location and condition. Because of this, there is a better opportunity to converge back office systems, and prevent the need for proprietary hardware. By connecting products, businesses will also have the opportunity to gather data about product performance and consumer use of products, that have never been visible before.
IoT for Inventory and Fleet Management
Technology like active and passive RFID tags, which provide data on the items to which they are attached, is just one example of how IoT is used in inventory management. Internet-connected trackers, are another example. They use long-range networks or Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) to track specific items as they are being transported from one location to another. Additional examples include Bluetooth tags, and Near Field Communication (NFC) tags. In terms of fleet management, companies deploy IoT technology for physical asset movement and delivery, consumer transportation, and field service vehicles. This makes their processes more efficient, and much like warehouse and inventory management, the solutions include tracking technologies like GPS to gather various data in real-time while trucks or vehicles are on the road.
IoT Improves Product Visibility
IoT increases product visibility in the supply chain and allows managers to see important data for the material handling equipment, packages, vehicles, and warehouses, from any device. Some of these devices include GPS and RFID readers. With advanced technologies, sensors, and a supply network that knows how to operate these tools properly, businesses will be able to predict, correct, and prevent problems in the supply chain.
Outsource Your Operations to Knowledgeable Fulfillment Team
Switching to IoT applications in logistics might be a frustrating and confusing process if you’re a company who has done things the traditional way for many years. But instead of missing out on this grand opportunity to grow your business, consider outsourcing your operations to a fulfillment team that is knowledgeable about IoT. If you’re looking for the right company to partner with that meets your needs as a business, Lean Supply Solutions is the answer. We rise to the challenge of meeting our clients’ needs through our services which include product fulfillment, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, warehouse pick-and-pack, order fulfillment, and more. We can offer you consistent, accurate, and quality results, and we are experts with the latest tools and technology. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at 416-748-8982.
