Introduction to IoT in logistics
IoT in logistics indicates that supply chain management uses a combination of connected devices such as sensors and GPS trackers. There is no human intervention, but there is communication and data exchange with these devices. IoT in logistics helps create a responsive ecosystem in interconnected logistics. This enhances the easy flow of information and exchange of data. With the help of smart sensors, it gets information regarding location, temperature, availability, and accuracy of the operations. It is possible to know the condition and status of goods and shipments.
Role of IoT in enhancing the supply chain management
Real-time visibility of assets
It indicates tracking of assets and provides relevant responses based on the location, movement and condition of the goods. The real-time visibility enhances rapid response in case of any delay of goods. This helps to eliminate the operational issues and maximize the supply chain ability (Udeh, Amajuoyi, Adeusi, & Scott, 2024). Moreover, it consists of IoT enabled devices such as GPS and RFID for the location updates. This also eliminates theft during the exchange of goods and shipments. Also, it helps in giving accurate delivery of goods on time.
Inventory management
In the supply chain operations, with the help of IoT, it monitor and tracks the goods and supplies. The sensors help in providing information about the availability of goods and tracking them (Rehan, 2023) Moreover, they provide real-time updates and alerts regarding stock-outs and overstocking. It manages the order fulfillment and makes the goods available and timely delivery. It reduces the human error with the increase of service.
Monitoring storage conditions
IoT sensors are useful for monitoring conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and climate. They help automatically detect data regarding the condition. Based on the condition, the product is kept risk-free. Moreover, it ensures that the product is kept safe and damage-free during transportation and storage.
Usage of automation
It takes the help of predictive maintenance to see any potential failures in the supply chain. The IoT-enabled devices help in tracking the vehicle location and plan the routes accordingly. Manages the consumption of vehicles and improves the delivery of goods (Lee, et al., 2023). The automation of tasks reduces manual effort and increase the operational efficiency. Also, with the help of automation, productivity is increased with immediate planning and repetitive task is reduced.
IoT in Logistics
Benefits of IoT in Logistics
Increased customer experience
The supply chain management process follows a constant process of smart tracking and getting the real-time information of the orders. Moreover, it provides the customers with the shipment notifications and estimated delivery timings of the orders. They review the order details and the time of delivery and track the order. This helps the customers to know all the information regarding the order. Also, it enhances the communication between the customers and companies.
Security
In fact, security is one of the major concerns in logistics. In this case, there are many valuable devices and goods involved in the shipping process (Koc, 2020). To help them monitor, they are connected to GPS tracking so the moments be tracked. Moreover, It helps to detect any inappropriate movements. Besides, it follows preventive actions to safeguard the products.
Cost savings
Generally, logistics has expenses regarding fuel and transportation. So, with the help of GPS-enabled IoT devices, they help in suggesting the shortest routes to travel. Moreover, it enhances savings and reduces the fuel consumption. With the help of automated inventory management, it helps in reducing the manual effort. In this case it saves the salary cost.
Benefits of IoT in Logistics
Future of IoT in Logistics
As there is a large amount of data, furthermore, it enhances regular security audits and enhanced safety protocols. Investing in quality devices that meet security standards. It also involves sensors for monitoring environmental conditions in advance, and choosing the best battery life products is the best solution. Moreover, to enhance the decision-making optimization of logistic routes to enhance the delivery times (Szleter, 2024). With the help of predictive analytics, it effectively implements reliable tools and highly skilled personnel to manage the supply chain. Investing in training professionals over IoT networks and enhancing the supply chain is important. Furthermore, enhancements regarding both artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms improves supply chain management.
Conclusion
With the involvement of the Internet of Things using smart tracking systems, it has provided many advantages in the supply chain management. Moreover, the systems are used in real-time tracking, automation, safety measures, analytics, and innovations, the use of the supply chain. This also enhanced the businesses with immediate responses and proactive problem solving. With the use of visibility, it has eliminated the delay of goods and improved the delivery timings. Automation processed inventory management with effective order fulfillment and smart tracking systems for updates. This has improved customer experience by providing both effective communication and services. In summary, with the help of safety and security measures, there is enhancement of transportation services. Despite the challenges, this has implemented the best IoT solutions for robust data management.
References
Koc, E. (2020). Internet of Things (IoT) Applications for Enterprise Productivity. United States: IGI Global.
Lee, K. L., Wong, S. Y., Khatib, M. E., Alzoubi, H. M., Kurdi, B. A., & Alshurideh, M. T. (2023). Adopting smart supply chain and smart technologies to improve operational performance in manufacturing industry. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 15, 1-14. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/18479790231200614
Rehan, S. (2023, May 30). Sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) in Logistics. Retrieved from Azosensors: https://www.azosensors.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2825
Szleter, P. (2024, May 07). Smart Supply Chain Management: Implementing IoT Technologies To Optimize Supply Chain Visibility. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/05/07/smart-supply-chain-management-implementing-iot-technologies-to-optimize-supply-chain-visibility/
Udeh, E. O., Amajuoyi, P., Adeusi, K. B., & Scott, A. O. (2024). The role of IoT in boosting supply chain transparency and efficiency. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 11(01), 178–197. Retrieved from https://magnascientiapub.com/journals/msarr/sites/default/files/MSARR-2024-0081.pdf
Keywords
Smart tracking, Automation, Supply chain operations, Shipments, Logistics.
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