TECHNOLOGY
“[ Companies ] struggle to define the best opportunities for using [ IoT ’ s ] measurement and tracking capabilities ”
MIKE BURKETT ANALYST AND RESEARCH VP , GARTNER SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICE
Here , the data collection capability of IoT technology comes into its own . Routinely used to monitor inventory , track the movement of mass shipments , and provide geolocation on individual pallets , parcels and containers , supply chain leaders have never had access to such accurate information . It has also been the key technology in Industry 4.0 , allowing for more accurate maintenance , repair and operations ( MRO ) in manufacturing and production , as well as providing real-time data for digital twins in industrial settings .
Top 3 Benefits of IoT Supply Chain Solutions Internet of Things ( IoT ) won ’ t solve every problem or enhance every process , but it can remove human error and collect data that in environments that are too hazardous or complex via manual methods
Automation Everything from shipment verification efficiency to order accuracy can be increased through automation . IoT automatically scans shipments , relays accurate information on what , where , and when , and lowers the need for manual labour - a significant time and cost-sink for complex and time-sensitive logistics operations .
Documentation How often do supply chains falter due to missing paperwork or errors ? More often than you ’ d think . Using data collected by IoT devices , smart logistics platforms automatically fill in documentation and verify paperwork , removing human error and bringing inaccuracy close to zero . Professionals are freed to handle paperwork that requires human oversight .
Real-time visibility Knowing where a shipment is at any given moment is the most important data point for logistics professionals . IoT devices provide realtime data on location , speed , and other factors such as temperature for cold chain operations . Much of this data would be impossible or infeasible to collect manually . Professionals are better informed to mitigate disruption , can forecast more accurate estimated time of arrival , and maintain transparent communication with customers and other stakeholders .
IoT and Post-Pandemic Problems The pandemic placed greater pressure on supply chains to be more resilient and elastic , prompting a wave in investment in digital platforms , powered by data captured through IoT .
120 September 2021