IoT: Tracking the supply chain
The modern supply chain is a complex web of interconnected systems and processes, all working together to move goods from manufacturer to consumer.
As we move into the future, the Internet of Things (IoT) is going to play an increasingly important role in this process, with new data and capabilities that will improve efficiency and accuracy at every stage.
In this article, Pallet Central Enterprises will review how IoT is transforming the supply chain and how it is making businesses more competitive in today’s global marketplace.
IoT and the supply chain
The supply chain is an area where the “Internet of Things” is already having a major impact.
Warehouses and material handling equipment can relay information on inventory levels, temperature, humidity, and handling conditions in real-time.
IoT technology is being used to track products throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution to the end points on retail shelves. This allows businesses to have new visibility into their entire supply chain operations and make adjustments to improve efficiency where needed.
In addition, IoT technology is being incorporated into items like pallets to create “smart pallets” that can self-report their location and condition. This is a valuable tool for businesses that need to keep track of their products at all times.
Why the Internet of Things matters to the supply chain
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term used to describe the growing network of physical objects that are connected to the internet. These objects can include everything from watches and fitness trackers to industrial machines and vehicles.
IoT technology is transforming the supply chain in a number of ways. One of the most important is its ability to provide real-time data on the location and condition of products. This data can be utilized to improve efficiency by finding bottlenecks and provide a verified chain of custody.
So-called “smart pallets” are equipped with environmental and tracking sensors that can be queried to report relevant data and keep track of products while in transit, thus ensuring that they arrive at their destination safely and on time.
IoT is also changing the way warehouses, and other material handling facilities operate. By installing sensors on equipment, these facilities can now track the location of every pallet in inventory to get a better understanding of how fast that inventory is turning.
Additionally, forklifts and other handling equipment can be tracked to make sure that they are running optimally throughout the facility. Thus, reducing wasted time and improving efficiency.
Smart sensors and supply chain innovations
Smart sensors and supply chain innovations are being used to develop autonomous forklifts that can move inventory around warehouses without the need for a human operator. These forklifts use sensors to avoid collisions and can be programmed to follow specific routes.
The pallet market is also experimenting with IoT technology. Smart pallets equipped with sensors can track their own location, as well as environmental and time stamped data of the products they are carrying. This information can be used to ensure that perishable goods are kept at the proper temperature throughout their journey.
Smart warehouses
Modern warehouses are becoming more automated with robotic technologies performing everything from pick operations off the rack, to assembling unit loads on a pallet, to moving those loads to trucks waiting to be filled and then move on to their next destination.
As more automation technology is being integrated into the warehouse, less workers are necessary. By installing sensors on equipment and products, businesses can track the location of every item in their warehouse in real-time.
This information can be used to optimize processes and reduce waste. For example, if a particular item is regularly getting lost in the warehouse, the business can use the data from the sensors to find out where it is going missing and put measures in place to prevent this from happening.
Similarly, if items are taking too long to be picked up from the shelves, the business can use the data to find out why and make changes to their processes accordingly.
IoT transforming the supply chain
This is just the beginning stages of IoT in the supply chain. The technology is transforming the supply chain and there are many more applications that will be developed in the future.
As more businesses adopt this technology, we can expect even greater improvements in the way goods are moved around the world. IoT is truly changing the way businesses operate and will continue to do so for years to come.