The IoT – Internet of Things is changing our supply chain methodologies and landscapes in a way and manner that was never thought of before.
Once considered to be a mere bubble in the IT space, this technology is gaining traction and is getting increasingly popular in developing legitimate real-world solutions for businesses for improving their connectivity and transforming the supply chain mechanism.
IoT has massively changed modern supply chain management, and every part and portion of the supply change management systems of many industries are now using this feature.
Advanced warehouses need advanced systems tha require ServiceNow implementations to provide the solutions to the industries. In this piece, we will find out how IoT enabled Warehouses have disrupted the supply chain for better.
Contents
1. IoT has made the idea of Smart Warehousing possible
Similar to the concept of smart homes, IoT has made it possible for businesses to get the most out of their warehousing facilities. IoT technology helps them to create features such as automated thermostats, smart lighting, and robotics.
An IoT enabled smart warehouse is thus self-sufficient in conducting its day-to-day operations and that too while running with its full efficiency.
As such, a significant concern and apprehension that IoT creates are the fears of all jobs being replaced by industrial robots and automation. The proponents and innovators of IoT are optimistic that seamless automation through IoT is to make the human tasks easier and lend a helping hand to workers.
However, on the job automation is only replacing people, and it would be interesting to see how the businesses use automation and to what extent.
2. IoT makes Asset Tracking seamless and easy
The recent breakthroughs in the IoT technology have made it possible for businesses to develop a foolproof tracking system to seamlessly track their goods, materials, and merchandise on the go. Some of the technologies that are used are GPS (Global Positioning System), and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.
GPS is particularly useful to track a shipment while it is in transit, whereas RFID is helpful in monitoring the components, parts, and specific items throughout the manufacturing facility or warehouse. This RFID technology has changed and benefited businesses in a massive way, including the following:
- Efficient Inventory Control – With RFID sensors and tags, companies can track and monitor stock levels more effectively than ever. It thus helps in ensuring the stocks are maintained, and unnecessary orders are eliminated. This means you are always in control of your stocks and business supplies as a whole.
- Minimized Asset losses – The use of RFID technology ensures that you are aware of defective parts and components during manufacturing processes, thereby helping you to reduce any further losses by continued production of faulty components. As such, this technology ensures that all checks and balances are in place at the right time so that there are no losses due to the production of defective products.
- Provides Customer Insights – These RFIDs can even be used to collect and process many other types of consumer data such as buying trends, shopping habits, etc. that can provide businesses with more significant insights to adjust the production and marketing needs accordingly.
Asset tracking and Inventory Control if moved to IoT completely, this would ensure a unified and centralized control over businesses. This is why many companies are increasingly opting for IoT in these areas as well.
3. IoT helps in managing your Fleet efficiently
Wit IoT fleet management has become increasingly smooth and seamless. You can locate the best routes for your vehicles using IoT, which ensures an overall benefit in terms of fuel efficiency and safer movement of your goods on the roads.
This technology also helps you manage your shipping in transit and delivery of your shipments to the intended recipients. Thanks to IoT, fleet management has never been so easy.
Conclusion
Though there have been some of the most significant breakthroughs in the IoT space, this fantastic technology is still in its initial phases and is continually evolving. Businesses can make the most use of this time in understanding and embracing this platform for IoT is the future of Supply Chain Management.
Getting started with IoT sooner will ensure you are abreast and ahead in the competition. Possibilities are, however, immense and endless, and only the players who can transform these possibilities into realities will eventually survive and sustain.
