In any discussion of the main benefits of the Internet of Things, logistics must be among the main industries that have widely adopted and applied this technology in day-to-day business activities.
In this article, we will discuss the role of logistics and supply chain solutions in relation to the benefits and advantages of using the Internet of Things in logistics, the main uses of IoT technology and tools, and some challenges a company may face when implementing Internet of Things logistics.
If you are interested in more information about what is the importance of IoT and what are the applications and features of the Internet of Things, you can read the following article applied to different industries.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT) in logistics?
Well, what is meant by the internet of things in logistics? Or how important is the Internet within logistics processes?
According to the development software company, Dac Digital, logistics and transportation are undoubtedly industry segments that will be significantly affected by the advantages of using the internet of things.
Every day, millions of goods are stored, controlled and transported. There are many people involved, as well as vehicles, IoT-enabled devices and specially designed tools to get the job done.
Therefore, the benefits of IoT in logistics and transportation enable the integration of various assets within the supply chain and the subsequent analysis of the data generated by these connections. In turn, this improves the efficiency of warehouse logistics, delivery management and fleet management in all logistics companies.
Now, let's take a look at the main advantages of the Internet of Things in logistics.
1. Optimization at its best
Logistics companies must not only manage their time cost-effectively, but also save money. The target audience in this industry tends to want faster and cheaper deliveries. Therefore, route optimization is a key factor of the advantages of the Internet of Things in logistics.
The benefits of IoT in logistics perfectly meet the needs of the industry, allowing it to optimize in the most critical areas. As a result of using connected technologies, logistics companies can reduce costs, improve service levels, optimize fleet management and reduce manual actions that significantly delay the process.
The advantages of the internet of things in the optimization field, besides having a positive effect on the company, there are also other benefits of the optimization process, as they receive real-time information on traffic volumes (to avoid downtime) and weather, which in turn generates savings in gasoline.
2. Access to data
By analyzing big data in logistics, companies can obtain valuable information about the location and status of their products. Did you know that this information was previously unavailable to them? That's right!
The data provided by the internet of things in the supply chain is useful not only because it can help supply chain managers with real-time problems, but also because it is used to enable extensive optimization.
First, the advantages of the Internet of Things related to data access help managers make informed decisions that improve the entire supply chain operation when they understand the context and root cause of problems.
A logistics manager may discover that certain routes are much more likely to experience delays or mismanagement after analyzing a particular shipment. Artificial intelligence in logistics can then easily solve the problem by changing the route and saving money and time on subsequent shipments.
With IoT in logistics, companies can optimize their end-to-end supply chains and make decisions based on data, not assumptions.
3. Detection, reaction and error reduction
IoT systems in supply chains include distributed sensors that track the location and status of goods in transit and transmit real-time data to the cloud.
This is one of the advantages of the internet of things that gives managers access to and interaction with GPS coordinates as well as data collected by sensors, which keeps managers updated and informed about shipments.
Logistics managers can access important information using the digital supply chain and take immediate action if a problem arises. In some cases, the benefits of using the internet of things in logistics, become systems that can send real-time alerts if temperature-sensitive products reach harmful temperatures, allowing the shipper to fix the problem before damaging the product.
4. Increasing the efficiency of industrial processes
Supply chain efficiency and reliability can be improved with visibility by taking full advantage of the benefits of the Internet of Things.
IoT tools provide companies with visibility throughout the supply chain. Goods in transit often have significant variables that cause widespread inefficiencies and waste. Using IoT tools, however, helps managers gain insight into their products and processes to shed light on potential dark spots for improvement in the supply chain.
5. Improved last-mile deliveries
Within the benefits and advantages of the Internet of Things, an important point is the last mile deliveries in the supply chain of a product, since it has the greatest impact on customers and on obtaining repeat orders.
Thus, IoT devices in logistics can provide information for companies to optimize their last mile delivery.
6. Location and route management
IoT location and route management for the logistics industry is a popular advantage of the Internet of Things. This solution allows a logistics manager to monitor the location of his trucks in real time. By using GPS tracking systems, in addition, the route taken by the trucks can also be monitored from remote locations.
This advantage of the Internet of Things further helps logistics companies to keep track of drivers' activities and ensure timely delivery of goods.
In addition, the real-time alert system of these vehicle tracking solutions alerts managers about any anomalies through automatic notifications. This feature, within the advantages of the Internet of Things in the supply chain and logistics, act as an assistant for logistics companies and help in the planning and management of delivery schedules.
7. Demand forecasting
By using the advantages of the Industrial Internet of Things in logistics, we can easily calculate demand forecasting. The tools help us to predict future product demands and how we can keep up with them by improving the efficiency of our logistics system.
In this way, demand forecasting is done on the basis of customer trends, intentions, tastes and preferences. Therefore, it is one of the biggest advantages of the Internet of Things in logistics.
8. Fleet improvement
One of the most important and useful advantages of IoT in logistics is fleet optimization and management. To have a clear concept, fleet means a group of transportation used for cargo delivery or to transfer cargo from one place to another.
So, with IoT in fleet management, systems can be improved and optimized in a short time. All relevant fleet data, including driver information, can be collected. In addition, this advantage of the Internet of Things helps to monitor the fuel and energy consumption of vehicles.
9. Inventory tracking
Devices that are part of the Internet of Things advantages help manufacturers track all necessary parts globally and in real time. By using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on your parts, manufacturers will be alerted to the dates and arrival of your components.
This will help you better manage product levels in inventory and optimize them for greater efficiency across all locations. Updated shipping times and delays can also be shared with customers.
10. Increased accuracy
Cloud-based IoT systems provide all parties involved in the logistics lifecycle with access to relevant data, allowing them to quickly resolve any issues that may arise in the process.
This advantage of the Internet of Things is supported by online and mobile applications for a wide range of users (workers, managers and customers), who can use them in a variety of contexts.
Ultimately, IoT-driven digital supply chains provide real-time condition and location data directly from the cloud. This enables users to prevent problems before they arise and avoid unnecessary waste. Simply put: managers can improve inefficiencies on a large scale by using the advantages of the internet of things in logistics.
Finally, the advantages of the Internet of Things in logistics give logistics managers control and transparency that they could not have seen before. It provides comprehensive information to improve decision making and even helps to optimize deliveries.
In this article, we will discuss the role of logistics and supply chain solutions in relation to the benefits and advantages of using the Internet of Things in logistics, the main uses of IoT technology and tools, and some challenges a company may face when implementing Internet of Things logistics.
If you are interested in more information about what is the importance of IoT and what are the applications and features of the Internet of Things, you can read the following article applied to different industries.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT) in logistics?
Well, what is meant by the internet of things in logistics? Or how important is the Internet within logistics processes?
According to the development software company, Dac Digital, logistics and transportation are undoubtedly industry segments that will be significantly affected by the advantages of using the internet of things.
Every day, millions of goods are stored, controlled and transported. There are many people involved, as well as vehicles, IoT-enabled devices and specially designed tools to get the job done.
Therefore, the benefits of IoT in logistics and transportation enable the integration of various assets within the supply chain and the subsequent analysis of the data generated by these connections. In turn, this improves the efficiency of warehouse logistics, delivery management and fleet management in all logistics companies.
Now, let's take a look at the main advantages of the Internet of Things in logistics.
1. Optimization at its best
Logistics companies must not only manage their time cost-effectively, but also save money. The target audience in this industry tends to want faster and cheaper deliveries. Therefore, route optimization is a key factor of the advantages of the Internet of Things in logistics.
The benefits of IoT in logistics perfectly meet the needs of the industry, allowing it to optimize in the most critical areas. As a result of using connected technologies, logistics companies can reduce costs, improve service levels, optimize fleet management and reduce manual actions that significantly delay the process.
The advantages of the internet of things in the optimization field, besides having a positive effect on the company, there are also other benefits of the optimization process, as they receive real-time information on traffic volumes (to avoid downtime) and weather, which in turn generates savings in gasoline.
2. Access to data
By analyzing big data in logistics, companies can obtain valuable information about the location and status of their products. Did you know that this information was previously unavailable to them? That's right!
The data provided by the internet of things in the supply chain is useful not only because it can help supply chain managers with real-time problems, but also because it is used to enable extensive optimization.
First, the advantages of the Internet of Things related to data access help managers make informed decisions that improve the entire supply chain operation when they understand the context and root cause of problems.
A logistics manager may discover that certain routes are much more likely to experience delays or mismanagement after analyzing a particular shipment. Artificial intelligence in logistics can then easily solve the problem by changing the route and saving money and time on subsequent shipments.
With IoT in logistics, companies can optimize their end-to-end supply chains and make decisions based on data, not assumptions.
3. Detection, reaction and error reduction
IoT systems in supply chains include distributed sensors that track the location and status of goods in transit and transmit real-time data to the cloud.
This is one of the advantages of the internet of things that gives managers access to and interaction with GPS coordinates as well as data collected by sensors, which keeps managers updated and informed about shipments.
Logistics managers can access important information using the digital supply chain and take immediate action if a problem arises. In some cases, the benefits of using the internet of things in logistics, become systems that can send real-time alerts if temperature-sensitive products reach harmful temperatures, allowing the shipper to fix the problem before damaging the product.
4. Increasing the efficiency of industrial processes
Supply chain efficiency and reliability can be improved with visibility by taking full advantage of the benefits of the Internet of Things.
IoT tools provide companies with visibility throughout the supply chain. Goods in transit often have significant variables that cause widespread inefficiencies and waste. Using IoT tools, however, helps managers gain insight into their products and processes to shed light on potential dark spots for improvement in the supply chain.
5. Improved last-mile deliveries
Within the benefits and advantages of the Internet of Things, an important point is the last mile deliveries in the supply chain of a product, since it has the greatest impact on customers and on obtaining repeat orders.
Thus, IoT devices in logistics can provide information for companies to optimize their last mile delivery.
6. Location and route management
IoT location and route management for the logistics industry is a popular advantage of the Internet of Things. This solution allows a logistics manager to monitor the location of his trucks in real time. By using GPS tracking systems, in addition, the route taken by the trucks can also be monitored from remote locations.
This advantage of the Internet of Things further helps logistics companies to keep track of drivers' activities and ensure timely delivery of goods.
In addition, the real-time alert system of these vehicle tracking solutions alerts managers about any anomalies through automatic notifications. This feature, within the advantages of the Internet of Things in the supply chain and logistics, act as an assistant for logistics companies and help in the planning and management of delivery schedules.
7. Demand forecasting
By using the advantages of the Industrial Internet of Things in logistics, we can easily calculate demand forecasting. The tools help us to predict future product demands and how we can keep up with them by improving the efficiency of our logistics system.
In this way, demand forecasting is done on the basis of customer trends, intentions, tastes and preferences. Therefore, it is one of the biggest advantages of the Internet of Things in logistics.
8. Fleet improvement
One of the most important and useful advantages of IoT in logistics is fleet optimization and management. To have a clear concept, fleet means a group of transportation used for cargo delivery or to transfer cargo from one place to another.
So, with IoT in fleet management, systems can be improved and optimized in a short time. All relevant fleet data, including driver information, can be collected. In addition, this advantage of the Internet of Things helps to monitor the fuel and energy consumption of vehicles.
9. Inventory tracking
Devices that are part of the Internet of Things advantages help manufacturers track all necessary parts globally and in real time. By using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on your parts, manufacturers will be alerted to the dates and arrival of your components.
This will help you better manage product levels in inventory and optimize them for greater efficiency across all locations. Updated shipping times and delays can also be shared with customers.
10. Increased accuracy
Cloud-based IoT systems provide all parties involved in the logistics lifecycle with access to relevant data, allowing them to quickly resolve any issues that may arise in the process.
This advantage of the Internet of Things is supported by online and mobile applications for a wide range of users (workers, managers and customers), who can use them in a variety of contexts.
Ultimately, IoT-driven digital supply chains provide real-time condition and location data directly from the cloud. This enables users to prevent problems before they arise and avoid unnecessary waste. Simply put: managers can improve inefficiencies on a large scale by using the advantages of the internet of things in logistics.
Finally, the advantages of the Internet of Things in logistics give logistics managers control and transparency that they could not have seen before. It provides comprehensive information to improve decision making and even helps to optimize deliveries.