The evolving role of the IoT on industry and logistics

The IoT or Internet of Things is poised and ready to change and improve practices in important industry sectors such as logistics. The use of technology in this field is not new but at the moment its practice, including its use in transport chains, is limited to basic operations only.

The Internet of Thing's place in managing the flow of goods

The role of a logistic company is to manage the flow of goods to customers, whether these are individuals or businesses. In the area of logistics, a winning edge is always given to those who deliver quickly but with high degrees of accuracy so the optimization of time and travel is a goal on which every logistic business is focused. For several years now systems have been in place allowing transparency in the routing and tracking of shipped goods and merchandise but IoT developments are going to make great strides in improving this.

IoT - bringing greater efficiency to the supply chain

Up to now, human intervention has been needed to manage supply chains, such as in the use of handheld scanners to read tracking tags. New technological developments, however, can make goods, pallets, containers, and so on into connected objects. Their location can be efficiently tracked leading, for example, to the easy retrieval of goods in a warehouse. Connected objects can also control environmental factors such as the temperatures in warehouses and raise an alert if something goes wrong. These developments not only save time but make for more efficient operations and help to enhance customer confidence in their provider. Indeed, they will have the ability to instantly track their goods at any time they choose.

Keeping the road network on the move with the IoT

Far from being a project for the future, many of these technological developments are already in action. They can be seen at work on container ships or in warehouses where small mounted units deliver real-time information. In the future, road freight will rely more on connected objects at every stage of the transport process. The collection of environmental data from a network of units embedded in road signs, posts, and other structures will give immediate forecasts and updates on traffic situations allowing for rerouting and avoidance of delays. At the same time, the condition and maintenance needs of road freight vehicles can be continuously monitored. When better controlled the supply chain becomes more efficient overall from the point of manufacture to final delivery. And, from the customer's point of view, smart objects in their warehouses can run continuous stock checks and raise alerts when essential products are running low and need reordering.

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