Industry 4.0 (https://www.hiotron.com/) creates a disruption and needs companies to reconsider the way they design their supply chain. The digitization of the supply chain allows companies to direct the new requirements of the customers, the challenges on the supply side as well as the remaining expectations in efficiency improvement.
A Gravity Supply Chain Solutions study recognized that even before the COVID-19 effect, 85% of U.S. retailers were still in the process of digitizing their end-to-end supply chain.
COVID-19 is driving a new wave of digitization in every facet of the business. For supply chain managers, it’s time to observe how introducing and emerging IoT technology — supported by the network — can speed up transformation efforts to improve operational efficiency.
Improve warehouse operational efficiency
The warehouse automation often suggests future-forward technology, likewise, drones and robots. Supply chain retailers have made these perceptions a reality by utilizing robotic carts and robust warehouse management systems in their distribution centers to accelerate the movement of goods.
Still, other technologies likewise RFID scanners, tablets and IoT sensors also play an analytical role in warehouse automation to assist operators to ship goods as quickly as possible.
These developments in warehouse automation would not be feasible without high ability Wi-Fi to assure definitive, seamless connectivity throughout the warehouse.
It is important to maintain that connectivity. Immense spaces, Wi-Fi signal hurdles — likewise machinery, racks and conveyors and the multitude of connected devices means that access to real-time network performance is very important to maintaining operations running evenly.
Delays and disruptions are not affordable for supply chain managers because of poor connections and devices not working properly. That’s why it’s most important for leaders to take the time now to assess Wi-Fi performance and adjust as per requirement.
Autonomous tracking and location analytics
Cold chain monitoring needs the largest spending in the $1.6 trillion U.S. logistics industry, as per the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals report. In the current pandemic situation, there is also a continued shortage of available trucks and drivers across the country specifically as the ongoing health crisis continues. Supply chain teams are now facing challenges to achieve on-time, in-full deliveries.
The providers have embraced IoT-enabled weight sensors to help inventory management during load-in, load-out and transit and to assure freight safety and compliance. They support minimizing accidents, break downs and vehicle damage generated by excess inventory or incorrect weight distribution.
In addition to that, many truck fleets are enabled with sensors to track real-time data likewise vehicle fuel efficiency and road conditions. Then Drivers are informed of possible alternative routes to minimize fuel utilization and travel time. Both uses of weight and roadway sensors depend on advanced analytics solutions and asset tracking systems.
These systems are helped by centralized, cloud-based networking and technologies that can give real-time data, available with the whole organization.
Enhance inventory visibility with in-store connected devices
Apart from warehousing and transportation, the crisis also drives a resumed focus to inventory reloading and management strategies across brick-and-mortar stores.
In the current years, retailers initiated connecting back-end warehouse and order management systems with front-end inventory management to maintain shelves stocked and to help new omnichannel options such as buy-online-pick-up-in-store and ship from store.
Such expanding fulfillment strategies have been set to the test in the realization of the ongoing health disaster. One of the surveys estimated that 62% of U.S. consumers are more likely to utilize buy-online-pick-up-in-store services to minimize vulnerability to COVID-19.
Both these services are depending on IoT devices likewise scanners, tablets and mobile phones to maintain track of inventory on the floor. Store employees depend on the network to handle stock levels precisely and fulfill orders rapidly.
Here store operations managers rely on the in-store IoT devices that help inventory management and replenishment to keep the flow of goods to consumers who require them.
The future supply chain planning will mostly benefit from advanced analytics as well as from the automation of knowledge work. Digitization will make your company’s global supply chain more structured, cost-effective and customer-centered.
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