The Internet of Things (IoT) is an innovative technology for every business across several industries. Be it finance, healthcare, retail and many more! The supply chain and logistics industry is no exception. The use cases of IoT in supply chain management are aplenty.

The supply chain industry is very complex and involves distribution of goods, transportation, tracking and delivery. Streamlining and optimizing these activities are even more complex without applying advanced technology such as IoT. In fact, almost all realms of complex supply chain management get a facelift with IoT.  In this article, we will discuss the impact of IoT and its benefits on supply chain and logistics.

How does IoT help supply chain and logistics?

IoT devices and systems have transformed supply chain management scenarios. Indeed, it helps locate and track shipments, their warehousing and storage and their expected delivery time. Let’s discuss how IoT revolutionize the supply chain sector.

1. Shipment Tracking During Transportation

Want to know how shipments move through the supply chain? The application of IoT in shipment tracking helps businesses to monitor the status, location and condition of goods in real time.

Furthermore, it provides end-to-end visibility into the shipping process. As a result, it facilitates businesses to make quick decisions to help with shipment delivery at the scheduled time.

2. Monitoring Storage Conditions

IoT sensors help transport companies monitor shipment conditions and respond to changes before emergencies happen.

In fact, smart supply chain solutions collect information regarding the temperature, humidity and pressure inside containers to ensure that the parameters set do not change during transportation. Such systems automatically adjust these parameters and send alerts when the conditions are unsatisfied. This is particularly important during the transportation of perishable goods and medicines.

3. Efficient Warehouse Management

Integrating shipping with IoT also helps with the proper management of warehouses. It facilitates warehouse management by streamlining the entire process relating to the storage of shipments. For example, it enables inventory management and handles employee safety requirements.

Smart warehouses help employees to locate goods in a warehouse regardless of its design. Warehouses equipped with IoT sensors identify any hindrances, for example, poorly lit areas. It helps warehouse managers monitor if employees always wear safety gear inside the warehouse and follow standard operating procedures.

4. Full Transparency

The adoption of IoT In supply chain and logistics focuses on enhancing communication efficiency between several parties in the supply chain. Businesses can track delivery vehicles and verify if a shipment is stored per the prescribed conditions.

With real-time access to location and storage conditions, businesses can easily communicate with end-consumers. Further, it helps businesses keep their customers informed and provide better, rewarding personalized experiences.

5. Enhanced Customer Service

Irrespective of the processes you undertake as a shipping business, eventually you are rated based on the services you render for your customers. In IoT-based shipment tracking, you get every piece of information at your fingertips in real time.

For example, you can communicate with your customers regarding the time delivery of shipments through updates every second. Further, if there is any delay, you can inform customers and reschedule delivery at customers’ convenience time to enhance customer satisfaction.

6. Improved Accuracy

Connected platforms are secure and far easier to access than closed systems. In cloud-based IoT systems, businesses ensure that the relevant parties in the supply chain lifecycle can quickly access the data and take up any issue. Further, it helps the responsible persons to act immediately based on the data collected from IoT devices and create suitable strategies.

7. Reduced Costs

With the help of advanced IoT data analytics, the shipment information collected is stored, processed and analyzed. Indeed, shipping companies make use of this data to recognize hidden trends. Further, it helps generate useful insights in optimizing cost and resources.

Top of all, enterprises can ensure reduced fuel consumption, automate repetitive tasks, enhance the security of shipments right from collection to delivery, and monitor missing or stolen goods. Eventually, all these will lead to higher efficiency in shipping operations.

Wrapping it Up

IoT has several applications in supply chain and logistics management. It helps monitor goods in transit and storage, ensures transparency, facilitates end-to-end visibility, improves the communication process and, above all, enhances operational efficiency. IoT in supply chain management takes care of every operation in supply chain management and, therefore, ensures overall shipping efficacy.

To keep your shipping operations intact, why not rely on an IoT services provider for a smarter supply chain and logistics management? An IoT-powered shipping platform simplifies and streamlines the distribution, transportation, and delivery of goods on time. Further, you can keep track of the status of goods in real time, send updates to customers and ensure seamless communication with them! Start investing in IoT-based shipping services and see the difference in no time!