With every new innovation technology brings, it’s also encouraging different industries to push their limits and change the way they do business. We’re even at a point where we already got highly accustomed to everything being available online and easily accessible.
There’s Amazon that’s well known for their fast-paced delivery service, allowing you to receive your package in as fast as an hour, and many more. Indeed, technology has helped us in more ways than one– in terms of productivity, safety, and efficiency.
The logistics industry is enjoying these benefits as well, and that’s what we’re going to discuss. Here’s how information tech is impacting manufacturing logistics.
The Use of IoT and RFID
Who would have thought that we’ll be able to reach the point where we can quickly turn on the ceiling fan with our smartphones now? Well, the future is now.
Today, there are plenty of devices that have built-in WiFi capabilities and sensors— from mobile phones, ceiling fans, and of course, vehicles. The privilege of being able to have WiFi access easily and Internet connection only shows that the technology keeps on improving– and this is how the term, Internet of Things was born.
It’s slowly opening up a lot of opportunities for the supply chain, such as reducing costs and being able to avoid the risks. There are sensors built in cargo ships, cabs, trains, and the like. These are all connected to an alarm system, but it can also be a dispatcher that monitors and tracks everything.
The primary function of these sensors is to process and transmit relevant information to the work staff quickly and be able to gather insights right away. It’s also worth noting that IoT isn’t something new. However, it continues to impact the future of logistics as it offers more precise tracking and delivery of commodities.
Similarly, RFID technology is something that has been used for years, and it’s considered to be one of the most popular, and affordable ways that allow a company to track its inventory with ease.
It works in a way where a sensor or tag is placed on the product, and radio waves are released. The data are then gathered and processed by companies. Another way to describe these RFID tags is that they’re like barcodes, but definitely more advanced.
Autonomous Drones and Trucks
We’re now at a point where computers are widely used to move from point A to point B without any issues at all– this is very helpful in terms of delivering packages.
Now, packets are sent using aerial vehicles, and since they don’t have to deal with traffic, expect that you’ll be able to receive your packets quickly.
Amazon is one of the few companies that use this innovation to deliver their goods, and it’s expected that drone deliveries would continue to increase in the next few years.
Highly Advanced Shipping Tracking Systems
Back in the days, the way shipments are booked, received, and tracked are all done manually. Which means you cannot really look forward to real-time updates. With the help of the Internet, there is various software that shows customer shipping information, and they could even track it 24/7.
More and more companies, such as JD Edwards, are also offering software app that you can use for logistics. Something like this doesn’t only improve the user experience, but it also allows the user to save time and money.
There are logistics provider that have a shipment tracking system made explicitly for customers that will enable them to monitor and manage their shipments closely. It comes with notifications and messages, as well as personalized reporting, and even customer accounts that contain specific information to the cargo destined to be used.
Of course, no one can complain when technology allows you to do everything in the comfort of your own home.
Better GPS Accuracy
Gone are the days when you have no choice, but to print directions and bring a map with you just so you don’t get lost. Now, almost everything is embedded with GPS, and that includes vehicles, and of course, mobile phones.
The accuracy they offer is definitely overwhelming that more and more businesses are using it to improve their supply chain and ensure customer satisfaction. It’s also expected that it would greatly help in enhancing tracking data as well.
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