IOT
The technology can also authenticate products and shipments , streamline the problematic movement of goods , and provide accurate timescales of when those items will arrive – thus revolutionising supply chain management by providing new levels of transparency , automation , insight and control of the overall supply chain process .
Ultimately , the technology enables organisations to make smarter , costeffective and timely decisions .
“ Some of the recent supply chain disruptions we have seen are due to a lack of real-time visibility across the supply chain . For a well-functioning supply chain , across multiple levels , you must collect , integrate and analyse data to provide a single view of the supply chain ,” says Hitachi Vantara ’ s Andersson .
“ This view should include data from sensors and devices , such as data associated with temperature and vibration . IoT enables this level of visibility , allowing you to see if suppliers can meet their commitments , or to spot when a proactive action needs to be taken to prevent a disruption in production .”
He continues : “ As more and more data is fed in , you can start exploring technologies such as digital twins . By using data to build digital twins , you can run scenarios that help optimise the supply chain whilst preparing for any unexpected scenarios .”
Interestingly , it is not just supply chain management where IoT devices prove their worth for organisations , but for delivery and fulfilment too , as Janet White , Industrial Products Leader at IBM Consulting , explains : “ Delivery and fulfilment companies can gain efficiencies and improve customer satisfaction through IoT . From an efficiency perspective , the simple task of scheduling resources around the availability of a product or service from suppliers can be
“ Delivery and fulfilment companies can gain efficiencies and improve customer satisfaction through IoT ”
JANET WHITE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS LEADER , IBM CONSULTING
improved to allow the allocation of the right storage space , vehicle , equipment and people to match the products or services that are ready to ship . IoT can provide information to fulfilment companies across multiple time scales , from advance planning to on the day resource allocation .”
Responding to worldwide events with the help of IoT Although cost reduction and productivity remain key drivers to the enhancements of
76 August 2022