Applications

Supply Chain 4.0: When IoT revolutionises logistics

26 December 2024

Through the use of new, advanced and interconnected technologies, Industry 4.0 has given rise to Supply Chain 4.0. The logistics sector is booming, and has embraced the Internet of Things (IoT) to significantly improve the efficiency of the supply chain: we now talk about Smart Logistic. But what concrete changes does it bring to businesses? What are the benefits? We tell you more.

Automating warehouses

When properly implemented, an IoT infrastructure offers a multitude of automation possibilities. A true growth lever, it makes it possible to reduce waste management costs, stock management, and logistics operations. This is achieved through three elements: IoT, robots, and artificial intelligence.

Through a network of connected IoT devices, data is collected and shared in real time. This includes, for example, stock levels, movement of goods, or even temperature levels. By analyzing this information, AI can predict which products will be most in demand at a given time or optimize routes for self-guided vehicles.

Automating order processing, reducing work constraints… Automation brings more efficient exploitation of warehouses and reduces the risk of human errors.

Real-time monitoring of goods status

IoT technologies make it possible to collect data in real-time. This information is valuable because it provides better visibility of stocks. For manufacturers, optimizing warehousing is a constant challenge!

By analyzing the environment, IoT sensors can be used to:

maintain a stable humidity level;
locate goods in transit;
detect risks such as fires and abnormal temperature changes;
maintain a zone at a defined temperature.

Real-time monitoring is particularly important for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Maintaining temperatures plays a key role in the quality of their products.

Optimizing Fleet Management

By using intelligent sensors integrated into vehicles, IoT is used to collect a variety of data that allows companies to:

optimize route planning;
improve delivery schedule accuracy;
increase driver safety;
minimize vehicle downtime.

The result is a more efficient overall logistics activity. Additionally, by monitoring fuel expenses and driving behavior, companies can implement driver training and cost-saving actions.

Tracking the Supply Chain

From trucks to train cars, to shipping containers and cargo planes, products sometimes go through several modes of transportation before arriving at their destination. Thanks to integrated IoT sensors, real-time tracking is easy! Data is exchanged easily between all parties in the supply chain (suppliers, sellers, customers). This has a double benefit: improving communication, and also more easily identifying recurring issues in the supply chain.

Applying IoT in the field of logistics with Objenious

Cold chain, fleet management, supply chain… The latest IoT technologies provide many benefits to industries. Discover our use cases in logistics and our digital offerings for adopting LPWA technologies (NB-IoT or LTE-M). Need more information about our IoT M2M solutions? Contact us!