How to Leverage IoT for a Sustainable Supply Chain

Given that IOT (The Internet of Things) often gathers information such as people’s location, temperature, moisture, pressure, and so on, it is without a doubt that one can afford to use IoT in leveraging the supply chain[1]. But how?

Here are some ways you can leverage IoT for a sustainable supply chain.

1. Eradicate impediments from the supply chain

One of the best ways to take off any obstacle in your supply chain is by using IoT. Given that IOT collects data, one can use those data to have clear sights of processes, operations, and schedules. And through these, you’ll be able to avoid things such as missed deadlines, delay in project commencement, and cost overrun.

2. Enhance client expectations with real-time shipment updates

Using of IoT devices like GPS, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and telematics in your logistics proceedings, will help you in monitoring the status of your delivery trucks. Thus, it will help you with information like where it is, how fast it is going, and when it is expected to land. Once you are able to have these data, and then update your customers, you’re bound to amass more satisfied clients.  Customers love staying updated and hate late deliveries.

3. Continuous analysis of information

Through the constant analysis of information gotten from IoT devices, you will be able to gain insights into lead times, carrier performance, and other important performance indicators that often grows a business.

4. Integration

With IoT, you will be able to Integrate data that will help you enhance routes and consolidate loads. In other words, with IoT, you will be able to reduce your logistics from dispatch[2], through delivery, by sending driver dispatch data directly to the truck. And that way, drivers will then know what next to do, without a need to return to their office or home.

5. Quality

With IoT, you will be able to know the best product quality through the use of IoT devices such as, moisture probes, temperature gauges, and other IoT devices, which help in reducing goods contamination, and ensure that products arrive at their location in the best possible of condition and quality.

6. Monitoring

With IoT, you can monitor and track supplies accurately in real-time. And this will help you better meet customer service levels, quality goals, and compliance regulations. Everyone loves things that are visible.

7. Reducing cargo theft

With IoT, the level of cargo theft will be reduced because, IOT trackers help in keeping track of where products are, in case it is stolen, or anything goes haywire.

8. Reducing workflow and billing cycles

With IoT devices, you can reduce workflows and billing/payment cycles, as IoT devices will help in sending data directly to clients or management, thus reducing the billing cycles and improving cash flow.

9. Reducing the number of errors

There are certain errors that are bound to occur when using human resources. However, given that IoT devices are programmed, they have a lower chance of making mistakes, perhaps in a calculation, sending items to the wrong place, and so on.

10. Maintaining appointments

Ultimately, IoT can help in sustaining a supply chain, by carrying the above-stated functions, plus, scheduling arrival and departure appointments so that your drivers can act up immediately without any delays, and thus sustain the supply chain.

So, if you wish to sustain an effective and efficient supply chain, the Internet of Things could be your best bet.