Logística e a IOT
The term IOT was published in 1999, evolved and is now a reality.
The Internet of Things (IoT), which in Portuguese means Internet of Things, concerns a technology that proposes to integrate everyday objects to the World Wide Web. If you forgot the TV on when you left the house, don’t worry. Once you get to the office, just turn it off via your cell phone. Similar commands can be given to the stove, refrigerator, shower, washing machine, coffee maker, backyard irrigation system, house lights and whatever else is possible, depending on the size of each one’s pocket.
The term first appeared in an article by British scientist Kevin Ashton, published in 1999. It’s been a while. Since then, the concept has evolved and turned into a very useful tool in the business world. With the Logistics sector it was no different. See some examples of objects, connected to the Internet both in warehouses and in delivery vehicles, cited on the website blog.solistica.com:
- devices that allow the precise recording of entry and exit of goods,
- volume and weight sensors on the shelves (to know if the product is being placed in the correct place),
- climate sensors to ensure the good condition of the goods,
- sensors to detect space availability,
- smart glasses or tags (which allow you to identify the goods and their exact location in the warehouse),
- temperature and humidity sensors in box-type trucks,
- vehicle damage prevention and theft detection sensors,
- load distribution design software in the units,
- trackers for the exact location of the units, through RTLS technology (Real time Location System), either by beacons, Wi-Fi or RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification),
- collection of historical data on the course of the units,
- sensors to identify drivers’ driving style,
- fuel consumption controls and detection of fluid levels and polluting emissions,
- video cameras in both warehouses and vehicles to monitor operations and operators.
Thanks to IoT, all this equipment can be managed simultaneously by sophisticated software, such as TMS (Transportation Management System) and WMS (Warehouse Management System). The data is sent in real time to the manager, who makes the best decisions in his daily life. In the case of deliveries, for example, the data sent by the truck’s sensors, controlled by satellite, can be added to traffic information, creating the best routes to the destination of the goods. By the way, the work on the last mile You can count fully robotized devices, such as drones, which are already being used in large centers to deliver products to the consumer. By the way, IoT can help solve a very common last mile problem, which is knowing whether the buyer is at home to receive the order. This set of sensors can be used to notify the customer of the precise moment when the package will be left at their door, thus avoiding the rework of a new delivery. Such processes can be even better if the entrepreneur also uses Artificial Intelligence. That is, computers capable of learning, managing repetitive tasks and reducing costs. Subject that has already been approached in another text of our site.
All of this allows for traceability both of inputs for companies and of finished products for consumers, providing transparency to the Supply Chain, monitored online by each interested party, meeting schedules and with goods in perfect condition, leaving customers more satisfied.
Still according to blog.solistica.com, “the efficiency achieved by integrating GPS, smart sensors, mobile program and wearables optimizes the use of resources, automates processes, guarantees better inventory control instantly, reduces losses due to damage to goods and improves delivery times to offer greater productivity, therefore, profitability to companies”.
A survey carried out by Cisco and DHL reveals that over the next ten years, new technologies around the Internet of Things could add up to US$ 1.9 trillion in investments. Such information proves the potential of these tools in our daily lives.
Simply put, IoT applied to Logistics ensures the following advantages:
- Real-time monitoring of inventories in warehouses, balancing stocks, their maintenance, and supply to customers, without unnecessary expenses;
- Real-time monitoring of the product in transit, the good condition of the goods and its delivery on schedule, always with the best routes, saving fuel, tires, and brakes;
- Real-time monitoring of employee performance;
- Customer satisfaction guarantee regarding delivery;
- Time savings in all processes;
- Widespread reduction of operating costs;
- Increased profit margin for logistics operators and contractors.
But IoT solutions must be flexible and focused on the individual reality of each company. We, from Águia Sistemas, can help you when it comes to Intralogistics, talk to us.
(This text was built with information from the websites, blog.solistica.com, novida.com.br, cargox.com.br and v2com.com).