Why your supply chain needs to embrace the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) “represents the convergence of the physical and digital worlds. Physical objects are equipped with technology that enables the object to send and receive information via fixed-wire or wireless communications links to the Internet, and to then transmit information in one form or another.”

In 2003 there were an estimated 500 million IoT-connected devices.  By 2010 there were 12.5 billion connected devices.  Morgan Stanley estimates that there will be 75 billion IoT devices by 2020. Cisco makes a more conservative estimate 50 billion.  Whether it is Morgan Stanley or Cisco who proves correct, what is clear is that the number of internet connected devices is growing exponentially.

Consumer convenience is often the focus of the IoT.  However, the capabilities of the IoT reach far beyond consumer convenience.  The IoT is game-changing for the logistics and supply chain industries.  The IoT delivers the visibility and data necessary for supply chain optimization.

One Network Enterprises, a supply chain technology provider, offers this supply chain example:

“[The IoT] refers to data communication among a large range of assets or devices—from your fridge to your oven or, more pertinently, from your inventory to its container, from the container to the carrier, from the pallet to the warehouse. The more your assets can ‘speak’ to one another and share data, the more they can work together to help you improve your processes.”

The IoT has already moved into industrial environments including warehouses and manufacturing plants.

Examples of where the IoT is already having an impact on supply chains include:

• Transparency and visibility
• Proactive replenishment
• Predictive maintenance
• Reduction in asset loss
• Manufacturing flow management
• Product development and commercialization.
• Risk management.
• Operational efficiency
• Improved fleet management

The transparency and end-to-end visibility afforded by the IoT creates new opportunities that supply chain professionals can leverage in order to optimize supply chains and generate value.  It is important to look at the potential of the IoT now and not later. The amount of data alone that is generated by the IoT creates a paradigm shift.  Companies that embrace the Internet of Things and identify where and how it can play a role for their business will move forward and leave those who do not behind.

The Internet of Things has the potential to change everything.

To learn more about how the Internet of Things has and will continue to impact the supply chain see the full article How the Internet of Things will change your world on Supply Chain Quarterly.  The article includes a focus on Internet of things and the warehouse.