Applications of IoT in Automation, Supply Chain Management and Logistics
What is IoT?
IoT stands for Internet of things. It is a system of interrelated computing, mechanical or digital machines or living things which are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) each of these then having the capability to transfer data over a network without need of human-to-human or human-to-computer-interaction. IoT assists in having smarter control of homes and cities via mobile phones. It automates activities, thus saving a lot of time and enhancing and offering security and personal protection.
How does IoT work?
IoT devices are web enabled which uses embedded systems (processor, sensor and communication hardware) which collects data from their environments to connected IoT gateway or other edge devices to act on them and analyse them, either locally or on cloud. These devices sometimes may also communicate with other related devices and act on the information they receive from one another.
Applications
IoT applications bring immense advantages into our lives as no human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction is needed. Also, it provides security.
IOT in Automation
IoT enables development of industrial automation systems. It can also be a couple for removing errors and inefficiencies which occur primarily from the people.
IoT automation has been applied by many companies to improve their operational efficiency including:
● Amazon.com — Amazon acquired kiva and utilised their thousands of Wi-Fi connected robots in workflow logistics to fetch products saving 20% operational cost for the company.
● Caterpillar — It uses augmented reality to predict when maintenance is needed for its machinery solely by sensor data which maps everything ranging from fuels to when filters have to be replaced giving workers a holistic at glance view. It senses before actual maintenance is needed thus provide great advantage.
● Rolls-Royce — Rolls-Royce has a higher vision of replacing humancontrolled cargo vessels with drone ships remotely controlled. These ships, monitored using AR technology, could manage hundreds of drone ships on the oceans that automatically navigate to their destinations using AI and machine learning. When any issue arises, professionals can take control of these drone ships by driving them remotely.
IoT in Supply Chain Management & Logistics
The Internet of Things (IoT) solutions can help significantly optimise supply chain management and logistics processes, bringing in the transparency and cost-effectiveness that cannot be achieved without the use of this advanced tech.
IoT leverages advantages to various actors involved in supply chain management & logistics:
For Supplier of Raw Materials, IoT solutions can be used to keep track of their technological processes, e.g., gathering real-time data on crop conditions or be it livestock health in farming and agriculture, monitor fire accidents and logging operations in forestry, etc. This gathered data helps them in increasing actual output, and improve the quality of raw materials, decrease energy consumption, and ensure profitability.
In Manufacturing, IoT solutions can be introduced to monitor manufacturing operations and equipment conditions in real-time. Continuous supervision helps in identifying bottlenecks and making necessary adjustments, which results in reduced downtimes, increased asset utilisation, and improved production efficiency. IoT also contributes to sustainability ex: tracking the power and water used, as well as monitoring emission levels can help comply with environmental regulations and implement green strategies
IoT brings transparency and precision to logistics by providing operators with real-time data on the location and status of every asset. With this data, the delivery route can be tracked and optimised to avoid any delays. IoT solutions help to manage cold chains and keep perishables safe by detecting deviations from recommended transportation conditions. It also facilitates inventory tracking and improves the visibility and accuracy of warehousing operations.
Amazon used a similar way to enhance its warehouse management with IoT devices that scan QR codes and identify products. This Automation allowed the company to use its personnel more effectively, and reduce operational costs, and improve general warehouse performance.
IoT also has the capability to benefit retailers by the pickup and loadingunloading of goods optimised by IoT solutions, which increase picking accuracy and handling efficiency. An IoT solution can help track items across shelves, maximising inventory visibility, and monitor store traffic to optimise the display of goods and space utilisation.
Thus, IoT makes our lives a lot easier.
