How IoT can help save money, solve problems & streamline your Logistics operations.

July 01, 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors provide access to real-time data from data points that were previously unmeasured; this technology has provided hundreds, if not thousands of uses cases for smart cities, smart homes and buildings, smart agriculture, smart metering, smart supply chain, logistics and more. With over 167 million devices connected to networks in 99 countries and growing, LoRa devices are creating a Smarter Planet. 

RSAWEB is expanding its LoRaWAN coverage in South Africa, spanning key metropoles and commercial areas. The network is projected to continue expanding, providing optimal national coverage by Q4 2021. Providing expansive LoRa network coverage and user-friendly access is key to establishing IoT as a viable smart technology in South Africa. 

Managing logistics particularly in FMCG is not without its challenges, we have picked out a few IoT solution use cases that overcome some of the most challenging of these market problems.  

 

Fleet management 

Probably the most popular IoT solution in the area of logistics is Fleet Management. Using GPS or satellite trackers to collect vehicle telematics, companies can improve driver compliance, behavior and increase the accuracy of delivery schedules. Fleet management solutions may also feature fuel consumption, engine diagnostics, and driver monitoring.  

 

Track Your Assets and transport environments 

IoT devices can track your assets from the moment they depart on their journey until they arrive at their destination. Unplanned stops, route deviations, and security can be remotely monitored and managed with IoT sensors. Transportation of perishable goods can also be better managed with environment sensors tracking the optimal performance of refrigeration units.  

 

Warehouse Management 

IoT solutions can be designed to streamline operations within warehousing environments, simplifying inventory management by tracking inventory as it moves along the supply chain. IoT devices can also automate your replenishing cycles by monitoring stock levels. This will allow you to restock when necessary and maintain supply based on actual demand, minimising risk and loss. 

 

Cold Food Chain & Storage 

When it comes to cold chain, specifically within vehicles and warehouses, IoT sensors and devices provide real-time data and alerting to temperature deviations from preset thresholds. This enables preemptive action to be taken with faulty equipment and minimise stock losses. Environment sensors measure actual environment readings and are independent of the plant, machinery or units providing the cooling solution. 

 

Enable Process Automation 

By harnessing the power of IoT, you can automate many of your processes and eliminate human error. For example – when it comes to the ‘putaway’ process where goods are moved from the dock to the most optimal warehouse storage location – IoT devices can be implemented to best determine placement based on preset metrics. This will stop cargo from being taken to the wrong destinations saving your business time and fostering customer loyalty. 

 

Predictive Maintenace 

With IoT devices and sensors, you can significantly boost the uptime, lifetime, and the all-round proficiency of your vehicles and machinery. By monitoring diagnostics data like temperature, noise, and vibration metrics, IoT devices and sensors can help detect anomalies and allow for a proactive response. 

 

 

Are you interested in implementing smart technology, reducing business risk and financial losses? Do you want to deliver on time, every time, and develop a loyal customer base?  Call one of our experienced IoT experts today on 087 470 0000, and they will show you how they can take your end-to-end logistics and fleet management processes to whole new heights.