Modernized systems and technologies drive the supply chain industry, providing manufacturers and business professionals with the insights they need to improve operations.
Companies can use various strategies to enhance their logistics and transportation capabilities. With advanced technology on the rise, the opportunities are endless.
1. Implement Location Tracking Technologies
Transportation is a vital component of the supply chain. Operations can suffer if something goes wrong on the road or the truck location is inaccurate. New technology allows companies to track vehicles, providing more accurate estimates and timelines.
GPS Tracking Systems
GPS systems use real-time data to monitor trucks from departure to return. With accurate location and status information, companies can respond to issues as soon as they occur. GPS systems use units to identify location and accelerometers to monitor movements.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is used throughout operations to improve logistics and transportation, including route optimization. AI can collect and analyze large amounts of data to detect traffic patterns, weather conditions and other risk factors. Companies can reduce delivery costs and make well-informed decisions.
2. Install Advanced Inventory Management Systems
Technology allows companies to track and monitor inventory, improving logistics and aiding efficient practices. Effective inventory management ensures accurate product measurements and distribution down the line.
IoT Sensors
IoT sensors collect information from their physical environment and send it directly to their specific platform. Companies can implement the sensors in various ways, for they sense, collect and monitor data from wherever they are installed. Food companies can use IoT sensors to monitor fluctuations in temperature or delays, ensuring the quality of food products.
RFID Tags
RFID tags are small electronic devices that companies can use to track inventory. They attach to physical products and use radio waves to collect information, including product status, location and movement patterns. With RFID tags, employees no longer have to manually track and input product data, saving time and money.
3. Use LTL Freight Shipping
Many businesses need to ship products that aren’t large enough to take up an entire truckload. To solve this problem, LTL puts different organizations’ shipments together, ensuring trucks don’t waste space. Companies can use LTL to maximize freight shipping efficiency and cost savings. The system is ideal for small-business owners, retailers, automotive parts dealers and many other manufacturers. The steps to LTL involve:
- Pickup: Products are picked up and combined with other partial loads.
- Sorting and consolidation: Freight gets sorted based on destination and brokers match shippers with LTL capacity.
- Transportation: The load is transported to the final destination terminal.
- Final delivery: Shipments are resorted and sent to their final destinations.
4. Apply Warehouse Automation Technology
The digital tech world provides companies with various options for warehouse optimization. Prior to high-tech systems, workers had to manually pick, sort and pack goods, leading to human errors and inefficiency. Companies now have the option to automate processes, improving logistics.
AMRs
Robotics has transformed shipping and manufacturing, working alongside people to improve processes. Autonomous mobile robots have taken production to the next level, combining AI technology with machine learning. AMRs can replace or work with human employees to handle warehouse operations and are complex enough to adjust to configurations and demands. They decrease errors and risk factors and can run and work 24/7, maximizing production.
AS/RS
Companies can use automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) to enhance warehouse functions. These computer-controlled systems can save floor space, control cranes, transport products, sort inventory and more. They can be implemented throughout warehouse operations, including buffering, order picking, assembly and repair.
5. Focus on Sustainable Operations
Many companies are transitioning to sustainable practices throughout manufacturing and transportation. These efforts benefit more than the environment and can be an intelligent strategy for industry professionals. Green companies can achieve lower resource and production costs, increasing operational efficiency. Eco-friendly methods can also lead to the following:
- Improved brand image
- Reduced waste costs
- Increased global competitiveness
- Heightened employee and product safety
6. Utilize Data Tech for Predictive Maintenance
Companies intertwine data technology with human labor in most areas of operations. The effectiveness of predictive maintenance has dramatically increased, offering insights into the future that manual data entry can’t compete with.
AI Predictive Analytics
AI technology does wonders for operational efficiency, for it offers real-time solutions and can solve problems before they occur. Predictive analytics uses demand forecasting to provide insights into the future based on current market trends and consumer supply and demand. With the ability to look ahead, AI aids resource planning and operational functions to make production more accurate and efficient.
Digital Twins
Digital twins are virtual models of physical objects used to simulate products’ life cycles. They produce and analyze simulations to help businesses make predictions about goods, equipment, potential risks and more. By monitoring changes, digital twins can predict how the item will perform in the future.
7. Stay Informed on Upcoming Technology
Technology will continue to adapt to assist supply chain operations. Businesses should stay up to date on emerging technologies to ensure consistent growth and improvement in their transportation and logistics strategies.
Driving Automation
AI-powered vehicles have been around for years, with automakers constantly pushing the technology to assist and potentially replace human drivers. From 2016 on, professionals have been working with partially automated safety features, including lane assistance, cruise control and help with traffic jams. The goal for 2025 and after is for vehicles to be equipped with fully automated safety features.
Partial automation is not limited to cars and is also used in long-haul trucks, improving safety and limiting failures and delays. The system has already improved transportation and is only beginning. Not all have been achieved yet, but there are five levels of driving automation, each aiming to enhance safety and efficiency. Many companies have already implemented level 1 and 2 features, like steering and brake assistance.
The future of driving is yet to be determined, but auto manufacturers continue to work toward full automation, allowing trucks to transport products without human labor. This would be a drastic milestone for the supply chain industry and is something to watch for.
Drive Company Operations With Modern Strategies
Finding industry solutions and discovering strategies can give businesses the edge they need to be competitive, efficient and successful. Advanced technology and modern-day practices are designed to help industries maximize their potential and reach positive growth. When strategically implemented, new systems can take operations to new heights.