The new robotics, satellites, software, and other technologies are making a big impact on supply chain management. The benefits include a reduction in cost, better customer service, and enhanced operational efficiency, among others. Below are some of the latest and transformative technologies improving the supply chains and the game for all the stakeholders and parties involved, including the business organizations and the end customers.
Tracking Shipments in Real Time
The low-cost and efficient GPS devices enable business organizations to track and verify the location of their shipments and to check for any potential delays. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a relatively new technology for automatic identification and for capturing valuable data at any location. The automated email messages and notifications, and the tracking alert systems, ensure that companies can be attentive to the delivery times and can improve on them for better customer satisfaction.
Robotics and Automation
While packing and picking are still a few labor-intensive tasks in supply chains, efficiency is being improved through the introduction of new technologies. The new automated picking systems can handle up to 2500 picks. With the incorporation of vision technology, robots can handle objects lying in arbitrary orientations as well. The new safety technology and the sensors enable automated vehicles and robotic arms to work along with human colleagues. The service levels are improving the delivery times, thereby ensuring better satisfaction for the end customers and more profits for the businesses.
Big Data
Big data and data analytics help shippers and logistics carry out fast evaluations and make data-driven decisions for better accuracy. The data that may be obtained may relate to cargo weight, traffic routes, shipping, and weather patterns among other sources. Such analytics and the use of big data results in greater transparency and accountability, enhanced reliability, and optimized routes. Apart from improving the efficiency of the supply chains, big data, and data analytics also help in saving fuel, thereby making the industry more sustainable and energy efficient.
Conclusion
Supply chain management has evolved constantly over the years to be more efficient, sustainable, and profitable for business organizations. However, benefits including faster delivery times and reliable operations benefit the end customers as well. We are likely to see many more innovations in the future to make the supply chains even more efficient and trustworthy.