Needless to say, logistics plays an important role in the supply chain. More and more, stakeholders are seeking to automate various logistic processes. In this regard, smart logistics can come in handy.
Needless to say, logistics plays an important role in the supply chain. More and more, stakeholders are seeking to automate various logistic processes. In this regard,
smart logistics can come in handy.
In fact, with advances in technology and the availability of various
networked, IoT devices, the smart logistics market is expected to register growth down the road. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global connected logistics market was valued at US$16.8 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach $27.7 billion by 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.60 percent from 2017 to 2023. “Bluetooth and sensor nodes segments possess the maximum growth potential,” the report said. “Furthermore, factors such as growth associated with IoT, increase in need for mobility, increased internet penetration and proliferation of smart devices are expected to provide numerous growth opportunities.”
So exactly what are the benefits of smart logistics? They are summarized as follows.
Automatic entry and exit processes
According to René Heesch, Product and Project Manager at
Dallmeier electronic, the benefits begin with data capture upon entry. “Here, the vehicle class and number plates of tractor units/trailers are detected automatically, the same applies for the ID numbers of containers/swap bodies and hazard classes. This way, logistics companies can successfully avoid long waiting times and reduce cycle times,” Heesch said. “The situation is similar upon exit. Automatic capture and processing of vehicle and hazardous materials data as well as consignment notes lead to shorter waiting times here too. And visual documentation helps with claims management.”
Yard management
Meanwhile, GPS tracking of swap bodies and automatic gate assignments enable the dynamic assignment of transport orders and gates to the yard drivers. “Real-time displays of the progress of loading and unloading operations not only allow time forecasts, they also provide the capability to install waiting time displays for lorry drivers,” Heesch said. “The drivers can then relax between trips, internal workflows are improved, satisfaction levels rise among employees and drivers, and the goods are delivered safely to their destination.”
Perimeter protection and claims management
Needless to say, the company,
manufacturing facility or warehouse itself must be protected, and advanced
video surveillance solutions can come in handy in this regard. “Damages can be traced and attributed clearly, both for purposes of transfer of risk and in the event of damage to vehicles and buildings (in the case of rubber lips, for example). Consequently, employees and customer relationships are protected with clear responsibilities and provability,” Heesch said.
Position finding and tracking of cargo in real time
According to Heesch, misplacement of cargo is a known challenge in logistics, and it leads to significant costs, and advanced solutions can also be helpful. “UWB technology on hand scanners, floor conveyors and UHD cameras can be combined to enable precise real-time tracking of all cargo positions, without the need for intermediate scans. So, logistics companies can prevent misplacements, incorrect loading operations and empty runs,” he said.
Automatic weighing system and volume calculation
Wireless weighing forks on forklift trucks can replace manual weighing processes as of now, and with the automatic weighing solution, incorrect and false weight information is discovered and the correct data is transmitted directly to the warehouse management system (WMS), Heesch said, adding special 3D cameras record volumes and replace all manual recording processes.
“The management module in the Dallmeier solution ensures complete integration in third-party systems and correlation of all data required for search, analysis and statistics,” he noted. “The result: Optimization of the entire process chain from incoming to outgoing goods delivers significant cost reduction in administration, scan times, search processes and site management.”