FUTURE LOGISTICS WITH CHANGING TECHNOLOGY

Dr.D.Sathishkumar, Asst. Professor, SIMS

            The evolution of technology is pushing the boundaries and changing how the world does the business. Now-a-days people are customised to everything to buy  online and right at the door step with immediate access. Improved technology has also increased productivity in the supply chain, minimizing cost and errors. These advances benefit all areas of the logistics industry namely, Shipment tracking systems, international transportation, Supply chain management and IOT.

Shipment Tracking Systems

In the past customers book shipments, receive an estimated delivery date and then were left in the dark, unless they decided to make a phone call. Today internet and software advances allow customers access to shipping and tracking systems in to 24/7. This system saves time and money for the company as well. A Shipment Tracking System tailored for the customers that allows  them to monitor and manage their shipments. It features shipment notifications and messages customizable reporting and customer accounts with information specific to the cargo destined to them.

IoT and RFID

Internet of Things (IoT) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), are the technologies which rules the world. IoT is opening up many opportunities for the supply chain, such as reducing cost and delays by avoiding risks. Sensors are built in to cabs, cargo ships, trains, etc., and connect to an alarm system or dispatcher that is monitoring and tracking. These sensors process and transmit the information to the crew which gains insight in to hidden risk and knowledge.

RFID technology has also been use for a few years is a popular labour saving way companies can track their inventory. A tag or sensor is placed on the product and radio waves are sent out. The data is then received and processed by the company. RFID tags are Barcodes, but the superior speed of the information delivery and data processing of RFID is more appealing to businesses and the way technology is moving. Majority of the companies uses RFID tags for their products to monitor their warehouses.

Autonomous Trucks and Drones

It wasn’t completely driverless, with a driver in the passenger seat to monitor the computer; it is a huge step in this breakthrough technology and has the potential to increase efficiency in the delivery process.

Future packages delivered right to door step technology by drones. Drones delivers are still few years out due to regulatory measures and associated costs, but the through of not having to sit around during a four hour time span waiting for a package is pretty appealing.

Enhances GPS Accuracy

GPS accuracy of these devices has drastically increased throughout the years, not only helping frustrated, lost drivers but also improving the supply chain. The advanced accuracy of GPS allows for increased productivity and satisfied customers, by tracking trucks locations and improving hauls through access to updated traffic data.