The Internet of Things will Change the Face of Supply Chain Management, but it will require a Revolution in Analytics First

by Steve Banker, Logistics Viewpoints

The Internet of Things (IoT) will make our operations more efficient by combining smart sensors, cameras, software, databases/business intelligence, and the Internet (primarily in the form of private clouds) together in diverse ways.

IoT is already evident in several places across the supply chain, but pundits are predicting that it will become so deeply part of our environment that it will become like electricity, something we are all but unaware of because we take it so much for granted. Supply Chain IoT will be present in many places:

• People – Badges that let workers in to secure locations; sensors will monitor the health of our workers, particularly when they work remotely or in environments that can become hazardous.
• Factories and warehouses – sensors that warn about everything from chemical spills, to prowlers, to broken water mains.
• The Logistics Infrastructure – Smartphone apps are making navigation more efficient by detecting traffic congestion. “Smart systems” will warn about infrastructure problems that could impact local supply chain activities.
• ….  Read on