17.08.2022
Technology “transporting” logistics and warehousing to change
Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT) are fast becoming the driving forces behind the UK’s supply chain and logistics industries, and are therefore transforming London’s vibrant warehouse sector.
Rapid advances in technology, the vast amount of data now available, and the increasing abilities of data science mean that data intelligence and connectivity need to be central to all business decision making.
Measuring, monitoring and controlling goods is becoming a science. The journey of goods from manufacture to delivery is becoming a smoother, slicker and more cost-effective process.
Technology for logistics
It doesn’t seem that long ago that the advent of barcode machinery seemed “cutting edge” and made identification of goods so much easier.
That is fast being replaced by devices and software that can not only identify goods but also chart their location and condition with incredible detail.
The IoT revolution is being supported by a growing number of agile devices and cloud-based systems to underpin connectivity throughout the supply chain. This trend is set to gather pace, and ever more sophisticated sensor and monitoring equipment are being developed.
This will increasingly mean that London’s warehouse and logistics companies will have an infinite amount of real-time information on every part of their business processes. In turn, this will also mean they have far more scientific and reliable prediction tools.
Asset tracking
One of the most exciting aspects of the rapid advance of Big Data and IoT is the asset tracking capabilities being developed.
Deliveries can not only be accurately ordered and tracked. The latest technology being built into vehicles - or even pallets and cases for example - can also provide data on the condition of the goods. This means sensors constantly feeding back data.
Is the temperature okay? How are drivers and vehicles performing and how can they be made more efficient? Is the load being moved too rigorously?
Every year, tonnes of perishable food has to be dumped because of issues within the supply chain. Thanks to IoT’s technological revolution, those days could well become a thing of the past.
Warehouse connectivity
Cloud-based GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) mean the exact time the load is delivered can now be predicted accurately, as well as logged. Which means staff and systems can be geared around reliable delivery windows.
Once goods arrive at warehouses, IoT devices, together with cloud systems and advanced computing devices, mean goods can be received, stored away then moved out again with pinpoint accuracy.
Gaps and pressure points can be identified and smoothed out far more easily. And of course, greater levels of automation becomes possible, as greater data analysis and technological control inform the movement of goods.
Staffing implications of the Internet of Things
As outlined in a previous blog post, the Internet of Things is a long way from being the first step to logistics and warehousing firms creating armies of robots to replace staff.
However, it is challenging London companies to keep pace with developments and ensure their skill-sets are the right ones. As such, abilities to work with technology should be increasingly high on HR shopping lists.
To find out how Extraman Recruitment can help you to find the right staff, with the right skills to keep pace with your changing business needs, contact us today.
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Extraman Recruitment