The Internet of Things (IoT) will change everything in the next decade, and the transportation and logistics industry will be no exception. From self-driving cars to inventory management, everything is about to get smarter and more connected, with sensors playing an important role in making it happen. In this blog post, we’ll explore what exactly IoT sensors are and why they’re useful for the transportation and logistics industry, as well as how businesses can start taking advantage of them today.
Define IoT in Logistics
IoT, or Internet of Things, refers to an interconnection between any device that is network-enabled and relies on information to communicate. IoT devices (such as cell phones, thermostats, fitness trackers and even autonomous vehicles) can send and receive data through a network—which in turn can improve efficiency in different industries such as transportation and logistics.
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Benefits of IoT Sensors in the Transportation & Logistics
IoT technology has already proven to be a powerful force in the manufacturing industry, and IoT sensors are playing a key role in the continued growth of that sector. But the benefits of IoT sensors in the transportation & logistics industry are growing as well; these devices have played a crucial role in reducing time-to-market for certain products, optimizing internal processes and creating safer work environments for employees. Given all the ways that sensors are improving transportation & logistics practices, companies should begin implementing IoT solutions within their own organizations.
Telematics for Fleet Management
While real-time data collection is an exciting prospect for fleet managers, there are a few things they should keep in mind. What data should you collect? Why should you collect it? Who will be using that data and how do you protect it? How much will it cost to equip your fleet with sensors? Will employees mind wearing body monitors, trackers or having vehicles equipped with V2V devices? These are just some of the questions Fleet Management professionals need to ask themselves when investigating telematics solutions.
Global Visibility for Delivery Management
The logistics industry is a critical part of global supply chains. From shipping goods to managing inventory, carriers and forwarders have some very specific needs for Global Visibility for Delivery Management: How can they know how many goods are loaded into each truck, which trucks are en route at any given time, and how many shipments are on standby? Most companies still rely on checklists or handwritten logs. However, due to their fragmented systems, these records can quickly become inaccurate.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
With customer satisfaction high on both logistics providers and customers’ minds, transportation networks have been getting smarter to increase service and reduce complaints. The transportation industry is one that’s constantly evolving and adapting to changes, so even if a business has been around for decades, it’s crucial to keep an eye on where things are going and how new technology can improve its business. One area seeing a lot of potential benefits from internet of things (IoT) is within fleet management.
Meeting Regulatory Compliance
In North America, driverless trucks will become commercially available between 2021 and 2023. They will be regulated by national governments and legislation such as U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). FMVSS regulates design requirements for vehicles to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities; establish minimum performance standards for lighting devices, braking systems, rearview mirrors, child restraints, and more.
User-based Insurance and Recovering Stolen Vehicles
There are ways to combat theft that go beyond having an anti-theft system installed. Over time, technology will enable cars to connect with each other and provide additional security measures against stolen vehicles. GM has already announced plans to install vehicle-to-vehicle technology in every new vehicle by 2015 as a safety feature. Insurance companies also have a big role to play when it comes to recovering stolen vehicles.
Defining Future Market Relationships
Currently, the future market for connected transportation and logistics is a little bit out there. One way to start thinking about where your business may be headed is to ask: What do customers want? What problems are they facing? How can you or your organization provide solutions to these issues? The answers will help you determine how connected technologies such as sensors can benefit both your customers and your company.
Using End Data for More Benefits
End data is critical to gauging performance, pinpointing trends, and tracking shipment locations. End data allows businesses to maximize their use of shipments with real-time information and better track inventory. If your business relies on shipments for revenue, you need end data in order to gain valuable insights into how you can improve efficiency, customer service, and mobile application Security throughout your transportation and logistics chain. This is where real-time location services come into play.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
Communication between cars, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, will be a critical part of next-generation driverless transportation. V2V communications allow vehicles to pass information to each other about speed, acceleration and braking. By sharing data with one another, connected vehicles can react more quickly to avoid accidents than human drivers can.
Autonomous Driving for Increased Safety
Autonomous vehicles are rising in popularity for many reasons, including increased safety and energy efficiency. But what does an autonomous vehicle look like? More precisely, how does it work? As a revolutionary technology reshaping transportation, autonomous driving systems rely on advanced sensor technology to pinpoint location and avoid collision with other vehicles. In fact, sensors are some of the most important parts of an autonomous car. The sensors onboard act as extensions of our eyes and ears while we’re driving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, IoT sensors are an excellent asset to have for transportation and logistics businesses. Not only can they help keep vehicles functioning safely and efficiently, but they can also ensure companies remain competitive by cutting costs and boosting revenue. These devices create a veritable treasure trove of opportunities for forward-thinking businesses. If you need logistics software solutions, give us a call today!
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