Whether in manufacturing, data processing, sales, or logistics, you will find numerous applications of technology, and many businesses today are keying into its benefits. Technology makes work easier; it is far more reliable, accurate, and efficient than manual operations. It, therefore, stands to reason that in today’s dynamic world, integrating tech into essential business operations such as logistics can give you an edge over your competitors.
Logistics covers all the processes involved in getting your products from Point A (usually your warehouse, store, or even your garage) to Point B (the customer or consumer). It also includes warehouse and inventory management. By integrating tech into your business, you can save operational costs, speed up processing time, deliver the correct order to your customers, and even gain better control of your inventory. Ultimately, this will improve your relationship with your customers and keep them loyal to the business.
This article, by Michael Solomon, looks at some helpful tools to help you optimise your business logistics.
Supply Chain Management Software (SCM)
Think of the Supply Chain Management software as the general housemaster. Supply chain management software enables you to organise and automate all logistical tasks. The software can help you handle the daily operations in your warehouse. It could also predict spikes and falls in demand, allowing you to manage your inventory better. In addition to processing orders, the software manages shipments and reports on their status as they progress to the customer. This software will help you analyse data, organise tasks, shorten delivery time, and improve customer satisfaction.
GPS and RFID Tags
In the past, merchants would load a ship with cargo worth millions and simply sit in the comfort of their homes for weeks or months, hoping the goods would arrive at their destination. That level of uncertainty cannot be condoned in this age, especially with the advancement of technology. Tools like GPS and radio frequency tools like RFID tags have made it easier to track cargo in real-time as they are shipped to the customers or warehouse. Radio Frequency tools are advancements on satellite trackers because they suffer less interference and are functional even when the goods pass through enclosed spaces. Investing in tracking systems reassures your customers and allows you to schedule deliveries properly.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT may be a relatively new step in tech, but it has already found relevance in business logistics. IoT, as its name suggests, is the network of things. It is a network that connects things embedded with sensors, allowing them to interact with other devices or systems. Just like with the GPS and RFID tags, you can invest in IoT sensors to enhance cargo tracking, monitor temperature and humidity levels, monitor the conditions of the delivery vessel, and also plan the best delivery routes on the go. IoT offers more flexibility, and given its hands-free nature, it can help you lower costs and boost productivity in your business.
Mobile Systems
Logistics goes beyond just task or cargo management; it also entails team management, and mobile systems like smartphones can help you stay on top of that. Smartphones allow drivers and managers to communicate through the shipping process. Also, you can improve your customer service by developing an app that allows clients to make orders and leave reviews using their phones.
Blockchain Technology
Cryptocurrency might be the first thing to come to mind when you read blockchain, but it’s not the only application of blockchain technology. Blockchain functions as an independent ledger that records, encrypts, and distributes details of transactions to other people within the network. Since it is a digitised ledger, it eliminates bulky paperwork, which is very tedious to handle. Asides from its efficiency, it also uses high-end encryption, thus guaranteeing security. However, blockchain is most relevant to logistics because it makes tracing the ownership of goods easier.
Although some may argue that integrating tech into business opens it up to cybersecurity attacks, the benefits far outweigh the risks. The technological tools listed in this article can reduce delivery time, organise warehouse and inventory, track orders, secure transactions, and save costs. With the development of Artificial Intelligence, we will only see more technology in business logistics.
Do you need an expert, tech-driven, and trusted logistics partner for your business? GIG Logistics manages large distribution networks for internal operations. This first-hand experience sharpens its detailed insight to help find the perfect solution for your business. GIGL are experts in moving goods across suppliers, vendors, and customers. For enquiries, send an email to: info@giglogistics.com
GIGL: Five tech tools for optimising business logistics
