The Importance of the Internet of Things for Logistics and Delivery Systems

The Internet of Things is changing how consumers interact and engage with the world around them. This has implications for almost every industry, including logistics and delivery services. IoT will have a major impact on how goods are shipped and delivered, how quickly they can be shipped, and who is able to ship them. To say that e-commerce has transformed the retail industry would be an understatement. Online sales now account for roughly 10% of all retail spending in the U.S., with some estimates putting that figure as high as 15% . With this many people shopping online, it’s no surprise that delivery services have changed as well. To meet consumer demand, companies like Amazon have begun experimenting with faster shipping methods such as drone delivery and same-day shipping services. We see this trend continuing into the future with more emphasis on faster shipping times and more measures taken to ensure packages arrive safely at their destination. The Internet of Things is going to play a major role in all of these shifts in logistics and delivery systems.

Faster Delivery Service

The Internet of Things will have a major impact on the way goods are shipped and delivered. In particular, IoT data can be used to improve the timeliness of shipments and ensure that goods arrive safely. There are a variety of sensors that can be used in shipping. Temperature sensors, for example, can be used to ensure that goods don’t spoil while they are in transit. They can also be used to track perishable goods to make sure they don’t spoil before they reach their final destination. Cargo sensors can be used to track shipments and make sure that packages arrive on time and arrive safely. This can be everything from monitoring the location of a truck to keep track of its progress to sensors that can detect if a package has been dropped or mishandled.

Tracking and Tracing systems

Tracking and tracing systems are essential to any logistics network. They help shippers keep track of the progress of their shipments while also providing transparency to those receiving the goods. This system was traditionally done with paper-based tracking systems. Now, the Internet of Things can be used to track the progress of shipments. A U.K. telecoms operator said that its IoT connectivity platform allows customers at either end of the supply chain to track the movement and monitor the environment of its goods with confidence. This is a great example of how the Internet of Things can be used to track a shipment and provide transparency to both parties involved in the shipment.

Drones for faster deliveries

The Internet of Things is also helping facilitate the use of drones for delivery services. By using drones, companies are able to expand their delivery services and make deliveries more quickly. In the U.S., businesses are legally allowed to use drones for commercial purposes as long as they have FAA approval. There are some major advantages to using drones for deliveries. Drones can reach remote areas that may be difficult for trucks to access. They also allow for faster deliveries that can be completed in a matter of minutes. And finally, they allow for deliveries to be made at any time of day or night.

Bottom line

The Internet of Things will have a major impact on how quickly goods are shipped and delivered. This is largely due to the use of sensors that track progress and allow for real-time updates. It will also play a role in ensuring that shipments are safe. This is going to be essential as e-commerce grows and demand for faster shipping times increases. To meet this demand, companies will need to use new and innovative technologies like drones and edge computing.

What are your IOT experiences? Feel free to share them in the comment section below. If you are not sure where to start or want to hear about how we at Invixible can help you developing your IOT strategy, contact us now.