The Smart Warehouse via the IoT is Coming
What impact has the Internet of Things (IoT) and “smart” technology had on the supply chain? A study shows that 70% of decision makers plan to implement a smart warehouse system by the year 2020. Leveraging IoT can significantly improve speed and efficiency throughout your entire supply chain.
Benefits of Smart Warehouses
According to the report (at link) from Zebra Technologies, the shift toward direct-to-consumer shipping is the primary driver behind increased use of technology. By 2020, retailers are projected to spend more than $2.5 billion outfitting warehouses with IoT.
Smart warehouses offer greater accuracy and transparency since real-time data can be accessed immediately, regardless of where employees and products are. Many IoT devices are “wearables” that free employees from the limitations of workstations.
IoT in Today’s Workplaces
How are major companies currently using IoT technology to modernize their supply chain operations?
- UPS is testing the use of smart glasses to reduce the amount of labeling on packages.
- Lids, an athletic sportswear company, has installed an Internet of Everything (IoE)-based robotics system to pick items and transport them to employees.
- Amazon, one of the giants in direct-to-consumer sales, is augmenting its human workforce with more than 30,000 robots to process and ship customer orders.
State-of-the-Art Warehouse Handling Equipment from DJ Products
Successful companies also put a priority on safe warehouse operations. Our battery-powered warehouse handling equipment lets a single employee move the heaviest of loads safely and efficiently. Tugs and movers like our popular CartCaddyLite are ergonomically designed to reduce repetitive motion injuries.
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