Sophisticated technology has made it possible for you to control you home thermostat via your smart phone and order groceries through your refrigerator, but what does that mean for your business? Here’s how the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing warehouses and why you need to be prepared.
Creating “Smart” Warehouses
As technology continues its rapid advancement, the international market for warehouse management IoT devices is projected to reach an astounding $19 billion by the year 2025. Ian Jindal, editor-in-chief of InternetRetailing, predicts a seismic shift in “how companies handle and distribute orders.”
The most significant impact will likely occur in supply chain visibility. Accurate tracking of a product from origin to consumer has always been a priority, and devices such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags will allow a specific picture of a product’s real-time progress through the system.
Planning for the Future
So what steps should you take to begin preparing your warehouse for the IoT revolution?
- Evaluate your current warehouse management system (WMS). If it’s been implemented relatively recently, it may be IoT-ready. If not, consider the net savings from upgrading your system compared to keeping a soon-to-be outdated one.
- Start incorporating peripheral IoT devices, such as a system to control ambient features like temperature and lighting.
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