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How IoT will transform your supply chain
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a big topic of focus in the supply chain industry. Last year, we wrote that 2019 would be an important year for IoT projects because it’s been estimated that 86% of companies will significantly increase their IoT budgets in the next 1-2 years.

The revolution is here and having an organization that embraces this technology will not only improve productivity and efficiency, but it will also help you gain an edge over your competitors.
What is IoT?
The simplest way to describe IoT is the ecosystem that connects data, people, processes, and equipment. On a consumer level, think about your home. Many people today monitor their security system, lights, thermostat, TV, and audio through an app on their phone. You can even buy Internet-connected appliances that can be managed remotely. That connection of various devices and equipment is referred to as IoT.

In terms of your supply chain, IoT is how you connect all of your equipment and processes. In this article, you’ll learn how IoT can improve areas of your supply chain and learn the steps to get started with implementing IoT technology.
The importance of a connected supply chain ecosystem
To fully understand how IoT would improve your company, take a moment to think about the following:

Of course, these are just a few questions that will help bring an understanding of how IoT can bring value to your organization. Here are some examples below.

Mobile technology monitoring. Cloud-based IoT technology such as Mobility DNA and Honeywell’s Mobility Edge are designed to make it easier to monitor and deploy mobile equipment across your workforce. This technology makes it easier, but it also helps guarantee any security or software updates are pushed across your entire organization to protect yourself from unexpected breaches.

Equipment maintenance. It would be great if equipment lasted forever, but unfortunately, nothing does. A broken printer, for example, may cause significant production delays. With IoT connected equipment, you can monitor your devices in real-time enabling you to be proactive, not reactive, with maintenance. You’ll gain insight into knowing when it’s time to order new labels and supplies before it’s too late.

Data management. Data is everywhere but harnessing the power of your data through IoT allows you to make actionable business decisions that will transform your organization. With a connected supply chain, you can easily monitor data points from your scanners, sensors, printers, software, and more.

Customer experience. By implementing IoT into your day-to-day operations, you’ll significantly increase customer satisfaction. How? The improved efficiencies and insight gained through a connected supply chain allow you to focus more on what matters most – your customers, and less time focusing on fixing problems that arise. Improved processes make for happier employees which leads to happy customer experiences.
Explore a day in the life of the IoT ecosystem

Parts are received to assemble products, and upon receiving, directly entered into the system using readers, scanners, and RFID.

After the information is collected, you can directly access the information from your tablet.

Since IoT lets us integrate all the systems together, we can control each individual step; which parts are being used, the quality of the parts, where they are located, etc.

Click here to explore the entire journey of the IoT ecosystem.

How to implement IoT in your organization
The thought of implementing IoT may seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Your first focus should be to identify what areas of your supply chain can benefit from the implementation of IoT technology.

Then, talk to an expert. Our proven solution process is designed with you in mind, giving us the opportunity to analyze your operation. Our three-step approach allows our team to understand how your business works, then design innovative technology that works best for your environment.

To get started with implementing IoT in your organization, click the link below to schedule a time that works best for you, and we’ll call you at that time.
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SCAN the DATA CAPTURE REPORT, November 20, 2018.