The use of Internet of Things in logistics is still quite in its infancy. So say IT company Cisco and German carrier DHL in the report 'Internet of Things in Logistics'.
Logistics is already using Internet of Things, but it will still need to innovate, according to DHL and Cisco. This is because now operations are too fragmented and inefficient. Sensors and scanners in distribution centres, for example, are already being used, but there is still room for improvement, according to the parties.
Solutions for the 'last mile'
Cisco and DHL also contribute ideas for this. For instance, IoT could improve fleet management and automatically determine whether cargo is not damaged. There are also opportunities for the 'last mile'. Sensors could determine whether the customer is at home. Although this does raise questions about consumer privacy. But sensors could also play a role in parcel boxes. The sensors placed in them would signal drivers when they are full. Carriers then do not have to open the parcel box in vain.
Customer order behaviour
Internet of Things could additionally be applied to customer ordering behaviour. Amazon is already making use of this. The etailer has developed algorithms that, based on order history, can predict when a customer will order something again. This would allow you to prepare an order before the consumer has even placed it.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
