Smart Logistics and Technology Shaping the Future of Supply Chains

Wyoming is one of the pilot sites selected by the DOT for its Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program. The state will test a new communications system on the busy I-80 freight corridor. When the system is in place, truck drivers will receive various automated traffic alerts pertaining to severe weather conditions and traffic congestion. They will even be warned if there is a danger of collisions with vehicles in the system. Other smart mobility solutions are highlighted by the DOT’s Smart City Challenge, which solicited ideas from mid-size cities across the United States for creating an integrated smart transportation system.

The Initiative Generated Many Innovative Plans.

For instance, Seattle proposed a shared data system that provides dynamic routing for truck traffic and promotes off-peak deliveries. Boston outlined a project for “radically programmable” city streets where dynamic markings can change areas from loading zones to thoroughfares depending on the time of day and season. The use of signaling systems to prioritize the movement of trucks in high-volume freight corridors is another idea that is being pursued.

However, smart mobility does not only encompass city environments and road networks. Consider, for example, the Hamburg Port Authority’s smartPORT initiative in Germany. In collaboration with leading IT and communications companies, such as Cisco, the port has developed a cloud-based communications system that connects port stakeholders.

The system is being used to speed up traffic movements. A recent example is an incident where a lift bridge in the port malfunctioned. A technician connected to the sensors on the bridge via a mobile tablet, diagnosed the problem remotely, located the parts needed to address the problem, and fixed the malfunction speedily.

In addition, the industry is discussing the future arrival of autonomous trucks, which provides a clear example of the next-generation supply chain technology innovations that are expected to reshape the logistics industry in ways we don’t yet fully understand.

Smart Mobility is Just the Beginning

Expect more innovative smart mobility ideas like these to emerge over the next decade as the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data are being deployed to manage the movement of freight vehicles. The IoT is touching every corner and link of the supply chain, and its influence is growing. Not only are the number of smart devices and sensors embedded in supply chains is increasing, but the technology inside these units is also advancing significantly.

The future of smart logistics platforms is creating a new era of supply chain control, visibility, and responsiveness. Looking ahead, IoT-enabled supply chain management will enable the industry to become more proactive and predictive.

The logistics industry needs to be attuned to the enormous potential for raising the efficiency of logistics networks. With this in mind, this is an exciting time for the future of logistics platforms. The combinative power of truly connected supply chains, machine-to-machine communication, machine learning, and predictive analytics will create new levels of supply chain control, visibility, and responsiveness. Get ready for smart logistics.

TMC is a division of C.H. Robinson; the firm combines industry expertise with their global technology platform to support the world’s most complex supply chains.