The world we live in is full of machine to machine (M2M) communication, some are visible, like our Fitbit, Nest or EZ-Pass and others operate behind the scenes. Pharmaceutical and consumer goods companies use ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT)and sensors to track and secure expensive shipments, manufacturers to detect when maintenance is needed on equipment, and hospitals employ sensors to monitor staff handwashing compliance to reduce infection rates.
Supply Chain Digitization Trends
Supply chain digitization is expanding, and with it, sensor technology adoption is growing. Deloitte and MHI’s 2017 survey of 900 supply chain industry leaders, identified sensors as one technology enabling today’s “always-on supply chain” — where supply networks continuously share information and analytics. According to this report, 43% of companies use sensor technology. Typical use cases include tracking in-transit cargo location, monitoring carrier performance, identifying areas prone to theft or tampering and monitoring shipment temperature, shock and vibration. This growing reliance on sensors is evident — 83% of survey respondents said they believe technologies such as sensors, robotics, and inventory optimization tools offer a competitive advantage for organizations.