Kelsie McMillin, Senior Technology Marketing Specialist, IoT, DigiKey highlights the role IoT can play in the supply chain, from sensors to robotics
The supply chain has transformed significantly in the last decade, and the recent integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) has impacted it dramatically. Beyond tracking a package or product, the ability to monitor specific details has become a game changer in the supply chain landscape. Connected devices and sensors enable real-time monitoring of production processes, facilitating predictive maintenance and improving overall efficiency. The proliferation of IoT has also driven some of the most innovative sensor technologies on the market. IoT continues to drive sensor technology and connectivity for, ultimately, a richer product.
All these advancements benefit manufacturers, distributors and buyers through warehouse efficiency, optimisation and more.
Sensors for visibility
An effective supply chain starts with a smooth warehouse experience. Sensors play a significant role in improving visibility, efficiency and successful management of materials as they move through production, storage and distribution. Utilising IoT sensor data allows manufacturers to make well-informed decisions, whether in the warehouse or remotely monitoring the system.
Though the type of connectivity may vary depending on the range needed and the location of the sensor, many facilities use WiFi, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) or cellular. Sensors can ensure that environmental factors are stable, including temperature or humidity, to provide real-time tracking data or even monitor predictive maintenance needed on warehouse machinery. Further, positioning sensors like accelerometers and gyroscope sensors can track a product’s position and orientation.
Tapping into IoT sensors allows data to be stored, analysed and interpreted. This can identify areas for improvement or solutions for issues that may arise. Asset trackers and sensors are becoming less expensive, so they are more widespread in manufacturing and warehousing facilities. With the increasing number of sensors available, data management becomes more important.
Sensors for traceability
IoT sensors play an important role in inventory management and traceability. These include sensors connected to barcodes that automatically log items in and out to ensure reliable stock levels. Barcode scanners with image sensors also provide valuable, real-time visibility throughout a product’s journey through the supply chain.
In the past, camera sensors were only utilised to take pictures, but now they can be used to track objects, monitor for quality control and ensure accurate orders. With the addition of IoT to warehouses, sensors and the corresponding data can be sent to the cloud and stored for future needs in case of possible defects or recalls.
Advanced traceability solutions are essential for a well-developed supply chain and optimised warehouse functionality. With enhanced scanners and camera options customers can improve their warehouse capabilities for full operational transparency and traceability. Traceability scanners minimise manual checks and add efficiency by viewing multiple items simultaneously, aiding in quality control, packaging and accuracy for current and future orders.
Robotics for automation
Advanced robotic systems can perform tasks along the supply chain with greater precision and complexity than ever before. Collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) will all continue to grow in popularity to optimise the supply chain’s efficiency.
AMRs provide the ability to work around tight spaces where toxic chemicals and heavy machinery can be a danger to humans. Utilising sensors, machine vision and artificial intelligence, AMRs are capable of navigating surroundings accurately and are completely independent of human control. AGVs are a great solution for material handling in warehouses and distribution facilities. They move on pre-programmed paths through software programming and using sensors such as LiDAR. AGVs are designed to handle basic tasks such as moving pallets or removing trash.
Cobots are robots designed to work alongside their human counterparts. They handle menial and even dangerous tasks to free up people to work on more complicated tasks. Cobots are equipped with an array of sensors to detect the presence of people or obstacles. Utilising laser scanners, cobots will reduce speed by predetermined zones to ensure the worker’s safety.
With IoT, all the information collected can be sent to the cloud and analysed by anyone anywhere. This ensures that advanced robotic systems function at full capacity and perform as intended.
Enhanced connectivity
With the development of new technologies, warehouse processes will continue to be enhanced and improved. Through 5G and the latest WiFi and BLE, more effective data transmissions are possible.
Further, product size reductions allow for adding connectivity in more spaces than ever before. Enhancing connectivity across warehouses assists in efficient data collection, automatically bringing it to one place for a cohesive view of what is happening and when. The future of the supply chain depends on real-time data collection, predictive analysis and end-to-end visibility, all of which rely on a strong connective platform across the supply chain.
Supply chain: transformed
These topics, as well as many other pertinent supply chain discussions, are featured in the DigiKey Supply Chain Transformed series. As a distributor, DigiKey not only provides the necessary sensors for many different applications in warehouse and supply chain optimisation but also the additional components that make them function optimally.
The supply chain is complex and nuanced, but partnering with DigiKey can help minimise potential issues. With an easy-to-use website, large product breadth and fast shipping, DigiKey can utilise strong supply chain and warehouse capabilities to enhance customers’ supply chain experiences.
Author: Kelsie McMillin, Senior Technology Marketing Specialist, IoT, DigiKey

Kelsie McMillin is a Senior Technology Marketing
Specialist for IoT at DigiKey. DigiKey is both the leader and continuous innovator in the high service distribution of electronic components and automation products worldwide, providing more than 15.9 million components from over 3,000 quality name-brand manufacturers.
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