When technology is becoming a game-changer in every aspect of life, be it telecommunication, automobile, infrastructure, and so on, how can be the supply chain function remain unaffected by it?

Yes, there have been various changes in the sector during the past two decades and some of them revolutionized the operations- take the example of GPS tracking.

The ‘tomorrow; of the supply chain will be ‘connected logistics’. It is a new concept in warehousing and transportation.

What is the basic drive of it? Of course, the increasing efficiency of telecommunication and connectivity.

With the stability in the 4G network across the country and the announcement of the 5G launch, the changes are going to propel at a greater speed. According to the experts of the niche, there will be a great thrust to the business when ultra-high bandwidth will be available at low latency. The systems will be exceptionally reliable and available all the time, and the devices will have a massive capacity.

The power of automation will get a boost due to the unlimited capacity and bandwidth of 5G connectivity.

Does Indian logistics market have enough potential?

Before we peep into the future, we need to understand the fact that even today the Indian supply chain market is not fully technology-driven. A majority of the steps are carried out manually and there is no system control. Also, the processes are not standardized. The industry itself is fragmented and unorganized. The policies and rules across the states are different.

Do these limitations indicate that the market will not move to the next level? No, it does not indicate that. Rather, they open an opportunity of using advanced methods such as connected logistics to leverage the power of 5G.

What will be the key benefits of connected logistics? They are an incredible increase in productivity, enhanced safety levels, improves the competency and training effectiveness, and better cost optimization.

Are the Indian logistics companies ready for a further leap in the technology? Isn’t it a cost-centric proposition? Well, looking at the immense growth potential, every entrepreneur is excited to invest in it.

The money spent on it will not get wasted, but it will bring returns manifold.

Benefits of 4G and 5G in connected logistics

4G Network

• There is a less time delay in communication, technical called ‘latency’.
• 4G can handle much larger data volume than earlier. It is due to its high speed and better technology.
• The data volume handling capacity of 4G is high. It can handle complex data structures as well. For example, the location of different vehicles moving on the roads at different times and locations can be captured and processed. It is a data-centric activity, which requires huge capacity.
• Better throughput of 4G helps in bringing new automation processes. Thus, a large-scale operation can be managed without any difficulty.
• 4G can manage multiple devices at a single time. It’s capacity if higher than 3G. Therefore, you can achieve high levels of programmability.
• 4G gives the flexibility of designing tailormade solutions for the business. It is not required to change the business processes according to a readymade system. Customized solutions assure better Quality of Service or QoS.

4G becomes the stepping-stone for connected logistics system

After the big success of 4G, supply chain systems will move to a more complex but effective system of connected logistics.

Modern systems like Automated Guided Vehicles or AGV, or Augmented reality, Virtual reality, drones will bring a smooth phase over from 4G to 5G. Obviously, it will bring a transformation in the business.

From automating repetitive tasks to developing a high-end surveillance system, 4G is useful in many verticals of the supply chain company. More and more companies are coming forward to provide modern, AI-based solutions to the clients.

If you are a logistics company, then it is high time to prepare you with more power in the service armory before 5G becomes a reality. As we see a shrinkage in the 3G user base and expansion in 4G base today, there will be shrinkage in the 4G base tomorrow.

Everyone will shift to 5G and get benefited from it.

Connected logistics will change the rules of the game

When more devices will be connected and the communication will be faster, the operational environment in a supply chain system will see a big change.

There will be more low-cost, low energy consuming devices connected. They will exchange information. The data processing will increase, and the latency will be low or negligible.

Augmented and virtual reality will be standard features of connected logistics.

Looking at these benefits, it is important to become a smart decision-maker. Experts recommend that it is always prudent to act before the curve. It gives the first-mover benefit. You stay ahead of the competition always.

Connected logistics will fetch high productivity and profitability to a supply chain company.

Increases shipment visibility and better inventory management

YAs the business becomes more competitive, customers will expect faster resolution to their queries and problems. When they will want to know the status of the shipment, they will expect a smart system to tell that.

In the connected logistics environment, it will be possible using GPS tracking, RFID tags and digitization. It will bring better shipment visibility. It will be end-to-end visibility, starting from the time item leaves the warehouse or factory to it reaches the final destination. And it will be a real-time status, not a delayed one.

Connected logistics will make maintenance of physical record amazingly simple. Using ERP system and RFID tags, the inventory figures will be available at click.

Life will be made simple by smart connected logistics systems.