Effectively managing a warehouse is a complex task that requires careful monitoring of inventory, processes and people. For businesses that run warehouses to cater to e-commerce customers, further complications related to huge volumes, stringent timelines, managing returns come into play.

To address these challenges businesses are increasingly looking towards incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) based solutions in their warehouse operations. According to a report published by Grand View Research global market for IoT solutions for warehouse management is going to reach over USD 19 billion by 2025. IoT applications in warehouse management are allowing companies to achieve significant efficiencies in both cost and performance. Let’s look at some of the roles where IoT based solutions can be deployed in your warehouse:

• Assets Management

  IoT-based solutions can be deployed in your warehouse for achieving end-to-end inventory tracking. Such solutions can include the use of RFID tags on inventory to using smart sensors to track the movement of goods. Some companies are also looking to deploy sensor-laden RFID tags which actively broadcast data in real-time. With these solutions in place, you can get the real-time location of products along with packaging and shipping details. IoT solutions can help you predict when you are going to run out of a certain asset. When an asset is about to go out of stock, such systems can immediately send a notification to relevant teams.

• IoT Enabled Robots

  With the use of connected robots, it becomes possible for warehouses to automate repetitive tasks like packing goods and stocking items in pre-determined patterns. In addition, there are robots that can move through the warehouse without human intervention. These robots can be used to perform the role of forklifts to move heavy goods.

• Fleet Management

  With the help of IoT devices, it is possible to manage your transport fleet and achieve significant efficiencies in performance. Such solutions can help you manage the best routes for pickup, track fleet vehicles in real-time, and even help you identify spare capacities. They can help you improve driver productivity, improve fuel efficiency and even reduce incidents of in-transit damage.

• Maintenance Operations

  IoT powered warehouse management system can drastically reduce downtimes by regularly monitoring conditions of different equipment and processes. Such systems can be used to notify the engineering team when a piece of equipment is due for maintenance or is performing below expected parameters.

• Security and Alarms

  As warehouses grow in size, it’s no surprise that they are becoming targets for criminals. IoT based security solutions for your warehouse can go a long way in preventing loses.

  IoT based alarm systems can be used to deploy duress alarm systems which can be used by employees for making emergency calls. Such systems can share location information and broadcast notifications to different teams in case of an emergency. In addition, warehouses can consider deploying IoT-enabled cameras that can provide you with real-time visibility across all areas in your warehouse. Such sophisticated systems are often capable of tracking moving objects and can generate alerts related to potential threats.

We hope that these simple examples and ideas provide you with a glimpse of the capabilities of the IoT. You can view our services in this field, or contact us at Enterprizone to submit your custom request.