Showing posts with label IoT in Transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IoT in Transportation. Show all posts

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Top Benefits and Key Features of a Proficient Inventory Management System!


Just imagine!

A businessman is trying to run his business without knowing how much the stock in the inventory is, or the workers do not know the where-about of the product, when there is a sale or an urgent requirement from any client. Or even worse, the products are being stolen by someone and there isn’t any record of it.What do you think will be the results in the long term? Losing the customers to a competitor? Ruining the relationship with clients? Incurring huge monetary losses? Or maybe all of these!Well, all these inherent issues can be resolved by businesses if they embrace an inventory management system.

Significance of such a system is monumentalas it helps the businesses to track the inventory levels, track sales, orders, and distributions smartly thereby reducing the business losses. IoT is one of the key technology being used widely in such systems like IoT in scanning the inventory using RFID, IoT in Transportation and Logistics, etc. So, in this blog, to get a fair idea, we have outlined the advantages and key features of a technology-smart inventory management system.

Why the Need for an Inventory Management System?

  • High transparency and visibility of product levels
  • Preventing stock-outs and overstocks
  • Minimization of capital investment
  • Enhancement in business operations and workflows
  • Accurate inventory tracking
  • Getting rid of paper-based and spreadsheet tracking
  • Appropriate planning of inventory balance
  • Better warehouse management and utilization of warehouse space
  • Time-saving due to automatic inventory and order management
  • Cost-cutting by reducing manual labor intervention
  • Increased efficiency of payment/billing details
  • Improved relationships with vendors and clients
  • Improved employee efficiency
  • Enhanced inventory turnover and thus, better revenues
Top-notch Features of a Smart Inventory Management System!


  1. Real-time Visibility of Inventory: A smart system must ensure that all the items in the inventory are under real-time visibility. Every item entering or leaving the warehouse must be tracked and this data should be stored digitally.
  2. Monitoring levels of Inventory: An effective system must allow proper management of orders, raise alarms when inventory drops below a threshold limit or exceeds it. This feature allows decision-makers to take necessary actions like ordering fresh inventory, avoiding excessive stocking, etc.
  3. Barcode Scanning: A barcode is a machine-readable code used for stock management and control. Barcode scanning is a must-have feature for easy identification of products, labeling, and sorting into categories.
  4. RFID-based Tracking: RFID-based inventory tracking and control allows real-time and automated tracking of the inventory. Hundreds of tags can be read simultaneously making the process much faster and cost-effective. RFID technology is also capable of sending alarms and alerts in case of emergencies. 
  5. Advanced Reporting: An inventory system should provide accurate insights on factors like stock management, sales, purchase, suppliers, customers, payments, etc. Reports of transactions, inventory totals, order details, etc. are mandatory for ensuring efficient workflows, and for augmenting efficacy. This feature helps to monitor the progress in the sales and understand which product is in high demand and which isn’t.
  6. Tracking Transaction History: This is an absolutely essential feature. All the inventory-related details right from the receipt to shipment of the inventory must be tracked and stored. Details like the number of products, receipt dates, expiration dates, shipping dates, etc. must be saved and should be easily accessible by the concerned personnel whenever required.
  7. Management of Multiple Warehouses: A single system should allow the management of multiple warehouses that may be located at different locations. This feature is especially relevant to companies that operate across multiple locations.
  8. Grouping of Inventory: Grouping of the material according to its specification, size, components, etc. into predefined categories is another important feature. It enhances the inventory organization.
  9. Easily Configurable: A good inventory system should be able to be configurable with different business entities easily and be successfully employed without much customization.
  10. Easy Integrations with External Systems: System should be able to integrate with third-party ERP systems or a Warehouse Management System or Shipping companies with ease. A company may also want to integrate other systems for data analytics, corporate accounting, planning, etc. in the inventory management system which should be easily possible.
  11. Forecasting Demand: This feature allows extracting the past data to identify the demand in the future; which in turn helps to make pro-active business decisions, build good relationships with customers, and boosts sales.
  12. Security Features and Backups: It isn’t a good idea to invest in an inventory system without knowing about its security measures. To ensure high data security, there should be security features that allow only authorized people or give partial rights to access the data. This would prevent the system from any data misuse or data leakages. Also, there should be daily backups available. So, in case you lose the data to a third-party hack, or any other threat, you will be able to start the operations again without much trouble.
  13. Receiving alerts: This feature allows the alerts and notifications about the receiving, picking, shipping, of the inventory, or when inventory is running low or there is overstocking of inventory.
  14. PDF Printing: The inventory management system must be able to create or print PDF documents related to invoices, packing slips, shipping labels, quality control documents, etc. and such related documents.
  15. Import/Export of Data: This is another advantageous feature of this system. It should be able to import data with ease to reduce data entry work and streamline mass changes. The System should be able to export data like shipment lists, inventory item lists, master data of vendors, customers, etc.

Final Words:

When a business relies on traditional ways of inventory management, there are chances that data could be inconsistent or inaccurate. These ways are prone to human errors which could cause huge monetary losses at times and adversely affect business growth. Also, there could be security issues in them. Asmart inventory management system embedded with the above features has ample advantages over traditional systems. It has impacted several businesses across the globe.

I hope this blog was helpful. Please feel free to comment below to let us know your thoughts on this.

For any queries, mail us at sales.enquiry@biz4solutions.com!


Wednesday, May 13, 2020

IoT-based Vehicle Tracking Systems-A Panacea for Transportation and Trucking Industry!


It was in September 1985 when Peter T. Lewis, a cell phone pioneer, first coined the term ‘Internet of Things’ in his speech, delivered at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Hardly a few could grasp this futuristic concept then. Lewis’s speech lost track of and this concept was forgotten too. But in 1999, this term was officially explained by Kevin Ashton, a British technology pioneer, during a presentation for Procter&Gamble.
Since then, IoT innovations geared up and today, it has become gigantic.Today, IoT applications provide forward-thinking solutions across several industries, where transportation and trucking industry tops the list.
In this article, I am particularly going to emphasize on IoT in transportation and trucking industry and how an IoT-powered Vehicle Tracking System(VTS) is the perfect solution for several inherent issues in fleet management. Before we dive deeper, let us have a quick look at what is a Vehicle Tracking System and how it works.
What is an IoT-powered Vehicle Tracking System and how does it work?
In the transportation and trucking industry, the profit of the business is directly proportional to efficient fleet management. Hence, tracking of the fleet becomes crucial. An IoT-powered VTS comes in the picture here. This system is specially designed to monitor the vehicles carrying the fleet and provides in-depth access to vehicle data like real-time location of vehicle, speeding/idling data of the vehicle, maintenance alerts for different parts of the vehicle, status of order and shipment, etc.These insights help in smart decision-making to develop an efficient, reliable, economical and automated work environment.
Now how does an IoT-powered VTS work?
It uses three technologies:
  1. Radio-frequency identification or RFID- for tracking and controlling of products
  2. Global Positioning System or GPS- for obtaining real-time information of vehicles
  3. On-board diagnostics for getting data about vehicle maintenance and how the driver drives the vehicle, for eg. Speed of the vehicle, idling,routes taken, etc.
The VTS relies on its hardware components for collecting data from the vehicles. Vehicle sensors, GPS and OBD II sensors are used for tracking the vehicle’s location and other fleet data.The VTS uses software to display the collected data in several formats and transfer it to the concerned authorities. As the vehicle moves, the data like location, speed, direction, etc. is collected by receivers/sensors and periodically sent to the secure application server in the cloud over a mobile network.This application server sends alert messages and reports to the mobile phones of drivers or supervisors so that they can make actionable decisions accordingly.
What are the advantages of a Vehicle Tracking System?
An IoT-based VTS has a plethora of benefits to offer to the transportation and trucking industry. These systems enable transparent operations and effective management of fleet assets. Below mentioned are a few significant advantages of a VTS.
  1. Real-time and Automated Tracking of Vehicles and Drivers
The VTS monitors the exact location of the vehicle, heavy traffic routes, bad weather conditions, bad roads driving speeds, stops made by drivers, etc. This data is sent to the smartphones of fleet managers so they are constantly informed about the vehicle journey. If the vehicle is stuck somewhere due to traffic or if the driver has taken another route, or if the drivers are getting engaged in their personal errands, or if the drivers are siphoning the fuel, fleet managers remain updated about such situations. They can communicate with the drivers and take necessary actions.
  1. Efficient Fleet and Inventory Management
A VTS will track the fleet data and send alert messages to concerned managers. When the load on the vehicle is reduced or increased above the safe limits, the managers get the alert messages and they can take necessary actions. Also, there are in-vehicle cameras that keep a watch on the condition of the goods, especially in the case of perishable goods or medicinal items.  All this helps in systematic management of the order fulfillment workflow from the warehouse to the clients.
  1. Improved Vehicle Health
An IoT-powered VTS has sensors that automatically track the performance of the vehicle components. It alerts the managers when the performance of the component drops below the standard performance. This reduces manual inspections and predicts the vehicle failures in advance.The data like pressure on the tires of vehicle, driving patterns of the driver, fuel consumption, etc. can be gathered using a VTS and sent to the fleet managers. If there is a drop in vehicle performance or any irregularity, the managers can schedule the maintenance of the vehicles. All this crucial data gathered from the vehicle there by helps in increasing the life-span of a vehicle.
  1. Enhanced Safety of Drivers
In case the vehicle is stolen, a VTS can help to locate it. It can also be used to stop the vehicle remotely, simply by clicking a button on the smartphone connected to the system. Also, by scheduling regular maintenance of vehicles and monitoring driver performance, better safety of both, drivers and vehicles can be ensured.
IoT-based solutions have automated several processes reducing the manual efforts of drivers. Also, their driving hours are tracked and it is ensured they do not drive constantly for more than 10 hours. All these efforts reduce driver fatigue and curtail the chances of accidents as well.
  1. Elevated Client Satisfaction
An IoT-powered VTS contributes a big time in client satisfaction. By informing the clients about delivery timings, changes in the routes or plans, reasons for late arrivals, etc. in advance, builds trust in them and enhances client satisfaction. VTS helps improve the overall performance of fleet operations, improves fuel efficiency, improves the quality of services, etc. These factors reduce the overall operational cost, thereby improving client satisfaction.
Final Words:
Concrete data always leads to smarter decisions. An IoT-powered Vehicle Tracking System gathers genuine real-time data for optimizing logistics and transportation workflows in an effective manner. It helps to boost the bottom-line of a business. It is way too efficient than traditional methodologies.
In a nutshell, an IoT-powered Vehicle Tracking System is the backbone of fleet management and the transportation industry.

Monday, March 9, 2020

How Technological Innovations are revolutionising the Transportation Industry?


The transportation sector is one of the key components that can impact the economy. It is undergoing a gigantic transformation since the introduction of disruptive technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud-Based Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, etc. Cheaper and faster commutes, better traffic management, safer journey, etc. are a few results of such technological advancements.

In this article, we will look into details about how IoT in Transportation, AI, Cloud solutions, etc. have influenced this industry.


IoT in Transportation

Connected devices! A network of systems! Massive amount of data! That’s the Internet of Things (IoT) in a nutshell! How does this technology influence the transportation sector?

· IoT enables predictive and preventive analysis of the processes. It helps to collect important data using sensors, GPS and RFID systems, etc. This data is used by the concerned authorities to get intelligent insights and make instant decision for business processes improvement and better customer service.

· IoT-based solution help the owners and fleet managers receive alert on their smartphones in case the drivers are making unnecessary stops, if the load on the vehicle exceeds the safe limit, if the temperature for the perishable/non-perishable goods are not maintained as required, etc.

· GPS-based fleet management systems are used to track the truck location, get notified when the trucks are nearing the destination, monitor driver hours, improve vehicle utilization, optimize routes with real-time traffic data, etc.

· IoT also enable inventory and warehouse management with the use of RFID system, smart scanning and detecting sensors, Bluetooth-enabled devices, etc.

Transportation industry is accelerating their operation, productivity and profitability with such Intelligent Transportation Systems and IoT solutions. In the coming years, these systems will advance much more to track micro details.


Cloud-Based Solution

· The cloud-based system has created an interconnected digital world that enhances operational efficiency and supply-chain visibility in the transportation industry.

· The cloud-based supply chain management systems help the executives to schedule and set the deadlines much efficiently, as all the required data is available in a centralized system.

· Industries can track and consolidate vital data and ensure there is no miscommunication within the drivers, managers and other staff. It ensures better resource management.

· With everything in the cloud, the industries don’t need additional permanent infrastructure for data management.


Artificial Intelligence

· Artificial Intelligence (AI) model helps in reducing unwanted traffic congestion while reducing the wait times.

· AI systems help in predicting delays which enhances the experience of the passengers as well as road safety.

· These help in effective planning and scheduling of processes to improve operational efficiency.


Key Takeaways:

Transportation and Logistics industries play a supreme role in connecting all the other industries. All other industries benefit with the progress of this industry. It is evident from the above information that modern technology is transforming this industry at a fast pace. Also, logistic mobile apps, on-demand apps for the transportation industry, etc. are contributing a big time to on-time delivery of products, better management of resources and enhanced process efficiency. Coming years will see profound advancements in this sector!

Are you looking for building cutting-edge software solutions or mobile apps for your transportation business? Biz4Solutions is a leading software and app development company having 9+ years of rich experience in serving global clients. We have already built a number of IoT-based solutions, on-demand apps, and other software solutions for Transportation and Logistics industry.

Contact us today to know more.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

How Internet of Things has made the Trucking Industry better?



In the year 2016, there were approximately 4,93,730 trucking companies in the U.S., as per a report by FMCSA. Even today, most of the small business owners in the U.S. are truckers. So, as this industry grows, it becomes necessary to track several statistics of this industry in real-time. Factors like the load on the trucks, time required for loading and unloading of goods, traffic on the travel routes, Tracking the vehicles in real time, etc. are important to the fleet managers and truck owners of the businesses.

The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a significant role here. It has connected sensors, electronic monitors, actuators, GPS Receivers, RFID systems, beacons, etc. with a network of physical devices, appliances, vehicles, and other items for data collection and communication. IoT in transportation and trucking industry has provided several promising solutions to develop powerful applications and systems.

Let’s look in detail about what this futuristic technology has in store for the ever-growing trucking and transportation business.

Role of IoT in the Trucking Industry!
IoT-based solutions are transforming the trucking industry in unbelievable ways. They assure better transparency, higher operational efficiency and enhanced security and ultimately increase the profit margins. Trucks which has Sensors connected, travel via different routes and at various locations sensors collect and send data to the decision-makers for the insights that help in gaining better results.

In the year 2015, Saia LTL Freight Inc., a reputed trucking company in America, had installed sensors in their trucks for tracking fuel usage, maintenance needs, and many other performance metrics. This raised the fuel efficiency of the company by 6% saving millions of dollars.

An excellent example of IoT-based solutions for trucking industry is AppWeigh. It is a specially designed mobile app which uses Bluetooth-enabled weight sensor to measure the load on air suspension trucks and trailers throughout its shipment. The truck weight is directly sent to the owners on their smartphones to keep them informed. The owners can ensure that their trucks and goods are safely and legally loaded to the destination. This app can be useful to individual truck owners as well as transportation and trucking companies as they alert the drivers and managers when the weight in the vehicle crosses the permissible limit and thereby facilitates them to take immediate action.

How IoT impacts the Trucking Industry?

Real-time monitoring:
In the trucking industry, IoT is used for tracking the real-time location of trucks, load on the trucks, condition of goods, traffic in the route, etc. IoT-enabled GPS trackers are used to continuously monitor and track the location of vehicles. This real-time data is transmitted to a central system and then updated to mobile phones using the internet. Thus, IoT allows the drivers, fleet managers or owners to respond quickly to situations like traffic jams, bad weather conditions, and re-routing the trucks, avoiding delays.

Also, when it comes to transportation of perishable goods that are environmentally sensitive, IoT devices are used to keep watch on the temperatures of goods, vibrations or shocks in the trucks, etc. For instance, a truck carrying biological and biopharmaceutical medicines need to maintain them at certain temperatures during transportation. IoT systems notify the fleet drivers and managers about the temperature changes in real-time. This keeps the medicines in good condition and also avoids any dangerous situations.

With the use of IoT, maintenance schedules of trucks can be optimized and unnecessary miles or idle times can be eliminated. This reduces the wastefulness of time and also improves fleet management.

Inventory management and warehousing:
Beacon integration, BLE connectivity, RFID tags, smart scanning and detecting sensors, etc. are used to track the products and inventory in companies. It helps in efficiently managing the warehouse space, easy delivery of the goods and automatic management of the orders. It is used to make the managers aware of the number of goods through SMS, email notification, etc. Thus, IoT contributes to improving the overall warehouse performance.

Enhanced safety and security:
IoT provides robust security services to vehicles as well as drivers and managers. Cameras and sensors help to detect dangerous and life-threatening situations like vehicle breakdown, bad weather conditions, etc., in advance and convey to the concerned personnel on their smartphones. The IoT systems also alert the drivers about the maintenance schedules of the truck in time. It keeps the trucks in good health and reduces the chances of any mishaps. These systems also help drivers to locate nearby refueling spots when the trucks reach low fuel levels.

Compliance with Government rules:
Trucks need to follow strict government regulations. As per the Electronic Logging Device mandate, the drivers need to install electric devices in their truck, which will track the working hours and activities of the drivers. As per the law, drivers cannot drive for more than 10 hours a day. Because of this law, drivers had to maintain logbooks to record their working hours. With the adoption of IoT in transportation and trucking industry, all the companies can easily comply with this law.

Retention of drivers:
IoT-linked trucks help the drivers do their jobs faster and with enhanced safety. IoT saves the drivers from paper works by automatically updating the fleet managers about the delivery timings, weight of the goods, etc. Drivers can get assistance regarding troubleshooting and service instructions when required. They can be informed in advance about changes in routes, off-duty hours, traffic timings, bad weather, etc.

Final Words:
IoT has brought incredible advancements in the trucking industry. Companies can leverage the connectivity of IoT devices for predictive and preventive analysis and streamlining different processes. Whether it is fleet monitoring, Transport inventory management, Geofencing, Remote area monitoring, monitoring traffic conditions for trucking routes, monitoring the load carried by trucks, controlling the temperatures or estimating the downtime, trucking business can manage their operations efficiently because of the adoption of IoT in this industry. IoT has proved to be a secure, reliable and cost-effective way to boost the bottom line of the trucking businesses.

This article was just like a drop in the ocean when we talk about the advantages of IoT in the trucking and transportation industry. There is a lot to discuss.

So, do you also think IoT-based solutions have brought pioneering changes in this industry?

Thursday, October 31, 2019

How is Mobile App Development Influencing the Transportation and Logistics Industry?


Today, mobile app development has hit almost all types of industries. And why not? It has made life quite simple. People don’t have to go banks for transactions as few taps on a mobile app can do it. Likewise, booking appointments, shows, movies or travel tickets can be sitting at the very comfort of homes. That is why businesses are rapidly adopting the mobile technology and developing dedicated mobile apps.

The transportation and logistics industry have also been influenced by mobile app development in numerous ways. Mobile apps have played a significant role in improving the experience of travellers, customers, clients, drivers and the involved staff members in the transportation and logistics business.  Also, IoT in transportation embedded with the mobile apps have been transforming the way this business works.

Significant benefits of mobile app development in the transportation industry:

Monitoring the real-time load of the vehicles:
A mobile app embedded with IoT devices can assure real-time tracking of load and cargo. There are sensors attached to the tires of the vehicles which calculate the load on it and send the readings to the owners. It helps the owners to get real-time updates when the load is delivered to the destination.

Improved communication:
A dedicated mobile app allows direct communication with customers and clients which builds trust in them. It also helps proper communication between the owners, fleet managers, and drivers to manage the shifts and shipments.

Geo-location tracking:
Geo-location tracking solutions have transformed the way the transportation and logistics industry work. It helps in locating the vehicles and aware them about the roads that are congested with traffic or not working due to bad weather conditions.

Enhanced safety:
A mobile app allows transparent communication which enhances operational efficiency. In case of bad weather conditions, the drivers can be well-informed in advance using the apps. It will ensure the safety of resources and the drivers.

Tracking the speed limit of the vehicles:
There are mobile apps that track the speed limits of the vehicles and alert the drivers about it. The app can also send messages to owners so that they can keep track from distance.

Payment integration process:
Today, modern travellers, customers, and clients have a great advantage due to the mobile apps. The apps have payment integration and they can make instant payments online. 

Efficient fleet and warehouse management:
Mobile apps provide real-time data about the location of the vehicle, loads in it, etc. which helps in the proper management of the fleet. It helps the fleet managers to go the extra mile and make instant decisions whenever required in the business. The apps embedded with IoT help in inventory and warehouse management.  

Conclusion:

Mobile app development in transportation has been improving operations and enhancing workflow. The owners can make informed decisions while cutting costs and saving the time for their staff members. A specialized mobile app is an important investment which can not only boost profits but also give a competitive advantage.

Biz4Solutions a leading provider of world-class apps for the transportation and logistics industry. Our company has rich experience of 8 years in developing mobile and web-based apps. We have already developed on-demand and IoT-based apps.

If you are looking forward to taking leverage of mobile technology and develop a new-age custom app for your transportation and logistics business, we can be your technical partner. Contact us to know more.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Designrush.com Mentions Biz4Solutions Amongst Top Mobile App Development Companies in Texas, 2019


TEXAS- August 30, 2019 - Designrush.com lists the top mobile app development companies in Texas for the year 2019. It is a popular online search directory for software development, outsourcing, and marketing companies in the world. They have listed Biz4Solutions amongst the top 7 mobile app development companies in Texas. Their listing is based on a thorough analysis of several industry-specific parameters like past projects, quality of work, industry expertise, client reviews, app portfolio, etc. of the companies. Biz4Solutions is a technical partner to many companies looking for developing new-age mobile apps, web-based apps, and other software products. The company is into providing cutting-edge software solutions using emerging technologies like the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Solutions, Robotic Process Automation, etc. Details about the Design Rush list are here -

Mobile app development is benefiting diverse industries like transportation, food, education, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, water, retail, finance, etc. Biz4Solutions has already developed robust, scalable and feature-rich mobile apps for different industries. Designrush.com has announced Biz4Solutions amongst the rising mobile app development companies that deliver world-class app solutions in Texas for the year 2019.

Mr. Ashish Rangnekar, CEO- Biz4Solutions LLC, shares, "Building products that bring smiles on faces of kids, students, patients and many other customers across the world is only possible because of smart work done by team Biz4Solutions. Thanks to all employees at Biz4Solutions for taking pride in what you do- your energy is contagious and every customer testimonial is a testament to your work ethic. You set us apart from the competition and I cannot thank you enough for the exceptional customer experiences you provide on a daily basis."

About Biz4Solutions LLC:
Biz4Solutions LLC, established in 2011, is a Texas-based company that provides high-quality professional software services to clients across the globe. Their technical team has experienced architects, managers, developers, testers and quality analysts who are always updated with the latest software trends and technologies. The company is known for its professionalism, on-time delivery, high-quality work and transparency with the clients. They focus on delivering solutions that make their customers happy.

Contact:
Ash Rakars,
Call +1 407 401 9289
Address - 8404 Warren Parkway #721, Frisco, Texas
Website - https://www.biz4solutions.com/

Friday, May 31, 2019

How IoT Makes the Transportation Industry Smarter


If the safety of your vehicles, employees and passengers is a concern, if you are facing issues in the business process improvement, if the rising cost of operation is threatening your profitability, then internet of things i.e. IoT in your transportation business could be the right solution. It is transforming the way this industry operates
Internet of things continues to dominate the future of several businesses and transportation industry is no exception. Gartner, Inc. (world’s leading research and advisory firm) has estimated that over 25 billion IoT-related systems will be in use, by the year 2021. These are pretty big numbers and the future seems bright.
IoT in transportation industry uses a network of centrally connected devices with sensors, GPS, electronic monitors, RFID systems, etc. to ensure real-time visibility. These devices are connected to vehicles or off-road locations like owner’s or/and customer’s warehouse, office or stores. Thus, the internet of things enhances operational efficiency.
It is interesting to know how the internet of things is contributing to smarter transportation systems and ultimately a smarter world. The top benefits and use cases are as follows.

Benefits and Use Cases in the Transportation and Logistics Industry

  
Benefits and use cases in transportation and logistics industry

IoT ensures Real-Time Visibility

Transparency is a game-changer in the transportation and logistics industry. Internet of things makes the operations transparent by providing real-time visibility. Issues like truck weight management, delays in traveling, energy and resource management, performance monitoring, location tracking and safety management can be handled well.
Significance of real-time visibility is especially felt in trucking and freight shipping business. If your freight bills are rising or you feel your truck drivers aren’t loyal to you, then internet of things can help to keep a track of the freight. An outstanding example of IoT in transportation industry is AppWeigh. It is a specially designed smart app which measures the load on trucks throughout its shipment and sends the information to the owners on their smartphones. If the load on a truck is reduced or increased beyond the limit, then the owners immediately get notified. They can ensure that their goods are transported legally and safely to the destination. AppWeigh uses technologies like beacon integration, Bluetooth-enabled sensors, geo-location tracking, etc.

It improves Fleet Management

Internet of things strengthen the operations in fleet management like maintenance of vehicles, their financing, tracking, diagnostics, management of fuel, management of drivers and safety management. For instance, special sensors are placed on the trucks. These sensors track pressure on the tires, load on the truck, unsafe speeds or driving patterns and send the messages to the fleet managers accordingly. It helps the managers to track shipments, manage the drivers, optimize shipping routes and cut costs related to inefficiencies.
Fleet management apps provide real-time information about the location of the vehicle using geolocation tracking. After incorporating IoT in transportation industry, fleet managers can go an extra mile to improve the overall working.

It helps the Maintenance of Vehicles’ Health

Smart IoT systems can monitor the wear and tear of vehicles and analyse vehicle health. Barcode scanning, GPS tracking, mobile fuel logs, sensors, camera, etc. are used for this. These provide information about engine health, fuel consumption and inefficiencies. Some sensors are used to track the temperature of the products, shock and vibration levels, etc. to ensure that the goods are in safe conditions.
Using this information, the business owners can reduce maintenance costs saving thousands of dollars. Any breakdown issues of the vehicles can be detected in advance using IoT in the transportation industry, preventing major damages.

It helps Warehouse and Yard Management

If warehouse and yard management aren’t managed properly, it directly affects the cost of the business. IoT systems use beacon integration, SMS and email notification, BLE connectivity, scanning and detecting sensors, etc. for warehouse and inventory management. They ensure that the right products are placed in the right quantity and the right place at the decided time. These systems reduce human activities and enable machine intervention. They help to automate the tasks which reduce errors caused due to overlooking or visibility-related issues by humans.

IoT in Transportation Minimizes Risks and Increases Profitability

  • With real-time information, one can be loyal to their clients by informing them about any delays, changes, cancellations, etc. beforehand. Eventually, this improves customer relationship management (CRM).
  • IoT in transportation helps to increase the connectivity of owners and managers with operators and drivers. Thus, they can instantly communicate about any issues ensuring pro-active repairs and maintenance.
  • It provides robust security services to passengers and employees along with vehicles, equipment, freight and data as well.
  • Illegal practices by drivers or operates can be easily prevented with the help of the internet of things during transportation. It provides transparent information which helps predictive analytics which can lead to better planning of the resources.

Conclusion

We have seen IoT applications in transportation and logistics industry in details. With so many benefits, the transportation industry is beginning to depend heavily on IoT-related systems. It promises extensive profits for logistics operators, business clients as well as the end users
By incorporating intelligent transportation systems, the business owners can pull ahead of their competitors and ensure higher business opportunities.le_plus