How IoT Is Revolutionizing the Electronics Supply Chain: 4 Real-World Examples

From industrial applications to consumer products to electronic vehicles, the IoT is quickly transforming the way everyone interacts with the physical and digital world. And supply chain is no different — IoT technologies are now giving supply chain managers access to a new level of visibility into their in-transit goods

Author Rob Stevens explains:

The following are four examples that Stevens points out best exemplifies how the IoT is transforming (and improving) the electronics supply chain:

1. Improve quality

One of the biggest benefits of the IoT-powered digital supply chain is the ability to identify sources of product damage, and in many cases, eliminate those issues before damage even occurs. For example, with real-time condition monitoring, managers can track the exact temperature and humidity of the shipment. If the sensors detect a condition that exceeds acceptable thresholds, they can send an immediate alert so that the issue (be it a broken temperature-controlled container or a package accidentally left out in the sun) can be fixed before the product is damaged.

2. Reduce delays

Along with improved quality control, IoT tracking also makes it possible for electronics manufacturers to reduce delays and early arrivals, both of which can be extremely costly. An unexpected late or early delivery can result in installation or assembly crews either waiting around, or unavailable to receive the shipment. With real-time location tracking, the manufacturer knows in advance if a shipment will be early or late, and can adjust plans accordingly.

3. Improve relationships

Improved quality and reduced delays ultimately result in better relationships with both suppliers and end customers. On the supplier side, IoT trackers make it possible to hold people accountable by pinpointing exactly when and where problems are occurring. Rather than blindly pointing fingers when a shipment arrives damaged or late, manufacturer can identify the source of the problem and work with their suppliers to resolve the issue.

4. Large-scale optimization

As electronics manufacturers invest in IoT solutions that cover every part of the supply chain, it is becoming possible to implement macro-scale optimization. With comprehensive data regarding all routes over time, managers can begin to identify and optimize based on large-scale trends. This sort of system-wide optimization is only possible now that manufacturers have access to this previously invisible data.

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