processes without the risk of human error . Digital twins , moreover , support companies throughout the design stage , enabling them to withstand disruptions , or bounce back when they inevitably arise , learning from simulated events before real-world issues occur .
“ Another important point to make is that in the pre-pandemic world everybody knew we were connected ,” he goes on . “ Yet , when borders closed , people soon realized that despite this we weren ’ t integrated . Consequently , this led to a complete breakdown in the supply chain . Integration requires real-time visibility and resilience , thereby ensuring seamless supply chains , regardless of geographies and supplier tiers , for instance .”
Viable technology
Looking ahead , the Internet of Things ( IoT ) promises to create a more interdependent network of data and communication stores . Gopal pinpoints how this will affect supply chains and , perhaps more interestingly , the ways in which IoT enhancements can lead to greater sustainability . “ The IoT is central where supply chain is concerned ,” he observes . “ In fact , it ’ s anticipated that IoT devices will reach almost 50 billion units by 2030 , enhancing visibility across freight and logistics services . This can be for monitoring products in a shipping container , revealing fuel consumption rates in vehicles , or measuring greenhouse gas emissions .
“ These devices also facilitate dynamic scheduling and planning , alerting , for instance , delivery drivers of any disruptions or changes to routes in real-time . In short , IoT enhances the integration of assets and therefore encourages better visibility , which will make supply chains more resilient .
“ In terms of sustainability , IoT has myriad applications for transportation and warehouse optimization since devices will show energy and material use . For example , one can track a variety of factors , like the amount of non-recyclable or recyclable materials available , aiding the emergence of a more circular economy .”
AI , digital twins , blockchain , IoT – all these technologies have an important role to play when it comes to disruptive logistics . Disruption is , of course , enabled by technology ; but , as Gopal points out , it needs to result in solvable and advantageous solutions that are commercially viable .
“ Indeed , viability is often overlooked – but it ’ s crucial ,” he concludes . “ That ’ s why , unfortunately , a number of new start-ups fail despite having the best technology . Underpinning this , however , is people – this factor is often taken for granted . With the right technology , individuals can increase their productivity tenfold . The future will present many opportunities for handling this people element better , and in doing so , it will bring about the next level of disruption in the logistics space .” ■
www . frost . com scw-mag . com 13