Optimised flow of goods
IoT solutions improve the flow of goods. They automatically create freight documents and delivery bills, which speeds up administrative processes for the inspection of incoming and outgoing goods. By allocating resources and scheduling the loading and unloading of vehicles, they improve dock and yard management. Digital load carrier management ensures that the required containers and pallets are available in time for shipping, reducing waiting times.
Better inventory management
Mobile devices such as handheld barcode scanners, RFID readers and mobile printers speed up inventory control by enabling employees to check stocks and detect errors in real-time. During labelling, they also make it easier to record and update data on-site. Having precise information about current material stocks enables optimised material flow control to avoid bottlenecks and reduce excess stock.
Efficient order picking
IoT solutions enable faster and simpler order picking. Sensors control conveyor belts and racking systems to quickly transport goods to the dock for shipping. ERP systems are updated via an Application Programming Interface . Digital assistance systems such as mobile scanners or voice recording (‘pick-by-voice’) support manual picking. Smart glasses (‘pick-by-sight’) enable hands-free work and provide information like checklists directly in the user’s field of vision.
Real-time monitoring
Sensors record the position and availability of load carriers and goods, feeding them into the warehouse management system. This enables digital stocktaking in real-time. Data can be exchanged with ERP systems or suppliers via interfaces. This results in less paperwork, fewer errors and faster processes. Predictive analytics create demand forecasts and enable better planning, inventory optimisation and greater liquidity.
Lower costs
Material flow control ensures that the right quantity of materials at the required production location on time. This increases efficiency and saves money. Smart inventory control provides an overview of all stock movements and reduces costs by making it possible to plan replenishment quantities and space utilisation. An automated goods management system also minimises incorrect deliveries and stock shortages that can cause unnecessary costs.
More effective staff deployment
IoT solutions for goods management make work processes more efficient. Smart solutions such as ‘pick-by-voice’ and ‘pick-by-sight’ support the picking of goods, among other things. IoT solutions can record data, display order information and provide instructions for the most efficient procedures. Labelling allows employees to identify the location of products more quickly without time-consuming manual searches. This also reduces personnel costs.