As the phrase suggests, the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the application of Internet of Things concepts in industrial settings. IIoT use cases extend beyond factory floors, however. By using sensors and automation to connect machines and computers, IIoT technologies can make warehouse processes more efficient and provide enhanced business intelligence.
Let’s take a look at the top three reasons you should adopt IIoT in your warehouse.
1. Improve Operations Efficiency
In modern warehouse settings, IIoT can include hundreds of sensors that transmit data to WMS and other systems for deep analysis. In addition to tracking items, packages, machines, and employees, an IIoT system can give managers and workers greater visibility into warehouse processes.
Artificial Intelligence can analyze KPIs in real-time to highlight process improvement opportunities. Insights from data collection will help eliminate waste and downtime while increasing efficiency. Sensors can also monitor machines to generate alerts for scheduled and predictive maintenance.
2. Reduce Stock Turnaround and Order-to-Ship Times
Improving efficiencies in the put-away and picking processes can reduce pick times. For example, wearable and mobile devices, coupled with radio frequency identifiers (RFID) can guide pickers to precisely where goods are stored.
Stock turnaround time and order-to-ship (or order cycle) time are key KPIs for warehouses. Analyzing data gathered from an IIoT system can help you better understand order profiles, identify how to reduce travel and idle time, and how to maximize resources. All of these will reduce costs and order-to-ship times.
3. Achieve a Data-Driven Warehouse
By tracking and connecting things, people, and locations, IIoT helps warehouses become data-driven operations. Real-time visibility into inventory, staff, and performance can drive the fine-tuning — or a major overhaul of — processes. By automating processes, warehouse operations become faster, better, and more accurate. Broader, more reliable data provides managers actionable information to make better decisions. And it enables them to apply a greater focus on adding value.
Start Your IIoT Journey Today
Whether you’re looking to improve warehouse operations, keep pace with competitors, or exceed customer expectations, IIoT solutions will help you achieve your digital transformation goals. To take full advantage of IIoT technologies, it’s important to find a solution that is flexible, scalable, and easy to integrate into your systems. To learn more about how Radley’s IIoT solutions can elevate your warehouse to the next level, contact us for a free demo. Or learn more in our article, Warehouse Management Systems: A Complete Guide.