The speed and volume of global supply chain transactions has steadily increased every year except for the Covid months. The volume trend is expected to continue while the speed and security requirements of transactions is increasing to keep pace with demand. To leverage this technology to its fullest potential for predicting future performance and optimizing operational efficiency, the collection and analysis of enormous amounts of data must be completed in real time. By utilizing this technology, the logistics supply chain is poised for all processes to become faster, more reliable and more secure.
The Move To Digital
All of the technologies that we hear about every day, from blockchain to virtual reality, have many areas of applicability in both our personal and business lives.
But in the area of Supply Chain, which truly spans the entire operations of most any company, these technologies provide the platform to totally redefine how the work of Supply Chain is conducted every minute of every day.
In the simplest terms we are entering the age of the Digital Supply Chain. 5G is a measure of the speed and volume of data supporting the network. Simply put, with 5G we can push more data through the pipes than ever before. Smart devices including autonomous vehicles, temperature monitoring sensors, RFID tags and GPS devices all require a connection to the internet and bandwidth to transmit data, and their needs may soon overwhelm localized capabilities. 5G speeds can be up to 10 gigabytes per second, which is 100 times faster than 4G. This level of support provides for the connection of an almost unlimited amount IoT devices, allowing scaling to be swift and secure.
One of the largest challenges for the logistics industry has been supply chain visibility. Supply Chain Management Review notes that 5G and IoT are capable of revolutionizing the sector with connected trackers that monitor real-time location and the condition of shipments, pallets and individual goods throughout the entire supply chain at will.
By eliminating blind spots during transport, globally utilized tracking and monitoring can increase consumer confidence, assist in on-demand shipping situations when time is of the essence and reduce risks associated with high value shipments. All of this can be accomplished with smart tracking devices that monitor location, temperature, light exposure, humidity and lock tampering.
The Age Of Automation
In the 5G capable airports, seaports, and warehouses, sensors, cameras and other interconnected devices communicate across a network and relay instructions to unmanned ground vehicles. Loading and unloading becomes automatic, and cargo inventory information is broadcast electronically and remotely to gated systems for immediate access to controlled areas. These systems only work if there's uninterrupted connectivity and large swaths of bandwidth to allow real-time, consistent communication. The speed and performance of 5G networks make this possible, turning ports into almost entirely automated hubs.
All of this automation, driverless trucks, IOT, (Internet of Things), AI and blockchain technology will all require a 5G connection to operate efficiently. This is the digital revolution; digital files transmitted through faster networks accommodating massive amounts of data supported by cutting edge technology to power all this new technology. And yes, there will likely be a 6G sometime in our future.
Stay Safe Everyone.
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Author
Michael Gaughan
Technology Officer
Land Link Traffic Systems
Land-Link, a well respected professional organization, has been providing its clients with effective transportation and logistics solutions since 1978.
