Driving Supply Chain Efficiency with IoT & LPWAN
Managing business processes with precision is only possible today thanks to modern technology. The Internet of Things (IoT) and LPWAN networks, through comprehensive analysis of various factors, empower companies to make informed decisions and manage their operations more profitably, efficiently, and safely.
To extend IoT capabilities to mobile devices, the concept of Mobile Internet of Things (M-IoT) began to emerge around 2010. This development was driven by advances in wireless communication, the miniaturization of IoT components, the widespread adoption of mobile devices, technological convergence, and the evolution of mobile ecosystems.
The relationship between IoT and M-IoT has a profound impact on both business management and supply chain operations. In management, IoT and M-IoT deliver enhanced visibility, efficiency, and control over business processes.
Mobile IoT now includes billions of devices worldwide, collectively helping businesses manage a wide range of assets and serving as an important deterrent against the theft of high-value items. A notable example in asset management is the use of smart utility meters that track water consumption and detect waste.
This area closely ties into supply chains, encompassing the transport and storage of everyday goods or perishable products. The influence of Mobile IoT on asset and supply chain management is critical, enabling businesses to monitor asset conditions and ensure these are aligned with sustainability strategies and organizational objectives.
Unlike high-speed mobile networks such as 4G and 5G, M-IoT devices typically rely on LPWAN networks, which are designed for low-bandwidth, energy-efficient data transmission.
As modern business processes focus not only on efficiency but also on sustainability goals, M-IoT technology finds broad application across nearly every sector of the economy. In agriculture, for instance, M-IoT provides a holistic approach, tracking not only asset locations but also monitoring livestock movements and field conditions.
IoT plays a pivotal role in shaping new architectures, strategies, and frameworks for emerging technologies. The projected investment of $24 billion by 2025 will significantly advance this field, creating opportunities for companies to manage production processes more sustainably. In this sense, Mobile IoT (M-IoT) stands out as a transformative force that helps businesses maintain the competitiveness and agility needed in the digital era.
In asset management, IoT and M-IoT enable real-time monitoring of assets throughout the supply chain. This allows businesses to manage inventory more efficiently, reduce losses, and optimize asset utilization.
When it comes to optimizing supply processes, IoT and M-IoT facilitate the collection and analysis of data related to supply chain activities. This data helps streamline logistics, improve demand forecasting, and plan inventory replenishments, directly boosting operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Regarding quality control, integrating IoT and M-IoT devices into production processes allows businesses to monitor quality parameters in real time. This leads to quicker detection and resolution of issues and contributes to higher overall product quality.
Remote monitoring of equipment performance also enables companies to proactively schedule maintenance and minimize operational disruptions.
Taken together, these advantages show how integrating IoT and M-IoT into business processes significantly increases customer satisfaction and enhances the overall customer experience. These technologies allow companies to gather real-time data on customer behaviors and preferences, which can then be used to personalize offers and elevate service quality.
In the context of supply chains, integrating IoT and M-IoT delivers several critical benefits:
Real-time visibility: IoT and M-IoT enable continuous tracking of product movements, inventory levels, and environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity) during transport. This enhances supply chain transparency, reduces delays, and allows quick responses to shifts in market demand.
Efficient inventory management: By precisely and automatically tracking inventory, IoT and M-IoT support more accurate demand planning and prevent overstocking.
Predictive analytics: The vast data generated by IoT and M-IoT can be analyzed to produce insights and enable predictive analytics in the supply chain. This helps forecast demand, identify potential disruptions, and optimize processes.
Traceability and compliance: IoT and M-IoT allow businesses to fully meet regulatory and quality standards — particularly critical in sectors like pharmaceuticals and food, where product safety and validity are paramount.
Improved collaboration: IoT and M-IoT facilitate better coordination and data sharing among supply chain partners. With shared access to real-time data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, synchronize activities, and improve overall supply chain performance.
