Applying the Internet of Things to the Supply Chain

We sat down with Christine Boles, general manager for Intel’s industrial and energy solutions division, to learn about how supply chains can leverage modern technology. How would you describe IoT as it pertains to supply chain? Christine Boles:

The internet of things (IoT) is the ability of everyday objects to connect to the internet to send and receive data. IoT solutions use sensors to collect the information manufacturers need to better monitor the steps involved in the production and distribution of a product. These supply chain operations can be dispersed across the globe and hard to access, but fortunately the IoT provides means to share information. This visibility enables manufacturers to improve the efficiency and profitability of their supply chain, directly impacting the bottom line.

Why is integrating the IoT into your supply chain important?

Maintaining an efficient, high-performing supply chain is critical for success in a competitive global manufacturing market. The IoT offers manufacturers tools and technologies to gain greater visibility of their end-to-end supply chain, allowing them to respond to problems in near-real time and plan to mitigate the effects of any disruption.

What can companies do to prepare their supply chain processes for IoT integration?

Integrating IoT solutions in supply chain starts with connecting the unconnected — those devices that cannot yet communicate over the internet. These devices will be able to share data with others, making them smart and more capable. End users will then have access to more information they can use to make better decisions. For many companies, it’s not a question of “if” they should use the IoT, but a question of “when.”