This document discusses how technology can help solve challenges in last mile delivery. It describes how e-commerce has increased delivery demands and how the last mile is often the most costly and inefficient part of the supply chain. It then summarizes several technologies that can optimize last mile delivery, including route optimization software, warehouse management systems, crowdsourcing delivery apps, artificial intelligence, autonomous delivery robots and drones, smart lockers and mailboxes, and IoT sensors to provide real-time parcel tracking. These technologies aim to streamline fulfillment, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience of last mile delivery.
What is Last Mile Delivery Part 2: Adapting to Retail and e-Commerce Order Fu...Angela Carver
Â
The increasing popularity of omni-channel retailing has created many challenges for transportation and logistics providers servicing retailers. This has forced transportation operations to think outside of the box and make significant changes to their service offering portfolios. Omni-channel retailing has made fulfilling customer orders efficiently and cost effectively much more complex with a variety of new distribution strategies.
E-commerce orders grew 47% between 2009 and 2014 in comparison to only 6% at brick and mortar store locations. E-commerce sales are expected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2017. This shift in retail channel utilization has increased the order fulfillment needs and associated labor costs. Retailers are evaluating existing distribution networks to verify they can handle the added volume and are seeking out additional delivery solutions as a supplement. In many cases, these additions are in the form of local and regional distribution centers.
Rising shipping costs have also been a significant challenge for last mile delivery as they account for approximately 28% of total transportation costs. Shippers have many options for counteracting rising shipping costs including: intermodal freight utilization to link logistics clusters, shipment consolidation with crossdocking, primary delivery channel elimination and click-to-collect/ parcel locker centers to consolidate parcel drop-offs.
Governmental regulations have also created problems related to last mile logistics, both in the US and abroad. Regulations such as vehicle size and weight limitations, parking policies and noise restrictions. To avoid these issues some transportation operations are investing in smaller delivery vehicles for use in local regional delivery operations. These vehicles are typically more compliant with imposed noise and size restrictions. In areas where even these smaller vehicles are not an option some logistics providers have started to offer bike delivery and contracted one-time delivery services through businesses such as Uber.
Demand for up-to-date order information has also become an issue for many omni-channel retailers. Customers now want to know when their order has been accepted, processed, shipped and delivered. In order to provide this level of detail omni-channel supply chains are implementing inventory management software such as WMS with customer relationship management capabilities to provide real-time information to customers.
In order to provide a positive final impression on consumers retailers must focus on last mile logistics. Focusing on these potential solutions can help retailers to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and cost of last mile delivery operations. Learn more from Datex experts now at marketing@datexcorp.com or www.datexcorp.com .
The last mile: The next battleground for businesses adapting to changing cons...Deloitte Canada
Â
With online shopping in Canada poised to surge, the last mile is quickly becoming the next major opportunity for brand differentiation. From offering drive-through pick-up services to easy returns, itâs the perfect time to think big if you want to stand out.
Is your organization ready? View our presentation on the last mile to discover how improving the last mile, improves the customer experience.
Last mile delivery is defined as the movement of goods from a transportation hub to the final delivery destination. The final delivery destination is typically a personal residence. The focus of last mile logistics is to deliver items to the end user as fast as possible. Last mile logistics has become a popular area of interest for retailers due to the growing demand for fully integrated omni-channel retailing. Evolving omni-channel needs have forced retailers to evaluate current transportation network capabilities and make adjustments accordingly.
Focus has been placed on last mile logistics because, in many cases, this is a key differentiator for retailers. Because consumers can easily shop for product alternatives retailers and their supply chain partners must provide exceptional service to gain market share and build brand loyalty.
Last mile delivery is becoming more important than ever due to the surge of online orders. E-commerce sales are expected to reach $1.35 billion by 2018, an increase of 28.8% from 2013. These expected increases span across a variety of product types including apparel, entertainment, food, health & beauty, electronics and more.
Retailers must begin to prepare their transportation networks for traffic fluctuations caused by the expected growth in online sales. Traditional transportation methods such as UPS, FedEx and USPS are not successful in all regions and retailers are beginning to search for alternatives to satisfy their needs. In order to accommodate faster shipping times, changing regulation and infrastructure limitations retailers and their transportation partners have started to research delivery alternatives including click-to-collect locations, local regional carriers, drones and much more.
By focusing on last mile delivery alternatives retailers are able to provide and guarantee exceptional service levels to their customers and adapt to the constantly changing omni-channel retail environment. To learn more about last mile delivery and omni-channel retailing contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or www.datexcorp.com .
What is Last Mile Delivery Part 2: Adapting to Retail and e-Commerce Order Fu...Angela Carver
Â
The increasing popularity of omni-channel retailing has created many challenges for transportation and logistics providers servicing retailers. This has forced transportation operations to think outside of the box and make significant changes to their service offering portfolios. Omni-channel retailing has made fulfilling customer orders efficiently and cost effectively much more complex with a variety of new distribution strategies.
E-commerce orders grew 47% between 2009 and 2014 in comparison to only 6% at brick and mortar store locations. E-commerce sales are expected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2017. This shift in retail channel utilization has increased the order fulfillment needs and associated labor costs. Retailers are evaluating existing distribution networks to verify they can handle the added volume and are seeking out additional delivery solutions as a supplement. In many cases, these additions are in the form of local and regional distribution centers.
Rising shipping costs have also been a significant challenge for last mile delivery as they account for approximately 28% of total transportation costs. Shippers have many options for counteracting rising shipping costs including: intermodal freight utilization to link logistics clusters, shipment consolidation with crossdocking, primary delivery channel elimination and click-to-collect/ parcel locker centers to consolidate parcel drop-offs.
Governmental regulations have also created problems related to last mile logistics, both in the US and abroad. Regulations such as vehicle size and weight limitations, parking policies and noise restrictions. To avoid these issues some transportation operations are investing in smaller delivery vehicles for use in local regional delivery operations. These vehicles are typically more compliant with imposed noise and size restrictions. In areas where even these smaller vehicles are not an option some logistics providers have started to offer bike delivery and contracted one-time delivery services through businesses such as Uber.
Demand for up-to-date order information has also become an issue for many omni-channel retailers. Customers now want to know when their order has been accepted, processed, shipped and delivered. In order to provide this level of detail omni-channel supply chains are implementing inventory management software such as WMS with customer relationship management capabilities to provide real-time information to customers.
In order to provide a positive final impression on consumers retailers must focus on last mile logistics. Focusing on these potential solutions can help retailers to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and cost of last mile delivery operations. Learn more from Datex experts now at marketing@datexcorp.com or www.datexcorp.com .
The last mile: The next battleground for businesses adapting to changing cons...Deloitte Canada
Â
With online shopping in Canada poised to surge, the last mile is quickly becoming the next major opportunity for brand differentiation. From offering drive-through pick-up services to easy returns, itâs the perfect time to think big if you want to stand out.
Is your organization ready? View our presentation on the last mile to discover how improving the last mile, improves the customer experience.
Last mile delivery is defined as the movement of goods from a transportation hub to the final delivery destination. The final delivery destination is typically a personal residence. The focus of last mile logistics is to deliver items to the end user as fast as possible. Last mile logistics has become a popular area of interest for retailers due to the growing demand for fully integrated omni-channel retailing. Evolving omni-channel needs have forced retailers to evaluate current transportation network capabilities and make adjustments accordingly.
Focus has been placed on last mile logistics because, in many cases, this is a key differentiator for retailers. Because consumers can easily shop for product alternatives retailers and their supply chain partners must provide exceptional service to gain market share and build brand loyalty.
Last mile delivery is becoming more important than ever due to the surge of online orders. E-commerce sales are expected to reach $1.35 billion by 2018, an increase of 28.8% from 2013. These expected increases span across a variety of product types including apparel, entertainment, food, health & beauty, electronics and more.
Retailers must begin to prepare their transportation networks for traffic fluctuations caused by the expected growth in online sales. Traditional transportation methods such as UPS, FedEx and USPS are not successful in all regions and retailers are beginning to search for alternatives to satisfy their needs. In order to accommodate faster shipping times, changing regulation and infrastructure limitations retailers and their transportation partners have started to research delivery alternatives including click-to-collect locations, local regional carriers, drones and much more.
By focusing on last mile delivery alternatives retailers are able to provide and guarantee exceptional service levels to their customers and adapt to the constantly changing omni-channel retail environment. To learn more about last mile delivery and omni-channel retailing contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or www.datexcorp.com .
Read this presentation to answer the question, "How do I improve my warehouse problems without a large capital investment?â You will learn:
30 process-based distribution center execution tactics; What technologies are available to cost-effectively enable more efficient processes; What features and functionality you can expect to get from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 WMS
WebXpress is an IT Solutions company offering services in the domain of Logistics. We have multiple number of IT solutions in our basket to cater
the growing requirements of the Logistics sector:
1. Transportation Management System
2. Fleet Management System
3. Warehouse Management System
4. E-Commerce Solution
5. Business Intelligence
6. Mobile Solutions
7. Finance and Accounting System
WebXpress has a large customer base, to name a few, Linfox, Agility, Safexpress, ColdEX, Kelvin, Future Supply Chains, DTDC, Surat Goods Transport, Agarwal Packers and Movers and many more.
If you want to know more about our company please visit
www.webxpress.in
Supply Chain Management, Sourcing Pricing and Procurement Process ,
Presentations By Rajendran Ananda Krishnan, https://www.facebook.com/ialwaysthinkprettythings
Last-mile delivery is the final stage in the network of courier, express, and parcel companies
(CEP). It is an entire ecosystem that brings a variety of goods to consumersâ doorsteps (or
very close). In 2016, we looked at the transport market â and in particular last-mile delivery â
from two industry perspectives: commercial vehicles (advanced industries sector) and CEP
(logistics sector). Our analyses revealed three main insights
A brief overview of logistics management covering the following: the aim of logistics, components of logistics, major functions of logistics and the phases of logistics management.
A TMS is a part of Supply Chain Management specially designed for a broader goal to ease and automate transportation operation by allowing <a href="https://www.lotus-containers.com/de/">shipping companies</a> to gain valuable insight of every point of distribution to enhance efficiency and increases productivity.
List of Innovations that Transforms the Logistic IndustryMilad Yousif
Â
Milad Yousif, a great logistics industry expert, has faced many ups and downs along the way. Those ups and downs in the logistics industry have made significant changes in how they conduct business.
ECommerce has evolved into a $2.8 trillion1
global market where increasingly
the default demand from customers is that they âneed it nowâ. They want faster, cheaper delivery with greater control over their experience.
Read this presentation to answer the question, "How do I improve my warehouse problems without a large capital investment?â You will learn:
30 process-based distribution center execution tactics; What technologies are available to cost-effectively enable more efficient processes; What features and functionality you can expect to get from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 WMS
WebXpress is an IT Solutions company offering services in the domain of Logistics. We have multiple number of IT solutions in our basket to cater
the growing requirements of the Logistics sector:
1. Transportation Management System
2. Fleet Management System
3. Warehouse Management System
4. E-Commerce Solution
5. Business Intelligence
6. Mobile Solutions
7. Finance and Accounting System
WebXpress has a large customer base, to name a few, Linfox, Agility, Safexpress, ColdEX, Kelvin, Future Supply Chains, DTDC, Surat Goods Transport, Agarwal Packers and Movers and many more.
If you want to know more about our company please visit
www.webxpress.in
Supply Chain Management, Sourcing Pricing and Procurement Process ,
Presentations By Rajendran Ananda Krishnan, https://www.facebook.com/ialwaysthinkprettythings
Last-mile delivery is the final stage in the network of courier, express, and parcel companies
(CEP). It is an entire ecosystem that brings a variety of goods to consumersâ doorsteps (or
very close). In 2016, we looked at the transport market â and in particular last-mile delivery â
from two industry perspectives: commercial vehicles (advanced industries sector) and CEP
(logistics sector). Our analyses revealed three main insights
A brief overview of logistics management covering the following: the aim of logistics, components of logistics, major functions of logistics and the phases of logistics management.
A TMS is a part of Supply Chain Management specially designed for a broader goal to ease and automate transportation operation by allowing <a href="https://www.lotus-containers.com/de/">shipping companies</a> to gain valuable insight of every point of distribution to enhance efficiency and increases productivity.
List of Innovations that Transforms the Logistic IndustryMilad Yousif
Â
Milad Yousif, a great logistics industry expert, has faced many ups and downs along the way. Those ups and downs in the logistics industry have made significant changes in how they conduct business.
ECommerce has evolved into a $2.8 trillion1
global market where increasingly
the default demand from customers is that they âneed it nowâ. They want faster, cheaper delivery with greater control over their experience.
Next Level Of Supply Chain With Omnichannel LogisticseTailing India
Â
Welcome to our 2nd part of Logistics Week Series. Having understood the impact of digitalization on logistics from our previous article, today we see how logistics work in a demand driven omnichannel commerce ecosystem.
Technology in Logistics grew throughout 2016. Over the last year, huge strides were made in machine-to-machine connectivity as a stronger resolve for more omnichannel logistics solutions. It is important to know how they relate to improving supply chains and why they are essential to omnichannel logistics solutions.
Cases: how technologies help to solve business problems in logistics.
Blockchain in logistics
Big Data in logistics
3D printing in logistics
Chat-bots in logistics
Internet of things in logistics
Sharing economy in logistics
Self-driving vehicles in logistics
Drones in logistics
Computer vision in logistics
AR/VR in logistics
Machine learning in logistics
Omnichannel in logistics
Building the connected Supply Chain â how digital is transforming Asia-PacificOrange Business Services
Â
Asia Pacific is one of the worldâs major production, manufacturing and distribution hubs. APAC companies are now seeking out âsmarterâ supply chains to improve overall operational effectiveness. What digital tools are impacting the supply chain?Read more here.
More about Orange Business Services:
Official website: http://www.orange-business.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orangebusiness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/orangebusiness
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orange-business-services/
Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/orangebusiness
Pinterest: https://fr.pinterest.com/orangebusiness
Top 9 Trends and Technologies Reshaping Supply Chain Management | The Enterpr...TEWMAGAZINE
Â
Here are 9 major trends and technological developments for the future of supply chain management: 1. Supply Chain Agility 2. Artificial and Augmented Intelligence 3. Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility 4. Digital Twins 5. Blockchain 6. Data Standards and Advanced Analytics
Avaan Excess Parcel Service goes beyond the ordinary, offering a cutting-edge experience in parcel delivery. Enjoy the convenience of online pickup booking, putting the power of scheduling in your hands. Whether it's a last-minute shipment or a planned delivery, our streamlined online system ensures a hassle-free experience. We specialize in more than just parcels â choose us for post office luggage shipping, a service designed to make your travels lighter and more stress-free.
Future Trends and Innovations in Cargo Cloud Solutions (1).pdfRTS corp
Â
In the fast-paced world of cargo logistics, efficiency and innovation are key. As technology continues to evolve, so do the solutions available to streamline operations and enhance productivity in the transportation industry. One such innovation gaining significant traction is Cargo Cloud Solutions â a comprehensive approach leveraging cloud technology to optimize the movement of goods across various supply chain stages. Looking ahead, the future of cargo cloud solutions promises even more exciting developments, revolutionizing how goods are transported and managed globally.
The Rise of Last-Mile Delivery: Meeting Customer Expectations in Today's MarketInsta Dispatch
Â
Last-mile delivery in the supply chain, the final stage of logistics, plays a crucial role in meeting customer expectations. Companies can enhance this process by leveraging advanced technologies and innovative delivery models. With delivery dispatch software like InstaDispatch, logistics companies can optimize their last-mile delivery, improve tracking capabilities, and offer flexible delivery options, all while benefiting from efficient dispatch management. Stay ahead in the market with cutting-edge package delivery management software designed for logistics companies.
The global last-mile delivery software market is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% and thereby increase from a value of US$70.8 Bn in 2023, to US$97.6 Bn the end of 2030.
IoT in logistics and supply chain management by providing real-time visibility and transparency. It allows the tracking of goods, equipment, and vehicles using sensors, RFID, and other technologies. IoT helps optimize operations by automating inventory management, predicting demand, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency.
Overview of Supply Chain and Logistics Technology & Parcel SystemKunj Joshi đ¤
Â
The presentation explains the modern supply chain technology and the parcel system. This presentation is just an overview of the upcoming trend in the Supply Chain Management field. The technology and the system discussed in the presentation is one of the best bounding and leading service ruling the supply chain area.
Top Trends and Predictions for Delivery Apps in 2024On Demand Clone
Â
If you understand the basics of app development, following upcoming trends would not be a problem. Read this blog and see what the future holds. For more visit: https://www.ondemandclone.com/postmates-clone/
Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility with Cargo Cloud Solutions.pdfRTS corp
Â
In today's rapidly evolving global marketplace, supply chain management is crucial for businesses to stay competitive. The ability to track and manage cargo efficiently throughout the entire supply chain is essential for optimizing operations and meeting customer demands. However, traditional supply chain management systems often lack real-time visibility and transparency, leading to inefficiencies and delays. This is where cargo cloud solutions come into play, revolutionizing the way companies manage their supply chains.
IoT in Logistics and Supply Chain- Role, Benefits and Use Cases.Techugo
Â
Discover how the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing logistics and supply chain management. IoT devices enable real-time monitoring of inventory, transportation, and delivery, increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction. Explore the role, benefits, and use cases of IoT in logistics and supply chain management, and learn how it can help you streamline your operations and stay ahead of the competition.
Logistics Software Development Features, Benefits, Trends, and a Lot More.pdfTechugo
Â
There are already many solutions for shipping and logistics software. Why would you create another one for your business?
It is simple!
Custom-made logistics software development adds customization to meet specific company needs. Your company can benefit from a custom-designed logistics solution.
This article will discuss how to logistics software development from scratch, the cost, the features that should be included, and many other topics.
Software that automates and manages warehouse and fleet tasks such as order processing, inventory control and freight transportation is known as logistics software. A platform for logistics can improve visibility into workflow processes, increase supply chain efficiency, enhance customer experience, and even lower transportation costs.
Transforming Logistics: Exploring the Benefits of Supply Chain Automation Sol...basilmph
Â
Supply chain automation can be simply defined as the application of advanced technology and software systems to streamline and automate various processes within the supply chain. The objective of this automation is to make supply chains more efficient, reducing redundant processes, and minimizing human errors.
Similar to Using Technology to Solve Last Mile Delivery Challenges (20)
Introduction to Specialty Pharmaceutical DistributionLaura Olson
Â
Are you a third party service provider or pharmaceutical distributor dealing with specialty pharmaceuticals?
https://www.datexcorp.com/wms-for-third-party-pharmaceutical-outsource-service-providers-and-specialty-pharmaceutical-distribution/
Basics of EBR: What Are Electronic Batch Records?Laura Olson
Â
Software applications the store and manage data electronically for each batch produced in addition to the entire manufacturing process on a step-by-step basis.
EBR software typically relies on another system such as a manufacturing execution system or enterprise resource planning system to systematically generate a formal master batch record or EBR. This master record stores all the materials, processes and activities which were required for the production of a given product.
Electronic batch records provide the structure and means for automatically compiling batch production data into a formatted electronic document, reducing paper and manual records for more accurate record keeping.
Data is recorded and stored in encrypted form, guaranteeing data privacy and security.
It may seem to you as if we live in an Internet of Everything IOE world today.  Between smart grids, your connected car, building automation and all the smart devices on the Internet of Things market, it is hard to get away from all the innovation of the fourth industrial revolution.  New business models are being developed to improve customer experiences.  Keeping Internet of Things secure is a top priority to safeguard personal data.Â
In the world of warehousing, IoT has taken hold.  To speed up the handling, storage and shipping of inventory, warehouses are relying more on IoT-enabled devices including wearables, smart glasses, AMR and AGV.  Robotic and artificial intelligence solutions are being utilized in warehouse and logistics operations in concert with warehouse workers to improve performance and reduce errors.  Facility managers now can rely on Chuck to be the workhorse of their operation and reduce their dependence on seasonal or unreliable workers.
Itâs a different world out there everyone.  We all need to get SMARTâŚ
What is going on in the cold chain this year?
Consumers are driving change and growth in the cold chain industry. This means SKU proliferation, faster inventory turns and an increased need for real time data transparency and fast shipments. More individual orders, processed and delivered faster is now the norm.
Development and adoption of innovative new temperature-sensitive biologic pharmaceuticals is increasing the need for refrigerated transportation, transparency and cold storage warehousing as well as for new technologies to monitor and safeguard products.
The labor shortage continues and the investment in new technologies to compensate advances. Third party refrigerated warehouses have increased the range of value added services that they provide to shippers.
Cold storage warehouse operators have become increasingly aware of and invested in reducing energy consumption and adopting sustainable operations.
The continued incidence of foodborne illness is a major issue in the cold chain industry. Problems with insufficient worker training, precooling, transportation ground operations and commercial handling practices remain weaknesses.
The projected increase in online grocery sales is fueling demand for more cold storage warehouse space. An FMI/Nielsen report indicates a projected pattern of growth from $19 billion to $100 billion by 2024. Current U.S. cold storage warehouse occupancy rates already top 85%.
Location of refrigerated warehouses tends to be near population centers, agricultural areas and at or adjacent to centers of consolidation. This is to reduce transit time to consumers and take advantage of ways to reduce cost.
The cold storage warehouse industry remains dominated by the top 10 operators which own 80% of the market.
The increasing number of product recalls, concerns about bioterrorism, product counterfeit, contamination and foodborne illness outbreaks have forced the need to greater product traceability throughout the supply chain. Using today's information technology tools can enable businesses to respond more quickly and accurately, saving time, labor and in some cases, lives. Product recalls are costly. Companies that do not use traceability technology tools rely on manual methods of tracking products and often end up destroying large quantities of goods just to make sure that all affected products are identified and captured. Using technology to track and trace goods through the supply chain is much more accurate and can provide additional benefits. Traceability tools can provide an array of valuable data that can be used to improve business and operational processes. Governmental regulations such as those of the United States and European Union require some level of product traceability for food products. Traceability solutions can help with documentation and recordkeeping, safety monitoring, enabling process improvements and better decision making and much more. Traceability technology tools include product identification and marking tools, traceability software and RFID. Of these, product identification and marking tools are the most commonly used. Product identification tools include barcode and imprinting tools that rely on tracking numbers to connect production history data with that of the finished goods. Traceability, or track and trace software may be best-of-breed software solutions or functionality within warehouse management software (such as Datex FootPrint WMS). Having software that provides track and trace functionality including the collection and retention of data, documentation of processes, etc. is extremely important when dealing with regulated goods such as food and pharmaceuticals. Using traceability software or a WMS with track and trace capabilities, audit trail etc. can help meet the documentation requirements of FDA and other government agency regulations. Using software with traceability capabilities can also enable your business to compete more successfully to win the business of retailers. Today, retailers often require EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) as well as immediate product recall action within a few hours. Using advanced software and systems can provide these necessary capabilities.
The New Pharma Ecosystem: 2014 Trends Reshaping the Pharmaceutical Supply ChainLaura Olson
Â
The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing tremendous changes. Numerous forces are re-shaping the new pharmaceutical ecosystem. Technology, demographics, regulations and shifts in wealth are creating transformative change. Increasingly becoming a more patient-centric world, patients use Smart devices to monitor research and evaluate pharmaceutical products. Healthcare reform regulations, the devaluation of the existing pharma model and trend towards patient empowerment and access to information are shaping the changing pharma industry, much as the retail industry was shaped by the multichannel and omni channel retailing trends of recent years. Regulators have become increasingly more cautious when improving innovative medicines. As pharmaceuticals have become more successful in prolonging life and treating illness, many medical conditions are now chronic. Today healthcare providers have become increasingly interested in measuring the outcomes of pharma performance and basing pricing accordingly. There has been a dramatic increase in prescription volume and an increased production and use of generic drugs. Producing pharmaceuticals in other countries can be complicated. Customs, local regulations and other factors impact products and require brands to adapt. Generic pharmaceuticals are becoming the dominant category globally, especially in developing rather than just industrial countries. Adding to the complexity, a large number of pharmaceutical products are made by multiple countries. These factors and the move towards specialty pharmaceuticals and greater production of pharmaceutical products globally have resulted in more pressure on global supply chains. Because supply chains have moved from local to global in operation, even one significant event can interrupt the global supply chain. Events such as hurricanes and typhoons, earthquakes, political and economic upheaval can have serious impacts on global supply chains, adding unforeseen costs and delays. Health care reform magnifies the effect of longer supply chains and increases the intense cost pressure on drug manufacturers. In order to reduce costs, more production as well as research and development are being offshored and outsourced.
What You Need to Know About the Drug Quality Security Act (DQSA)Laura Olson
Â
The new Drug Quality Security Act (DQSA) signed into law by President Obama in November 2013 takes effect January 2015. Designed to address threats to patient safety and security, the new federal law will improve the effectiveness of product recalls and provide one uniform policy nationwide. DQSA pre-empts the new California e-pedigree law as well as the 30 or so other state drug pedigree laws nationwide. This new law affects pharma manufacturers, repackagers, wholesale distributors, third party logistics providers and dispensers. This law marks the first time that the FDA has been given sweeping oversight of the pharmaceutical supply chain. For more information, visit www.datexcorp.com.
Welcome to the first live UiPath Community Day Dubai! Join us for this unique occasion to meet our local and global UiPath Community and leaders. You will get a full view of the MEA region's automation landscape and the AI Powered automation technology capabilities of UiPath. Also, hosted by our local partners Marc Ellis, you will enjoy a half-day packed with industry insights and automation peers networking.
đ Curious on our agenda? Wait no more!
10:00 Welcome note - UiPath Community in Dubai
Lovely Sinha, UiPath Community Chapter Leader, UiPath MVPx3, Hyper-automation Consultant, First Abu Dhabi Bank
10:20 A UiPath cross-region MEA overview
Ashraf El Zarka, VP and Managing Director MEA, UiPath
10:35: Customer Success Journey
Deepthi Deepak, Head of Intelligent Automation CoE, First Abu Dhabi Bank
11:15 The UiPath approach to GenAI with our three principles: improve accuracy, supercharge productivity, and automate more
Boris Krumrey, Global VP, Automation Innovation, UiPath
12:15 To discover how Marc Ellis leverages tech-driven solutions in recruitment and managed services.
Brendan Lingam, Director of Sales and Business Development, Marc Ellis
GDG Cloud Southlake #33: Boule & Rebala: Effective AppSec in SDLC using Deplo...James Anderson
Â
Effective Application Security in Software Delivery lifecycle using Deployment Firewall and DBOM
The modern software delivery process (or the CI/CD process) includes many tools, distributed teams, open-source code, and cloud platforms. Constant focus on speed to release software to market, along with the traditional slow and manual security checks has caused gaps in continuous security as an important piece in the software supply chain. Today organizations feel more susceptible to external and internal cyber threats due to the vast attack surface in their applications supply chain and the lack of end-to-end governance and risk management.
The software team must secure its software delivery process to avoid vulnerability and security breaches. This needs to be achieved with existing tool chains and without extensive rework of the delivery processes. This talk will present strategies and techniques for providing visibility into the true risk of the existing vulnerabilities, preventing the introduction of security issues in the software, resolving vulnerabilities in production environments quickly, and capturing the deployment bill of materials (DBOM).
Speakers:
Bob Boule
Robert Boule is a technology enthusiast with PASSION for technology and making things work along with a knack for helping others understand how things work. He comes with around 20 years of solution engineering experience in application security, software continuous delivery, and SaaS platforms. He is known for his dynamic presentations in CI/CD and application security integrated in software delivery lifecycle.
Gopinath Rebala
Gopinath Rebala is the CTO of OpsMx, where he has overall responsibility for the machine learning and data processing architectures for Secure Software Delivery. Gopi also has a strong connection with our customers, leading design and architecture for strategic implementations. Gopi is a frequent speaker and well-known leader in continuous delivery and integrating security into software delivery.
GraphRAG is All You need? LLM & Knowledge GraphGuy Korland
Â
Guy Korland, CEO and Co-founder of FalkorDB, will review two articles on the integration of language models with knowledge graphs.
1. Unifying Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs: A Roadmap.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.08302
2. Microsoft Research's GraphRAG paper and a review paper on various uses of knowledge graphs:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/graphrag-unlocking-llm-discovery-on-narrative-private-data/
Generative AI Deep Dive: Advancing from Proof of Concept to ProductionAggregage
Â
Join Maher Hanafi, VP of Engineering at Betterworks, in this new session where he'll share a practical framework to transform Gen AI prototypes into impactful products! He'll delve into the complexities of data collection and management, model selection and optimization, and ensuring security, scalability, and responsible use.
State of ICS and IoT Cyber Threat Landscape Report 2024 previewPrayukth K V
Â
The IoT and OT threat landscape report has been prepared by the Threat Research Team at Sectrio using data from Sectrio, cyber threat intelligence farming facilities spread across over 85 cities around the world. In addition, Sectrio also runs AI-based advanced threat and payload engagement facilities that serve as sinks to attract and engage sophisticated threat actors, and newer malware including new variants and latent threats that are at an earlier stage of development.
The latest edition of the OT/ICS and IoT security Threat Landscape Report 2024 also covers:
State of global ICS asset and network exposure
Sectoral targets and attacks as well as the cost of ransom
Global APT activity, AI usage, actor and tactic profiles, and implications
Rise in volumes of AI-powered cyberattacks
Major cyber events in 2024
Malware and malicious payload trends
Cyberattack types and targets
Vulnerability exploit attempts on CVEs
Attacks on counties â USA
Expansion of bot farms â how, where, and why
In-depth analysis of the cyber threat landscape across North America, South America, Europe, APAC, and the Middle East
Why are attacks on smart factories rising?
Cyber risk predictions
Axis of attacks â Europe
Systemic attacks in the Middle East
Download the full report from here:
https://sectrio.com/resources/ot-threat-landscape-reports/sectrio-releases-ot-ics-and-iot-security-threat-landscape-report-2024/
PHP Frameworks: I want to break free (IPC Berlin 2024)Ralf Eggert
Â
In this presentation, we examine the challenges and limitations of relying too heavily on PHP frameworks in web development. We discuss the history of PHP and its frameworks to understand how this dependence has evolved. The focus will be on providing concrete tips and strategies to reduce reliance on these frameworks, based on real-world examples and practical considerations. The goal is to equip developers with the skills and knowledge to create more flexible and future-proof web applications. We'll explore the importance of maintaining autonomy in a rapidly changing tech landscape and how to make informed decisions in PHP development.
This talk is aimed at encouraging a more independent approach to using PHP frameworks, moving towards a more flexible and future-proof approach to PHP development.
Pushing the limits of ePRTC: 100ns holdover for 100 daysAdtran
Â
At WSTS 2024, Alon Stern explored the topic of parametric holdover and explained how recent research findings can be implemented in real-world PNT networks to achieve 100 nanoseconds of accuracy for up to 100 days.
Smart TV Buyer Insights Survey 2024 by 91mobiles.pdf91mobiles
Â
91mobiles recently conducted a Smart TV Buyer Insights Survey in which we asked over 3,000 respondents about the TV they own, aspects they look at on a new TV, and their TV buying preferences.
LF Energy Webinar: Electrical Grid Modelling and Simulation Through PowSyBl -...DanBrown980551
Â
Do you want to learn how to model and simulate an electrical network from scratch in under an hour?
Then welcome to this PowSyBl workshop, hosted by Rte, the French Transmission System Operator (TSO)!
During the webinar, you will discover the PowSyBl ecosystem as well as handle and study an electrical network through an interactive Python notebook.
PowSyBl is an open source project hosted by LF Energy, which offers a comprehensive set of features for electrical grid modelling and simulation. Among other advanced features, PowSyBl provides:
- A fully editable and extendable library for grid component modelling;
- Visualization tools to display your network;
- Grid simulation tools, such as power flows, security analyses (with or without remedial actions) and sensitivity analyses;
The framework is mostly written in Java, with a Python binding so that Python developers can access PowSyBl functionalities as well.
What you will learn during the webinar:
- For beginners: discover PowSyBl's functionalities through a quick general presentation and the notebook, without needing any expert coding skills;
- For advanced developers: master the skills to efficiently apply PowSyBl functionalities to your real-world scenarios.
zkStudyClub - Reef: Fast Succinct Non-Interactive Zero-Knowledge Regex ProofsAlex Pruden
Â
This paper presents Reef, a system for generating publicly verifiable succinct non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs that a committed document matches or does not match a regular expression. We describe applications such as proving the strength of passwords, the provenance of email despite redactions, the validity of oblivious DNS queries, and the existence of mutations in DNA. Reef supports the Perl Compatible Regular Expression syntax, including wildcards, alternation, ranges, capture groups, Kleene star, negations, and lookarounds. Reef introduces a new type of automata, Skipping Alternating Finite Automata (SAFA), that skips irrelevant parts of a document when producing proofs without undermining soundness, and instantiates SAFA with a lookup argument. Our experimental evaluation confirms that Reef can generate proofs for documents with 32M characters; the proofs are small and cheap to verify (under a second).
Paper: https://eprint.iacr.org/2023/1886
Elevating Tactical DDD Patterns Through Object CalisthenicsDorra BARTAGUIZ
Â
After immersing yourself in the blue book and its red counterpart, attending DDD-focused conferences, and applying tactical patterns, you're left with a crucial question: How do I ensure my design is effective? Tactical patterns within Domain-Driven Design (DDD) serve as guiding principles for creating clear and manageable domain models. However, achieving success with these patterns requires additional guidance. Interestingly, we've observed that a set of constraints initially designed for training purposes remarkably aligns with effective pattern implementation, offering a more âmechanicalâ approach. Let's explore together how Object Calisthenics can elevate the design of your tactical DDD patterns, offering concrete help for those venturing into DDD for the first time!
Alt. GDG Cloud Southlake #33: Boule & Rebala: Effective AppSec in SDLC using ...James Anderson
Â
Effective Application Security in Software Delivery lifecycle using Deployment Firewall and DBOM
The modern software delivery process (or the CI/CD process) includes many tools, distributed teams, open-source code, and cloud platforms. Constant focus on speed to release software to market, along with the traditional slow and manual security checks has caused gaps in continuous security as an important piece in the software supply chain. Today organizations feel more susceptible to external and internal cyber threats due to the vast attack surface in their applications supply chain and the lack of end-to-end governance and risk management.
The software team must secure its software delivery process to avoid vulnerability and security breaches. This needs to be achieved with existing tool chains and without extensive rework of the delivery processes. This talk will present strategies and techniques for providing visibility into the true risk of the existing vulnerabilities, preventing the introduction of security issues in the software, resolving vulnerabilities in production environments quickly, and capturing the deployment bill of materials (DBOM).
Speakers:
Bob Boule
Robert Boule is a technology enthusiast with PASSION for technology and making things work along with a knack for helping others understand how things work. He comes with around 20 years of solution engineering experience in application security, software continuous delivery, and SaaS platforms. He is known for his dynamic presentations in CI/CD and application security integrated in software delivery lifecycle.
Gopinath Rebala
Gopinath Rebala is the CTO of OpsMx, where he has overall responsibility for the machine learning and data processing architectures for Secure Software Delivery. Gopi also has a strong connection with our customers, leading design and architecture for strategic implementations. Gopi is a frequent speaker and well-known leader in continuous delivery and integrating security into software delivery.
Removing Uninteresting Bytes in Software FuzzingAftab Hussain
Â
Imagine a world where software fuzzing, the process of mutating bytes in test seeds to uncover hidden and erroneous program behaviors, becomes faster and more effective. A lot depends on the initial seeds, which can significantly dictate the trajectory of a fuzzing campaign, particularly in terms of how long it takes to uncover interesting behaviour in your code. We introduce DIAR, a technique designed to speedup fuzzing campaigns by pinpointing and eliminating those uninteresting bytes in the seeds. Picture this: instead of wasting valuable resources on meaningless mutations in large, bloated seeds, DIAR removes the unnecessary bytes, streamlining the entire process.
In this work, we equipped AFL, a popular fuzzer, with DIAR and examined two critical Linux libraries -- Libxml's xmllint, a tool for parsing xml documents, and Binutil's readelf, an essential debugging and security analysis command-line tool used to display detailed information about ELF (Executable and Linkable Format). Our preliminary results show that AFL+DIAR does not only discover new paths more quickly but also achieves higher coverage overall. This work thus showcases how starting with lean and optimized seeds can lead to faster, more comprehensive fuzzing campaigns -- and DIAR helps you find such seeds.
- These are slides of the talk given at IEEE International Conference on Software Testing Verification and Validation Workshop, ICSTW 2022.
Essentials of Automations: The Art of Triggers and Actions in FMESafe Software
Â
In this second installment of our Essentials of Automations webinar series, weâll explore the landscape of triggers and actions, guiding you through the nuances of authoring and adapting workspaces for seamless automations. Gain an understanding of the full spectrum of triggers and actions available in FME, empowering you to enhance your workspaces for efficient automation.
Weâll kick things off by showcasing the most commonly used event-based triggers, introducing you to various automation workflows like manual triggers, schedules, directory watchers, and more. Plus, see how these elements play out in real scenarios.
Whether youâre tweaking your current setup or building from the ground up, this session will arm you with the tools and insights needed to transform your FME usage into a powerhouse of productivity. Join us to discover effective strategies that simplify complex processes, enhancing your productivity and transforming your data management practices with FME. Letâs turn complexity into clarity and make your workspaces work wonders!
The Art of the Pitch: WordPress Relationships and SalesLaura Byrne
Â
Clients donât know what they donât know. What web solutions are right for them? How does WordPress come into the picture? How do you make sure you understand scope and timeline? What do you do if sometime changes?
All these questions and more will be explored as we talk about matching clientsâ needs with what your agency offers without pulling teeth or pulling your hair out. Practical tips, and strategies for successful relationship building that leads to closing the deal.
Transcript: Selling digital books in 2024: Insights from industry leaders - T...BookNet Canada
Â
The publishing industry has been selling digital audiobooks and ebooks for over a decade and has found its groove. Whatâs changed? What has stayed the same? Where do we go from here? Join a group of leading sales peers from across the industry for a conversation about the lessons learned since the popularization of digital books, best practices, digital book supply chain management, and more.
Link to video recording: https://bnctechforum.ca/sessions/selling-digital-books-in-2024-insights-from-industry-leaders/
Presented by BookNet Canada on May 28, 2024, with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
2. As supply chain trends come and go, this is a revolution. According to industry
experts, Amazon reportedly has had an overwhelming effect on the buying habits of
consumers. The supply chain and logistics industry has been turned upside down
by ecommerce omnichannel buying trends.
With online sales soaring and brick
and mortar retailers looking for new
ways to get goods delivered to
consumers faster so that they can
compete with online retailers, there
are tricky problems to solve.
Consumers report that they give
great consideration to the customer
experience: the speed, accuracy and
quality of the on time delivery
process is crucial to their
satisfaction.
3. Essential to todayâs e-commerce and omnichannel supply chains across North
America, last mile logistics enables shippers to get goods into the hands of
impatient consumers using a variety of optional methods and means. The last
mile of the supply chain is typically the most costly, problematic and inefficient.
Delivering to residential consumers as compared to businesses is inherently
less efficient.
4. This is because shipping carriers
are typically delivering individual
packages, frequently to low density
areas. When the consumer is
not at home, often additional
delivery attempts need to be
made. For many years,
shipping carriers have tried to
optimize last mile delivery
service. It has taken creativity,
technology and a trend towards
the gig economy to craft an
array of solutions to the variety
of challenges that this presents.
5. No matter the situation, there are challenges in last mile logistics for both
rural and urban areas. Delivery services in urban areas often face traffic, road
closures and accident delays and parking may be problematic. This is
especially troubling when it comes to delivering large, heavy or cumbersome
goods to the door of consumers. Security is also a typical concern. Rural
deliveries have their own unique problems due to lack of delivery density,
added fuel costs, transportation time and other factors. Add to this: recent
constraints from a supply chain labor shortage and the expectation of consumers for
fast, free delivery and there is a major puzzle to solve.
6. Retailers are looking for innovative solutions to the home delivery dilemma.
Take heart, help is on the way. Technology can play a vital role in
streamlining order fulfillment and delivery. Whether retailers choose to
outsource their needs to a 3PL, traditional shipping carrier such as USPS,
FedEx or UPS or take advantage of the trend in crowdsourcing, technology
can make last mile delivery less challenging.
7. From mobile computing
solutions, barcode
scanners and barcode
readers to sophisticated,
agile supply chain software
and artificial intelligence,
technology can help expedite
order fulfillment and deliveries,
provide real time traceability
of packages and help ensure
supply chain operational
efficiencies that help keep
costs down and deliveries
affordable.
8. Using Technology to Optimize Order Fulfillment & Last Mile
Delivery
Whether you are a transportation and logistics services provider, messenger or
courier service or a 3PL that handles home delivery in North America,
implementing the use of technology in your business can pay huge dividends and
enable you to win new business.
9. Transportation Route Optimization Software
Reduces Fuel and Labor Costs
Use route scheduling optimization software to save time and money. This is
especially effective when scheduling routes with dynamic volumes and
changing destinations. Utilizing route optimization software can reduce fuel, labor and
time as well as your carbon footprint. It can also enable you to make the most
effective use of your transportation fleet, allowing you to âdo more with lessâ and
compete effectively with other transportation providers. Route scheduling
software can also help reduce overall transportation costs for home delivery
when used in planning and updating regular delivery routes.
10. Enhance Supply Chain, Inventory and Order
Fulfillment with a Warehouse Management System
Legacy WMS systems, essential for inventory
management, were simply not designed to handle
the heavy transaction volume experienced today
from the huge influx of individual consumer
orders. If your company is in the business of
processing orders (especially if you are
handling last mile delivery), your business would
benefit from using a flexible WMS designed to
handle fulfillment. This sophisticated
functionality enables companies to optimize
operations and inventory management when
used in combination with RF devices. For
enterprise operations, look for real time multi-
location inventory visibility and tracking,
integration with e-commerce gateways, wave
planning and seamless operations with
shipping management.
11. Harnessing the Gig Economy Transportation
Workforce Via Crowdsourcing Apps
The supply chain logistics network in North America is facing a labor
shortage. Todayâs worker does not face the same working conditions of those faced by
the previous generation. Gone are the days when everyone worked for one
company for years, putting in eight hours a day from nine to five. Today,
millions of workers create their income stream by working on short term
assignments, typically referred to as âgigsâ.
In the past few years, the Silicon Valley is pushing the expansion of the âon
demandâ gig economy hard. By developing crowdsourcing delivery apps, local,
non-professional couriers and messengers are able to find opportunities to
deliver packages to customers, often same day and in less than an
hour. Examples of this include:
12. Artificial Intelligence and Last Mile Logistics
The vast amount of inexpensive cloud computing power is bringing a dream to come
to life. Marrying the cloud computing power to the massive amount of data is
expediting new solutions involving artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence
(AI) is âhaving a momentâ in last mile logistics.
13. Previous iterations involving technology were focused on transactional
automation. Today, innovation is focused on cognitive automation, the means of
impacting how decisions are made and executed. These AI solutions learn the
inner and outer workings of the business. The AI solution then uses this
knowledge to make recommendations in real time. It also makes predictions on
business outcomes and can facilitate autonomous action.
Highly useful for supply chain networks
and last mile logistics, the field of data
intelligence has made considerable
strides, enabling predictions based on
machine learning and simulation to be
delivered directly to shippers. This can
include use of arrival time windows and
confidence intervals. Accurate risk
metrics involving potential shipping
delays can also be provided.
14. Because the speed of supply chain operations and last mile logistics have
increased noticeably in the past few years, supply chain managers need
assistance with optimization and recommendations on a variety of issues. Data
science to the rescue! Utilizing algorithms, the AI solutions are able to
handle demand-supply chain optimization.
15. Artificial intelligence solutions learn over time. This increases the level of
knowledge, confidence in utilization of data for predictions and
recommendations and level of autonomy. The AI system retains records of
all alerts, actions and data. Human executives can then review the
information. After reviewing the data and AI records, the human executive
can decide to make changes, altering factors to achieve a different
outcome. This will be incorporated into the machine learning of the AI
system, enabling it to adapt to these changes.
16. AI is gaining in popularity for supply chain management. Ventures such
as ClearMetal utilize artificial intelligence to enable flexible, automated supply
chains. Harnessing the wealth of Big Data, ClearMetal applies artificial
intelligence technology to interpret events, manage data and apply predictive
intelligence.
17. Because of the fast paced, dynamic nature of supply chains today, companies
need to be able to adapt quickly and make effective decisions with greater
agility. This improves the response time and enables businesses to outrun the
competition.
AI is the next step in the
journey towards achieving
predictive logistics. Today,
3PLs and other companies
that provide transportation
and delivery services or
supply chain management
services, utilize AI to predict
the ETA of parcel delivery to
the doors of consumers and
inland location.
18. Autonomous, Robotic and Drone Delivery Service
Approximately 60% of the cost of deliveries in North America is labor. At the
present time, deliveries tend to be limited by the cost, availability and shifts of
the workforce. In contrast with this, robotic delivery service could, at least
theoretically, be done 24 hours a day. This may not be the case with drone
deliveries, however due to regulatory and operational restrictions in highly
urbanized areas.
19. Drones
Watch out! Drones and robots are coming. Between partnerships such as that
of Mercedes-Benz and Matternet as well as third party logistics providers
including Kenco, that buzzing sound you hear might not be a bee, but a delivery
drone.
Mercedes announced the debut of their concept van which features roof-
mounted autonomous drones as well as a robotic package sorting solution. The
idea is simple. The entire cargo section of each delivery van is designed to pull
out as packages are not loaded individually. Empty vans receive a new cargo
section âcartridgeâ which contains new packages that need to be delivered.
20. The robotic package sorting solution organizes the parcels and makes their
respective positions know to the robot arm that is inside the vehicle before the
van departs for deliveries. When arriving at a delivery location, the driver notifies
the robotic arm to load the package(s) onto the drone. As it pulls the package, a
battery pack is also retrieved and connected to the drone through a hole in the
delivery vanâs roof.
Once package and battery have been successfully loaded, the drone deploys to
its destination. This fascinating use of technology still has many hurdles to
overcome to be cleared for take off (and landing). Between Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) regulations, local concerns and many concerns, the
Mercedes Vision Van will be in development for some time to come. Stay tuned.
21. Delivery Robots are on the Way
Yes, you heard correctly. The robots and drones ARE coming. In fact, last mile
delivery innovators DoorDash and Postmates have been testing delivery bots
developed by the founders of the highly successful communication
product, Skype, Starship Technologies. Consumers use a mobile app to request
delivery and soon, this six-wheeled autonomous delivery robot brings them their
goods. The Starship Technologies platform engages with specific stores or
hubs in order to handle the delivery details.
22. These self-driving delivery robots are capable of carrying items within a 3 mile
radius within 3 to 30 minutes. Able to maneuver around people and objects, the
last mile delivery journey can be monitored on a Smartphone. To keep goods
secure, the cargo bay section of each delivery robot remains locked throughout transport
and can only be opened by the recipient of the delivery.
23. Thinking Outside the Box of Standard Last Mile
Delivery
One of the vexing challenges with last mile delivery of ecommerce and omnichannel
parcels involves parcel security and deliverability. Unsuccessful deliveries (missed
delivery attempts that result in the need to attempt again to delivery the package) add
additional cost to couriers and last mile delivery service providers. Re-delivery may occur
because no one is available to sign for the shipment, regulations or residential policies that
prevent leaving the package, etc. This wastes time, fuel and labor of transportation and
logistics providers and causes a great deal of frustration for all concerned.
To help alleviate these challenges, logistics innovators have introduced new ways to help
satisfy the needs of both the consumer and the delivery service providers:
24. Parcel Delivery Lockers
Alternative delivery locations and lockers are already in use by companies
including Amazon and United Parcel Service through their UPS Access Point
Program. This program makes it easy for consumers to schedule package delivery at an
established time to a specific UPS Access Point location for quick retrieval. This
provides peace of mind for the consumer, knowing that their parcels are secure
and helps meet their scheduling needs. Package drop off is also available at
these locations. Online tracking using the UPS mobile app facilitates
independence and helps to relieve consumer concerns.
25. Smart Mailboxes
There are Smart watches, phones and other technologies-why not a Smart
mailbox? MailHaven is a smart mailbox that provides protection and tracking
for your packages. The IoT-enabled mailbox helps ensure safekeeping from thievery
and weather and works with a mobile app that provides alerts when the package arrives.
Using the MailHaven mobile app enables the user to track purchases and
receive exclusive deals from retailers.
26. IoT, RFID, Sensors and Smart Technology Provide
Parcel Traceability to the Consumer
From IoT sensors that monitor data including location, fuel consumption and
cornering speed in delivery vans to sensors that measure and monitor the
temperature of parcels, technology is enabling supply chain executives and consumers
to have access to the most expansive array of real time information in history.
The Internet of Things is revolutionizing the supply
chain logistics industry and completely altering
delivery operations. Supply chain operations are
using combinations of technologies including
barcodes, RFID, IoT, Bluetooth and NFC. Used in
combination, these technologies help both
consumers and supply chain operators see across
the supply chain network from the retail store to the
point of delivery. Here is a brief look at some of the
recent technologies:
27. Sensors and Smart Technology
With increased interest in traceability and tracking of temperature sensitive
items, companies are inserting probes and monitoring devices in the packages
themselves. This enables the shipper to know the probe temperature and other factors
including humidity at every step of the package delivery journey.
Today, companies such as ParceLive provide peace of mind for supply chain
operators and customers. ParceLive is a data driven service that takes the data
from sensors and tracking technology for use by its clients and can provide
benefits across the supply chain.
28. Using a postcard-sized device that is inserted into the parcel at the point of
distribution, ParceLive uses GPS and has the capability of monitoring data
including temperature and light (to see if the package has been opened or
not). Ideal for use in tracking high value, fragile and time or temperature sensitive goods,
ParceLive offers a subscription service and enables companies to rent devices to reduce
the expense and risk of implementing a parcel tracking system.
29. IoT, RFID and the Seamless Flow of Data for Last
Mile Delivery
What is IoT and why is it impacting last mile logistics? According to Gartnerâs
definition, the Internet of Things (IoT) is âthe network of physical objects that
contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their
internal states or the external environmentâ. To be clear, everyday devices are
embedded with sensors, network access and computing power so that they can
produce and gather data. These devices are then able to interact with other systems
and equipment without the interruption or interference by humans.
30. IoT devices require much less
human control regarding their
functioning and can process a
huge mass of information. RFID
is also being used across the
supply chain for a variety of
purposes including inventory and
asset tracking and has reduced
need for human
intervention. Unlike barcodes
which need to be scanned. RFID
chips can be used to reduce the cost
of labor and time.
31. RFID Tags
What is RFID? An RFID system is comprised of electromagnetically responsive
RFID tags and RFID readers. Embedded within each RFID tag is unique
information. Attaching an RFID tag to an object such as inventory or goods
makes it possible to track and monitor placement and movement, making it traceable
throughout transport. This has made RFID useful in supply chain logistics,
especially for tracking shipping containers, components used in the
manufacturing process and for other similar purposes.
32. RFID tags utilize mini-circuitry which is identifiable by radio waves. As thin as
paper labels or as large and cumbersome as a keychain, the size of an RFID tag
depends upon the quantity of data strings that the tag can store as well as the distance
from which it can be read. Active RFID tags include their own battery power. Some
active RFID tags also include sensors.
To be read, an RFID tag does not necessarily require âline of sightâ as in the case
of barcodes. Instead the readability distance is determined by whether the type
of RFID tag is passive or active. Although RFID readers can be fixed or mobile,
Smartphones cannot be used to read RFID tags as they are in the case of
barcodes.
33. Active and passive RFID tags provide data regarding the goods to which they are
attached. How can you tell the difference between active and passive RFID
tags? Passive RFID tags include an RFID antenna as well as a microchip that
stores data. They draw power from the radio waves that are extended by the
RFID reader and reflect this back to the readers. The reflected wave is captured
by the reader so that the RFID tag and parameters can be identified. Radio
waves are reflected, much like a boomerang. This results in erosion of the
strength of the radio waves by the time they reach the RFID reader, reducing the
readable range to less than 20 feet on average.
34. The readability range of active RFID tags
is typically 100 feet. This is primarily
because active RFID tags have batteries
incorporated within them. This enables
active RFID tags to beam information
toward the RFID reader much as you
would do in using a Smartphone. One of
the most popular uses for active RFID
tags are in monitoring high-value cargo,
packages, assets and equipment in
warehouses, railways and other supply
chain facility yards. Because the
readability range is greater, there is less
need to have as many RFID
readers. This helps to reduce the overall
cost of using RFID.
35. Wide-area RFID technology is now available. A California
company, Mojix specializes in providing IoT platform solutions and innovative
RFID technology to provide increased visibility for retail, manufacturing, oil and
gas, healthcare and other industries and uses.
36. Conclusion:
With parcel delivery and home delivery challenges ranging from
transportation management, real time visibility and traceability of the
retail supply chain, deliverability rates to final destinations, there is a
tremendous need for innovation and affordable technology.
Using these revolutionary technologies including IoT, RFID, AI and more
in fulfillment centers, distribution centers and by delivery drivers will help
ensure cost, time and labor savings and reduce frustration for both
consumers and supply chain operators.