The global shipping industry is experiencing a significant technological transformation, making the movement of goods faster, cheaper, and more reliable. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry had little incentive to modernize due to the high cost and unreliability of tracking technologies. However, the pandemic exposed critical logistical challenges, prompting a shift towards the adoption of advanced Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and artificial intelligence (AI).
IoT Revolutionizes Cargo Tracking
During the pandemic, capacity-strained ports and misplaced cargo highlighted the need for better tracking solutions. Wireless IoT devices, capable of sharing data via WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and radio signals, have become more reliable and affordable. Kent Rawlings, co-founder of Skylink Solutions, explains that these devices help manufacturers manage inventory, predict delivery times, and optimize transportation routes. The integration of AI with IoT data further enhances supply chain efficiency, enabling least-cost routing and proactive management of temperature-sensitive goods.
AI Enhances Supply Chain Efficiency
AI plays a crucial role in optimizing the shipping industry by processing vast amounts of data from tracking devices. Jeff Shirley, CEO of Rivercity Innovations, emphasizes that AI-driven insights can prevent costly spoilage of temperature-sensitive products by providing real-time alerts and allowing for timely interventions. The partnership between Rivercity Innovations and French satellite provider Kinéis exemplifies how hybrid IoT and satellite systems can monitor and manage freight conditions globally. As costs decrease and reliability improves, these technologies are laying the foundation for a highly efficient, AI-powered global supply chain.
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Source: THE GLOBE AND MAIL
