2020年,库存管理我ssues were estimated to cost UK manufacturers 66 billion GBP because of disruption caused by the pandemic. Consequently, the quest to improve efficiency, cut waste, and enhance supply chain operations is one that suppliers know all too well. Here Chris Johnson, managing director at miniature bearings specialist SMB Bearings, explains how the Internet of Things (IoT) can enable a stronger, more resilient bearing supply chain.
Abundant data growth, the rise of revolutionary technologies, and advancements in IT systems have the real potential to deliver improved efficiency for suppliers. Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital twins are being used to automate processes and gain deeper, more relevant insights.
The goal of IoT in supply chain management is to improve visibility and agility through greater connectivity. However, according to Reuters, during the height of the pandemic, 41% of procurement leaders found their supplier data inadequate, and 26% found it mostly or completely inadequate. A year later, 72% of procurement leaders are concerned that their supplier intelligence has still not improved. So how can IoT help suppliers find a solution?
Supply chain resiliency and communication
IoT devices can enable visibility across an entire supply chain in real-time. This reduces the potential risk associated with having a global supply chain. A bearing’s journey can span multiple geographical regions and goods may be required to travel vast distances. IoT devices are an effective method to not only track and authenticate goods, but to monitor the storage conditions of products to enhance quality management throughout the supply chain.
For example, sensor-enabled freight can use sensor devices to detect current shipment location and environmental variables such as temperature, light exposure, and humidity, then wirelessly communicate these variables to the shipper. Crucially, the necessary adjustments can then be made to ensure product quality or adjust onward travel.
在供应链中的不同利益相关者之间有效共享信息是确保效率和降低风险的关键。多亏了IoT，现在可以比以往任何时候都更简化供应商和买家之间的通信过程。访问数据可以使销售经理在潜在或现有买家进行查询时提供准确的供应估算和时间表。
维护和售后支持
Supply chain optimization doesn’t end with a sale. On the contrary, supply chain management extends to aftermarket services. Generally, following a bearing sale, buyers are instructed to provide prompt feedback to suppliers when they encounter problems.
过去，买家可能依靠客户服务部门和呼叫中心来解决其查询，但是通过IoT连接，可以将组件故障自动传达给供应商，以便采取补救措施。在采取适当的维护措施之前，可以对轴承进行全面的评估，从而节省资源和人工的成本。
在过去的18个月中，供应连锁店面临着前所未有的挑战。值得庆幸的是，新技术正在新兴，可以提供解决方案。物联网可以在您的供应链中提供越来越多的可见性，从而可以监视轴承的状况，同时在运输速度和增强供应商提供维护和售后支持的能力。
SMB Bearings
smbbearings.com
Filed Under:轴承提示
