To quote Albert Einstein “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity”. Logistics automation is the fresh evidence to back up his statement. In this era of technology revolution it has become a necessary task to integrate technology in logistics business. Technology has given logistics a whole new definition and improved the business to a remarkable extent. Logistics automation mainly deals with operations in a warehouse where supply chain management is the major operation system. Technology offers variety of hardware and software components which are major contributions in taking this business to new heights. In such a vast business you will need technology to strategize and organize even the slightest of detail.
Top Aspects of Logistics Automation Technology
Let’s now have a look on some fantastic aspects of technology that has made remarkable changes in logistics business:
Automatic identification
It is a tracking system for identifying and locating things by exchanging the data electronically. It can be used for cartons moving in a conveyer belts or in tracking luggage carts. It provides direct data entry into the computer without operating a keyboard. Bar coding and Radio frequency identification are included in this category. We all are aware of bar codes; these are sequence of parallel lines with spaces in between, these lines are coded information which is deciphered by a scanner. Bar coding is used for identification, storage and handling of goods. They without any doubts increase the productivity of warehouse department because the time consumed and paper work is less. RIFD is a data capture technology that helps in communication between the objects through radio transmission.
Electronic standard interchange (EDI)
This allows business firms to exchange information with each other on electronic basis by transferring electronic documents in between the trading partners. This keeps the record of all the information exchanged between the two business entities so that evidence is available all the time.
Logistics software
This is a computer program which simplifies the tiresome task of managing, organizing, global trading, financial transactions and executions of all the services in this business. It has added consistency in the business by giving recent up to date information of ach and every service in the management. Many logistic solutions are applying this software in financial services, customer support, marketing, resource management and all such services, to make their work simpler and organized.
Global positioning systems (GPS)
It is a global navigation system that tracks the location of vehicles carrying goods. A GPS receiver is mounted on the vehicle. It has all the facilities like audio facilities to keep in constant conversation with the drivers to instruct them accordingly.
The correct usage of tools and techniques has lead to great technological advancements in every field including logistics. Supply chain management is now way too easier with technology than it was few years back. With increasing cross border traffic, there was a genuine need to amalgamate technology into logistics to keep a pace with fast moving trading system.
Author Bio
Hi I am Alan. I am very interested in posting articles related to logistics services as this is part of my personal interest and I have written few articles till now and published them.
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Technology is now the backbone of logistics business. Traditional methods are becoming non-profitable in this dynamic world.