DHL has released "Next Generation Wireless in Logistics", a new trend report that comprehensively understands the evolution of wireless networks and the future of the Internet of Things (IoT) in logistics. This report summarizes the perspectives and recent figures of the logistics industry, paving the way for a common understanding of different wireless technologies by presenting examples and looking forward to the future possibilities of next-generation wireless.
Connecting everyone, everything, everywhere
Even before the current COVID-19 crisis, wireless communication technology had already made headlines. Most of the recent interest has been focused on the 5G mobile data networks being launched in many countries/regions. 5G has brought many benefits to end-users, enterprises, and telecommunications system operators, including higher speed, larger capacity, and tailored services for the next generation of intelligent connectivity devices.
In addition to 5G, advances in various wireless communication technologies are creating new opportunities for logistics to improve visibility, operational efficiency, and accelerate automation. Well known technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth, as well as lesser known technologies such as Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, have been enhanced for industrial use. These next-generation wireless technologies will drive the next step in the communication revolution towards a new world where everyone and everything can connect anytime, anywhere.
Creating a completely interconnected future for logistics
In a survey conducted by DHL on nearly 800 supply chains, 60% of respondents indicated that their supply chains currently lack visibility. The three main challenges faced by respondents are achieving true end-to-end visibility, lacking a single centralized platform to promote IoT initiatives, and collecting fragmented data from inherent heterogeneous supply chains. The three key priorities for shaping a visibility strategy are end-to-end transportation visibility, inventory visibility, and implementation of supply chain data analysis. 75% of respondents stated that they plan to implement at least one next-generation wireless technology in the near future to achieve their visibility goals.
