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Applications of IoT in Logistics and Supply Chain Management to overcome

Challenges and Success Factor
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Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................3

Introduction......................................................................................................................................4

Research Aim...............................................................................................................................5

Research Objective......................................................................................................................5

Background and Relative Research.............................................................................................5

Research Questions..........................................................................................................................6

Purpose of Study..............................................................................................................................7

Research Methodology....................................................................................................................7

Resources Required.........................................................................................................................7

Resources Outcome.........................................................................................................................7

References........................................................................................................................................8
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Abstract
Internet of Things (IoT) is a worldwide array of smart devices that links tangible and digital
objects. Although IoT devices are being marketed as the potential Industry 4.0 framework,
practical evidence of IoT adoption in logistics management and supply chain management is
scarce. Using ground theory-based conversations with retail industry executives, this research
assesses the advantages and challenges of IoT applications in supply chains. IoT adoption
enhances the transparency of product motion, data collection, partnership interaction, and data
analytics. Furthermore, merchants encounter hurdles owing to a lack of top leadership effort, the
expense of the latest technological purchases, stakeholders' unwillingness to embrace change,
reluctance to share information, and poor software system compatibility. The research
demonstrates proof-of-concept IoT advantages that reinforce IoT investment choices, throw light
on uptake difficulties, and produce research proposals for future research.
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Introduction
In supply chain management, "IoT" refers to combining numerous data sources (devices utilized
in the distribution chain) to produce a final result such as increased operational excellence or
improved product demand forecasts. Even small firms are adopting this strategy. An IoT
distribution network, then, is a system that uses device connection to accomplish the same results
as distributing a product to a customer but more effectively. Supply chains have typically been
built to integrate human workers with the accuracy and efficiency of technology to achieve large-
scale output. Many of the automation systems used in workplaces throughout the globe may now
be tracked better precisely and with real-time notifications whenever something malfunctions,
thanks to IoT (Birkel, 2020).

Nowadays, IoT and supply chain work hand in hand and transportation monitoring is one of the
most common Internet of Things areas. When something goes wrong in supply chain
management, it usually has a domino effect that affects whole industries. IoT supply chain
technology might assist management analyze processes and, ultimately, avoid disruptions in
critical supply chain systems from manufacturing to delivery and distribution. Every firm wants
to satisfy production and delivery schedules and monthly revenue projections, and well-managed
supply chains are essential investments in that direction. Further than that, delays in important
supply chains (such as medications, crucial materials, electronics, and large-capacity batteries)
can damage localized, regional, and world economies (De Vass, 2020).

The deployment of IoT devices throughout the supply chain, spanning factory production floors
to transportation and logistics hub tracking inventory, provides transparency and information
collecting. Linking these sensors to IoT device management solutions consolidates access and
provides insightful information where they are most required. Furthermore, businesses may
employ deep learning to create intelligent supply-chain IoT that enhances the efficiency of the
supply chain. Inventory management is a critical tool for implementing and improving every
aspect of the supply chain through the use of IoT devices. These systems guarantee that
commodities, finished goods, and shipments are delivered from manufacturers to wholesalers,
storage, and end-users, and consumers. Asset management is critical in managing the supply
chain and cannot be emphasized. Distribution and transport businesses would be unable to assure
the correct operation of their complicated supply chain networks if they did not have trustworthy
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inventory data. However, when demand exceeds supply, today's networks fail to respond swiftly
(Pimsakul, 2021).

Research Aim
 To investigate the benefits and drawbacks of IoT implementation and application in the
supply chain for corporate success.
 To enhance the robustness and efficiency of supply chain management of companies with the
help of IoT.

Research Objective
 To study IoT applications in SCM and logistics to identify various challenges and success
factors.

Background and Relative Research

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which has become a buzzword in the ICT industry,
incorporates aspects such as barcodes, cameras, and actual data control into the informational
software system. According to research institutions, its productive capacity is tremendous, and it
may be applied in a variety of industries including healthcare, power management, factory
equipment, environment protection, traffic control, logistics, and supply chain management. IoT
has a significant influence on organizations and alters supply chain management and logistics
methodologies. According to studies, there will be a thirty-fold growth in Internet-connected
hardware objects by 2020, which will undoubtedly impact supply chain management,
particularly in the way information is obtained (Dutta, 2021).

Because of its growing importance, Industry 4.0 envisions IoT as a cornerstone technology for
cyber-physical networks. Its capacity to harness the potential of the Internet to allow
communication and independence are central to the "industry produces" idea, which would be
defined by independent, knowledge-based, sensor-based, self-regulating production processes.
Furthermore, Internet-disseminated international rivalry, market instability, and consumer
demand provide additional hurdles to organizations and their supply chains, necessitating
innovative methods for value generation. Whereas this concept has been suggested to occur
shortly, the fact of IoT-led digitization and robotics in the supply chain and logistics environment
has been in use for some time. Given that supply chains interact with one another, an
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electronically synchronized supply chain enables improved transparency in a global supply chain
(Rejeb, 2020).

For organizations experiencing issues owing to increasing product movement and a lack of data
movement for a good pace, digitalization may be the most efficient option. New technologies,
including such IoT deployment at terminals, are necessary for an "intelligent" supply chain that
overcomes the present restrictions of real-time data gathering and sharing. Because of the
capability, accessibility, and competitive character of growing IoT, it is vital to building core
ICT infrastructure by incorporating sophisticated digital capabilities. Nonetheless, managers
confront several problems in implementing it. Literature gradually investigates the digital changes
in supply chain management that impact the whole company model. The Internet of Things, for
instance, is thought to promote supply chain integration (SCI), and hence supply chain and
organizational profitability. Therefore, societal and technological barriers to IoT adoption exist
(Farquharson, 2021).

IoT has received a lot of attention due to its good properties. Although recent research has
primarily focused on IoT applications, they rarely relate that study to the supply chain rather than
highlight distinct IOT technology advantages. The amount of studies that have looked at the
IOT's challenges and drawbacks is also significantly smaller. IoT, on the other hand, offers to
introduce new obstacles and issues in the shape of technological, economic, or environmental
issues in each type of supply chain. None of the other problems is a cause to dismiss IOT
Technology, nor does it imply that IoT will not be a successful or change innovation. It implies
that its repercussions are hard to anticipate, and the obstacles to its implementation should be
researched as thoroughly as feasible to make the best use of this technology (Birkel, 2020).

Research Questions
1. How has IoT technology in supply chain management and logistics evolved since its
inception?
2. What are the latest IoT developments in supply chain management and logistics?
3. How has studies on IoT adoption in supply chain management and logistics developed since
its advent?
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Purpose of Study
The purpose of the stud is to explore IoT applications in SCM and logistics to identify various
challenges and success factors. The retail business is considered as being at the frontline of IoT
and other technology adoption since merchants want to provide a digital buying experience to in-
store consumers while also establishing an online presence. Consumers may now pick when,
when, and how they get their products and services because of technological transformation.
Retailers are prepared to confront fresh technology hurdles to fulfill customer needs.

Research Methodology
To assess the application of IoT in logistical operations and supply chains, this study used an
interviewing approach with a populace. A grounded theory (GT) technique is useful in such
dynamic and difficult experiment shows since it enables experts to be curious. Qualitative
techniques are effective in developing opinions on happenings and researching the interplay
among humans and computers in a complicated supply chain to get understanding into the
complicated aspects.

Resources Required
 Case Studies
 Interviews
 Survey Results

Resources Outcome
The primary outcome of this research will be to give a comprehensive overview and organized
analysis of IoT applications in logistics and supply chain management. The outcomes of the
analysis might be useful to researchers working in this sector who want to start new studies on
IoT applications in supply chain management and logistics to tackle industry issues.
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References
Birkel, H. and Hartmann, E., 2020. Internet of Things – the future of managing supply chain
risks. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 25(5), pp.535-548.

De Vass, T., Shee, H. and Miah, S., 2020. Iot in supply chain management: a narrative on retail
sector sustainability. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 24(6),
pp.605-624.

Dutta, D. and Bharali, S., 2021. TinyML Meets IoT: A Comprehensive Survey. Internet of
Things, 16, p.100461.

Farquharson, N., Mageto, J. and Makan, H., 2021. Effect of internet of things on road freight
industry. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 15.

Pimsakul, S., Samaranayake, P. and Laosirihongthong, T., 2021. Prioritizing Enabling Factors of
IoT Adoption for Sustainability in Supply Chain Management. Sustainability, 13(22), p.12890.

Rejeb, A., Simske, S., Rejeb, K., Treiblmaier, H. and Zailani, S., 2020. Internet of Things
research in supply chain management and logistics: A bibliometric analysis. Internet of Things,
12, p.100318.