Due to the latest developments in the technological arena, today, 5G technology is a reality. This wireless communication service aims at massively increasing the reliability and speed of inter-connected devices.
Moreover, it reduces power consumption along with latency. Therefore, real-time connectivity will have useful applications in several domains.
The days are not far when 5G will bring a dramatic revolution in business. Furthermore, business operations and networking will be conducted at a faster pace.
Consequently, consumers will enjoy a great experience. As far as the supply chain is concerned, it is expected that the 5G will bring a gigantic revolution at all levels of supply chain management.
Let us see in detail how 5G, the fifth generation of cellular network, will affect the supply chain:
Improved Connectivity will Enable Improved Networking
We all know that the speed and reliability of 5G will be more than 4G. Therefore, the management of supply chain networks will be easier. Business owners can then think of expanding networks without any hassle. Similarly, networks will receive data at a faster speed, enabling them to work efficiently.
Additionally, there will be an alert system that will enable to send of auto information regarding broken equipment and inventory that is no longer in use. All this and much more improvements in networking will become due to a massive increase in speed.
Improved 5G Connected Sensors and IoT Devices
As we look into the logistics and supply chain industry, we can notice a wide use of sensors and IoT devices. This connectivity is used for tracking and monitoring the equipment and packages. With 5G, the data capacity will be much more.
Therefore, these devices will be able to send more information for better analysis and management. Commonly, such devices are used for reporting on issues like humidity, location, heat, etc. Besides this, companies that combine small parcels into kits will be able to track individual products.
When there be more instant data, issues can be timely resolved, therefore business efficiency will improve.
Better Customer Support and Tracking with Low Latency
5G network will enable better management of the supply chain systems. With low latency, tracking and monitoring the inventory will become easier. Besides this, the location of the inventory can be easily found.
Therefore, the suppliers will be able to send the right supplies at the right location and at an instant speed. This better tracking and location will reduce the inventory loss. Overall, this cycle will improve the B2B customer service.
Today, big names like DHL are setting up their own 5G network system for improving quality, ensuring security, and providing commendable service. Multinationals that are still not thinking towards the 5G networks are expected to lag in the future.
Moreover, the reduced latency will enable automation and speed up the business process by connecting the warehouse robots with automated trucks. Since there will be high processing power, 5G will increase the capability of mobile devices and sensors.
More Use of Devices with Lower Consumption and High Battery Life
When we talk about IoT devices, battery life and power consumption are the first things that come to mind. Low battery life results in limiting the amount of data. However, 5G works at a faster speed.
Therefore, it consumes less power and will enable the business owners to send huge data instantly. Thus, inventory records, supplies in need, and the outdated material list can be uploaded and sent without any hassle.
This is one of the key benefits of 5G. Companies providing internet marketing services to suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers are keenly waiting for this technology. The facilitation of longer use without losing the battery will bring smoothness and speediness in the overall business world.
Enhanced Logistics with Better Automation and Transportation
5G will enable easier and instant tracking of trucks, carrier services, and trailers. Additionally, it will also provide speedy updates about the current product status. That is regarding the humidity, orientation, and temperature. Additionally, the direction, routes, speed, and total number of stops can also be found with ease.
For instance, perishable items can be better managed for a longer use when supply chain teams know the exact routes and optimum speed. It will therefore enable enhanced management of sensitive products.
Thus, the overall logistics will be improved when a large volume of data will be sent. Moreover, it will inform the teams about the possible hurdles on the routes. Thus, inventory will be transported on time.
Connecting Indoor with Outdoors
Another great benefit of 5G is the blending of indoor and outdoor networks. It can bridge the outdoor network like 4G with the indoor Wi-Fi network. For instance, supply chain managers can plan for the outbound orders about the goods that are not yet received in the warehouse. Thus, the supply chain sector is optimistic about the new network connectivity from the outside transportation to the inside warehouse.
Downsides
Since a massive amount of data will be available about every lot, there is a need to properly put the data safeguards in action. Companies should set up a data lake where unstructured data can be kept easily. This data will then be used for analytics. Any leakage and mismanagement in the data flow can result in a huge business loss.
Wrapping It Up
In short, 5G is still a developing technology and days are not far when this communication system will bring a gigantic change in supply chain management. Due to enhanced connectivity, suppliers will be able to better manage their networks.
Similarly, low latency will enable better customer service. Low power consumption and high battery life will let suppliers send and receive a huge amount of data. Furthermore, transportation will be facilitated with driver and product tracking.
Planning of outbound orders based on receivable warehouse inventory will also be possible. Thus, the overall supply chain sector is planning to embrace these golden benefits of 5G.
How do you perceive the upcoming 5G technology and what benefits will it give to your sector? Share your views with us!
Author Bio:
Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics. He occasionally writes blog articles for Dynamologic Solutions.