Boosting Logistics Efficiency: RTLS application in Supply Chain Management

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) utilize multiple technologies to provide precise, real-time tracking of assets within the supply chain. If businesses integrate RTLS with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), they can optimize the route and handling of goods for reduced manual search times and enhanced utilization of assets.

Moreover, incorporating RTLS into inventory control allows for intelligent decision-making. It can adapt to changes in demand or supply chain disruptions. Consequently, RTLS is vital in logistics for increased efficiency and cost reduction.

Role of RTLS in Supply Chain Management

RTLS in supply chain management enables precise tracking and monitoring by utilizing RFID, Wi-Fi, ultrasound, IR, BLE AoA or other technologies. Through integrating anchors, tags, sensors, software, platform, RTLS provides feedback on the location of goods within a facility. Moreover, according to the data from RTLS, areas for improvement and inefficiencies can be identified, allowing gain improvement. 

Real-time visibility in logistics exceeds mere tracking—it prompts actionable insights and timely decision-making. While monitoring key metrics like transit times, temperature, and handling conditions, RTLS enables real-time adjustments to mitigate potential disruptions, minimizing the impact on operations and customer satisfaction. At the same time, after understanding real-time inventory, you can optimize inventory levels, reduce excess inventory, or avoid stockouts, thereby saving costs.

Key Benefits of RTLS in Logistics

The following are the essential benefits of RTLS in the logistics industry.

 

1. Real-Time Asset Tracking and Monitoring

RTLS in asset tracking provides the specific location and status of goods within the supply chain, assisting logistics management personnel in accurately monitoring the assets to reduce losses and delay risks. RTLS ensures the visibility of real time asset tracking and aids in monitoring environmental conditions like temperature or humidity for perishable goods. For example, continuous monitoring in a pharmaceutical supply chain can ensure that critical medications are stored under precise conditions. It helps maintain their efficacy.

2. Optimized Route Planning and Shipment Coordination

RTLS assists in dynamic route optimization with real-time traffic data, weather forecasts, and other essential parameters. While integrating this data, logistics managers can adjust routes instantaneously for minimized delays and fuel consumption. In a multi-modal transport system, RTLS analyzes various transport means like trucks, ships, and airplanes for a unified transition between these modes. For example, if a shipment on a truck is delayed due to traffic, RTLS can help re-coordinate and turn to the shipment's next phase, avoiding costly losses.

3. Enhanced Inventory Management and Reduced Stockouts

Accurate inventory management avoids both overstocking and stockouts. RTLS provides real-time information on the exact location and quantity of items. So, this kind of indoor position tracking system enables precise stock control. Through integration with intelligent algorithms and IoT devices, RTLS can predict demand and auto-trigger the restocking processes. For example, in a retail setting, RTLS can instantly alert when a particular item's stock reaches a critical level, and then it can trigger an automatic reorder.

4. Streamlined Warehouse Operations and Order Fulfillment

In a warehouse environment, RTLS leads to efficient space utilization, picking paths, and automated equipment coordination. While continually tracking assets, RTLS enables goods to be stored in the most accessible locations based on demand trends. Therefore, it reduces retrieval times. At the same time, it can also set priority shipping for orders based on delivery deadlines. It improves delivery efficiency, along with enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction.

 

RTLS Technology from Blueiot for the Logistics Industry

Blueiot's RTLS technology is tailor-made for the logistics industry. It has numerous advantages that can improve asset management. Firstly, 0.1-0.5m accuracy ensures precise tracking of vehicles, containers, and inventory. Secondly, one AoA anchor allows 500 tags to upload data concurrently in just one second due to its high capacity, which shows its superior real-time monitoring. 

Furthermore, the broad ecosystem empowers various BLE devices, while the low power consumption ensures a 5-year average battery lifespan. Its cost-effective and small-sized AoA locating tags are considered light and easy to carry to suit the logistics environment. Moreover, Our RTLS technology has the ability to offer real-time surveillance, minimize search time and accidents, and provide visualized supervision, rendering our RTLS an optimal solution for logistics.

 

Conclusion

RTLS technology helps you better optimize supply chain management. It can accurately track the transportation status of goods, plan routes, and manage orders, providing you with a reliable solution. Try this technology; you can contact us to formulate your solution.