中文 Chinese
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on global supply chains across many industries. The disruption is causing a domino-like effect from international cargo shipments down to the individual store. Today’s industries are looking for cost-effective ways to minimize business disruption and create a more efficient and seamless supply chain process. Let’s explore how Bluetooth technology is being adopted by many industries to help overcome their supply chain challenges.
Asset Tracking using BLE:
Bluetooth asset tracking leverages automated technology without creating additional hassle for employees. Essentially, the core of asset tracking is battery-less network tags which connect to a network and send location-based information to a central dashboard/platform that employees can monitor remotely. BLE tags and/or beacons are used to track valuable assets throughout its transit where asset owners have continuous visibility into the item’s precise location to ensure it’s arriving at the right destination at the right time. By having a digital history detailing all the asset’s movements, a store owner, local vendor and/or business owner has a more accurate picture of their inventory allowing them to prepare accordingly during busy times such as holidays. In addition, asset tracking using BLE tags lets manufacturers locate missing items much faster and more efficiently improving the supply chain process.
Predictive Maintenance for Manufacturing
Machines in warehouses often need costly repairs and regular maintenance to perform safely and achieve a high level of uptime. Imagine for a moment if several machines producing high valued goods experience failure. This can result in downtime disrupting a factory’s essential operations causing supply chain issues. BLE tags are used to help avoid this problem. When tags are affixed to machines, plant managers can remotely monitor the condition of these machines and set up alerts/notifications in the event a machine is experiencing issues. Analyzing the data from these tags provide the necessary information factory managers need to proactively address any machine issues to avoid an unnecessary shutdown or costly repair. Predictive maintenance using BLE tags helps manufacturers defer any unnecessary downtime to streamline the supply chain process.
Keeping it all connected with Bluetooth gateways
Bluetooth gateways play a major role in how data is received from BLE devices. These gateways are an integral part of the BLE tracking solution. For instance, BLE gateways that are deployed in specific areas of a warehouse receive data from BLE beacons and/or tags to allow for accurate monitoring of inventory, locate expensive machinery, pallets and even personnel. As inventory is moving around the warehouse, BLE tags will continuously send signals to the nearest gateway. The gateways will then send data to a platform for real-time analysis allowing for simple, hassle-free remote monitoring of people and assets.
Today’s smart manufacturers are leveraging the power of Bluetooth technology to streamline operations and improve supply chain management for greater cost savings and improved efficiency.
