The world of tracking technology is growing and evolving every single year. There’s a whole range of exciting advancements, from cloud systems and computer vision AI to drones, 2D barcodes, IoT devices, GPS, 5G connectivity, and even augmented reality – just to name a few! In fact, tracking technologies are just the first component of several emerging innovations that are reshaping supply chain visibility. In this article, I’ll highlight 10 cutting-edge trends in tracking technologies. Further I’ll include examples that will show you how to apply these technologies to your supply chains to enhance visibility and traceability like never before.

1. Cloud-based Platforms Enable Easier Integration For Supply Chain Visibility.

Cloud-based platforms enable seamless data sharing and collaboration among supply chain partners. This is because cloud-based software is kept updated by the vendor versus internal IT staff. Further, the vendor’s technical support is more available and knowledgeable of the cloud-based environment than most internal IT departments. 

For example, a company can more easily integrate their cloud-based inventory management systems with their cloud-based transportation management systems. Now, the primary downsides to using cloud-based hosting is data security, inflexible vendor lock-in and recurring subscription pricing.

2. Drones Technology For Last-Mile Delivery And Inventory Visibility.

a. Last Mile Deliveries.

Drones are starting to add a new dimension to the transport and delivery of goods. This is because in select scenarios drones are faster and can be more efficient for last-mile deliveries. For example, companies like Amazon and Walmart are experimenting with drone delivery services to reduce delivery times and reach remote areas with ease. Additionally, drones enhance last-mile delivery visibility leveraging their computer vision and digital communications capabilities.

b. Warehouse Inventory Visibility.

Furthermore, drones offer improved inventory tracking visibility by providing real-time data on the location and condition of goods. By attaching sensors and cameras to drones, companies can monitor the movement of inventory throughout the supply chain. For instance, warehouse managers are using drones to do 100% inventory of their warehouses. In these situations, drones are using cameras and other sensor devices to count inventory. Then the business can reconcile these physical counts with their inventory management systems. As a result, drones can replace mind-numbing physical inventory counts. Hence, this is both time saving and increases inventory accuracy.

3. 2D And QR Barcodes Able To Store More Data And Increases Interoperability.

Indeed, the use of two-dimensional (2D) and quick response (QR) barcodes significantly expands the amount of information that supply chains can store in a barcode compared to traditional one-dimensional barcodes. As a result, this allows for more efficient tracking and tracing of shipments, and providing real-time information about the location and status of goods. Also, these more robust barcodes can store a range of data elements, including product specifications, batch numbers, and expiration dates.

In particular, QR barcodes, promote interoperability by using open standards, facilitating data exchange between various systems and devices, including smartphones.For example, in warehouse management, QR barcodes can be scanned by handheld devices or integrated into automated systems to streamline inventory management processes. However, any type of barcodes can be damaged or become unreadable due to normal handling or printer malfunctions. This highlights the importance of proper training and maintenance to minimize these errors.

4. IoT Devices Increases The Capabilities And Durability Of Tracking Technology.

Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as sensors and RFID tags, enable real-time monitoring of goods throughout the supply chain. Moreover, IoT tech offers durability, interoperability, and advanced features like write-read capabilities that make them a viable alternative to barcode solutions. By attaching IoT devices to products or packaging, companies can track temperature conditions, monitor inventory levels, and ensure timely replenishment. As the cost of IoT devices decreases, logistics operations are increasingly leveraging this technology. Also, supply chain organizations can choose from a wide range of IoT devices with various digital communications options, providing flexibility and customization to suit their specific needs. See below, for more details about types of IoT devices and communications.

a. Types of IoT Devices.

Indeed, IoT devices can support a wide range of tracking technology solutions. For example, by attaching IoT devices to products or packaging, companies can track temperature conditions, monitor inventory levels, and ensure timely replenishment. Moreover depending on business needs, IoT devices can connect to multiple devices that connect to a digital network. Additionally, an IoT solution can include two-way communication, data exchange, smart data collection, and autonomous control of assets. Also, RFID tags are either short-range passive tags that have ranges in inches or active, long-range tags that have a reach of hundreds of feet.  Lastly, there are many types of sensors to include proximity sensors, accelerometers, magnetic sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors to name a few.

b. Types of IoT Communications.

Internet Of Things Examples – Hidden Technology Automating Logistics

Also, depending on the need, there are IoT solutions used for both short-range and long-range communications. Short-range technologies include RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) that are normally used for indoor asset tracking technologies. All of these short-range technologies except RFID can precisely track the location of an asset in the range of centimeters to meters. However, BLE has certain advantages over others due to its mature ecosystem, low cost, easy deployment, and low power consumption. 

Lastly, there are also long-range communications technologies such as GPS and cellular that I’ll describe later in the article. For more details on IoT technologies, see my article, Internet Of Things Examples – Hidden Technology Automating Logistics.

5. Computer Vision AI for Tracking Assets, Combating Fraud, and Shipment Visibility.

How to Make End-to-End Shipment Tracking the Best Using Computer Vision AI

Indeed, computer vision AI is expanding beyond traditional applications such as robotics, self-driving vehicles, and facial recognition. As a tracking technology, it is a powerful tool for fraud prevention and asset monitoring. Further, it has the potential to revolutionize supply chain management through end-to-end shipment tracking. Specifically, Computer Vision AI has the capability to generate image-based shipment statuses that bypass most traditional data integration hurdles. Moreover, it can deliver more reliable, picture-perfect shipment tracking across the entire supply chain. For more details on Computer Vision AI as a tracking technology, see my article, How to Make End-to-End Shipment Tracking the Best Using Computer Vision AI.

6. Real-Time Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracking Technology.

Real-time GPS tracking enables companies to monitor the location of shipments and vehicles with greater accuracy, utilizing a network of satellites and complex algorithms. Moreover, this technology allows for advanced tracking capabilities, such as monitoring route deviations and providing accurate estimated arrival times to customers. Without a doubt, this makes this type of tech increasingly important for retail delivery, especially with the rise of same-day delivery services. However, GPS technology is expensive and power-hungry, limiting its feasibility for certain asset tracking applications, such as individual package tracking, due to cost and power consumption constraints. See GeoForce’s Types Of Tracking Technology for more on GPS and other tracking technologies.

7. 5G Broadband Cellular Standard Empowers Real-Time Tracking Technology.

The integration of 5G technology enables faster and more reliable communication between devices, leading to improved supply chain visibility. For example, with 5G connectivity, companies can transmit large amounts of data in real-time, enabling seamless tracking and monitoring of shipments. Now beware, there are other types of cellular networks that are not as fast as 5G, such as GSM and LTE. So, for deploying a 5G tracking solution, you will need to verify 5G coverage or look at the trade-offs of using devices that are compatible with lower bandwidth cellular networks. In particular, compatibility is a major consideration for global deployment solutions spanning multiple countries and cellular networks.

8. Augmented Reality (AR) Enables Context For Better Tracking Of Asset Status And Visibility.

Augmented Reality Technology: Is Your Business Missing Out?

Surprisingly, Augmented Reality (AR) technology can help to provide more context for tracking the status of assets, offering improved visibility and efficiency. By overlaying digital information onto the physical world, AR can enhance situational awareness by augmenting real-time monitoring and providing updates on asset conditions, locations, and maintenance requirements.

For example, in the manufacturing industry, AR can be used to display relevant data and instructions directly onto machinery or equipment. Thus, maintenance technicians can then easily access information about the asset’s performance, upcoming maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting guides. As a result, this AR contextual information enhances tracking capabilities and allows for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and optimizing asset utilization. Click here for more information on Augmented Reality.

9. Blockchain Provides Traceability Technology For Supply Chains.

Blockchain, though not in widespread use, can have utility in some special use cases such as for high value and controlled items such as pharmaceuticals or within food logistics. This is because blockchain technology can provide enhanced security, traceability, and transparency in supply chain operations. For instance, by using blockchain-based solutions, companies can create an immutable record of each transaction. As a result, they can track the movement of goods from the point of origin to the final destination. Thus, this ensures authenticity and reduces the risk of fraud or tampering.

However, supply chains haven’t widely adopted blockchain due to the need for universal agreement and investment in a specific solution. Also, other challenges include interoperability between blockchains and privacy concerns.

10. Proactive AI-Powered Predictive Analytics Precludes Shipment Delays. 

Predictive Analytics Types: The Best Opportunities For Supply Chains

Lastly, AI-powered predictive analytics is a powerful capability to augment a wide range of tracking solutions. Specifically, it helps identify potential risks and mitigation options proactively. For example, by analyzing historical data and external factors, AI algorithms can predict supply chain disruptions, allowing companies to take preventive measures to minimize their impact.

Also, supply chain operations can set up proactive alerts based on predictive analytics to trigger actions to preclude choke points that will delay shipments. As an example, a smart asset tracking system based on artificial intelligence can send alerts for upcoming maintenance and predict an asset’s condition. As a result, this increases efficiency and reduces costs. For more information on predictive analytics, see my article, Predictive Analytics Types: The Best Opportunities For Supply Chains.

More Tracking Tech References.

Also, for more information on tracking technology, see GeoForce’s Types Of Tracking Technology and Wevolver’s Smart Tracking Trends and Technologies.

Supply Chain Visibility Needs More Than Tracking Technology: Integration, Interoperability, Analytics, Digital ID.

As this article reveals, it is amazing just the sheer number of different tracking technologies that are out there to support supply chain visibility and traceability. Besides the ten different tracking technologies described above, there are also other innovative technologies to enable supply chains to achieve better visibility. These include:

More Technology Tools to Enable Supply Chain Visibility

• Data Integration Tools: Increases Access to Data and Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility.
• Interoperability Standards and Tools: Enables Meaningful Data Sharing at the Right Time and Place.
• Digital Identity Technology: Enables Trust Between Supply Chain Visibility Partners.
• Data Analytics: Makes Supply Chain Visibility Data Actionable.
• Decision Intelligence: Leveraging Supply Chain Visibility Data To Enable Better, Agile Decision-Making.

For more information on emerging tech solutions for supply chain visibility, see my article, Emerging Tech For Supply Chain Visibility: The Best Innovations Available Now To Empower Businesses.

Emerging Tech For Supply Chain Visibility: The Best Innovations Available Now To Empower Businesses

Need help with an innovative solution to make your supply chain systems work together? I’m Randy McClure, and I’ve spent many years solving data interoperability and visibility problems. As a supply chain tech advisor, I’ve implemented hundreds of successful projects across all transportation modes, working with the data of thousands of shippers, carriers, and 3rd party logistics (3PL) providers. I specialize in proof-of-concept and operational pilot projects for emerging technologies. If you’re ready to modernize your data infrastructure or if you are a solution provider, let’s talk. To reach me, click here to access my contact form or you can find me on LinkedIn.

For more information from Supply Chain Tech Insights, see articles on information technology.