These are exciting but also extremely interesting times for anyone who takes care of their company’s supply chain. That is why we at Telloport are in the front row to follow up on the main trends and evolutions around this. In this blog, Telloport managing director Hans De Raeve zooms in on Supply Chain 4.0. How do we at Telloport apply these principles, and what potential gains can this bring for your industrial company?
“Digital transformation is irreversible”
“Supply Chain 4.0 is upon us and here to stay. In fact, the digital transformation of the entire supply chain with smart technologies such as IoT, AI, automation, and real-time data analytics is already in full swing.”
“The goal is to make the supply chain not only more efficient, but also more flexible and predictable. We are moving towards a digital ecosystem where processes are seamlessly connected. For companies where internal distribution and inbound deliveries are daily business, this means fewer errors, lower costs, and maximum control.”
Growing need for efficiency, shrinking pool of people
“In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, efficiency is not only a competitive advantage but also a necessity. With supply chains becoming more complex and the right people being increasingly difficult to find, the demand for innovative solutions to streamline operations is very high.”
‘For Operational, Facility, Logistics, and Supply Chain Managers, optimising inbound deliveries and internal distribution processes is therefore crucial. In view of these goals, the introduction of contactless, unmanned distribution is a real game changer in supply chain management.’
From pains to gains: what is contactless, unmanned distribution?
Unmanned, contactless distribution exists in several physical forms:
- Smart locations such as smart distribution points (e.g., lockers)
- Unattended warehouses
- Vending machines
- Smart containers
- …
All these hardware applications are designed to simplify the exchange and distribution of goods. Without the need for continuous human interaction and supervision.
But more is needed, Hans De Raeve clarifies. “In addition to these locations, a smart and integrated software ecosystem, such as the Telloport Software Platform, is indispensable.”
“Indeed, it is such systems that make advanced IoT and automation work flawlessly, coordinating and managing operations seamlessly. Only then do users have a guarantee of fully secure and efficient processes. Moreover, this approach clearly aligns with the principles of Supply Chain 4.0.”
“Look beyond the primary supply chain”
“Most B2B companies today have robust processes for managing their core operations. For example, for managing their supply chain of raw materials and manufacturing supplies.”
“But at the same time, effective tools and strategies around ad hoc deliveries and internal distributions are lacking. Consider the distribution of tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), clothing, laundry, spare parts, office supplies and other non-core goods. The lack of streamlined processes for these
Do the following scenarios sound familiar?
- Limited opening hours: Manual processes depend on staff availability, thus limiting flexibility
- Inefficiencies in internal distribution: Lack of real-time tracking and coordination can lead to delays and errors
- Security risks: manual processing increases the risk of lost or stolen goods
- High labor costs: dependence on manual labor drives up operating costs.
“Unmanned, contactless distribution addresses these pain points in a targeted way and creates direct wins. In addition, it is a more robust, scalable and efficient alternative, completely clearing the path for Supply Chain 4.0 integration.”
The big wins of a Telloport ecosystem
What specific benefits does a smart contactless distribution system provide in practice?
24/7 Availability
Unmanned, contactless solutions operate 24 hours a day. Goods can be delivered, exchanged, or distributed at any time. It’s over with bottlenecks caused by limited working hours, and welcome accelerated supply chain process.
Enhanced security
Smart locations are equipped with advanced access controls, digital authentication, mobile access keys … at pickup and delivery. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and theft.
Solid efficiency gains
The margin of error remains minimal, as repetitive tasks are now done automatically. Moreover, they are tracked in real time. Unmanned collection warehouses, for example, use real-time digital inventory management and thus process shipments with precision. A guaranteed boost to productivity figures.
Significant cost reductions
Automation reduces the need for manual labor, leading to significant savings in operational costs – often up to 60%. These solutions also optimize the use of resources, so that as a company you get maximum value from the investments made.
Sustainability
Smarter routes and less inactivity directly contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and thus to companies’ sustainability goals.
Supply Chain 4.0-proof
Supply Chain 4.0 focuses on end-to-end digitization and advanced analytics to create smarter, faster, and flexible supply chains. Contactless supply chain solutions fully embrace these principles, making them effortlessly capable of predictive maintenance, forecasting, and real-time optimizations.
Why consider Telloport?
“Because Telloport is more than just software,” stresses Hans De Raeve. “It’s an ecosystem. You integrate a powerful digital, centralized solution that directs, manages, coordinates, and reports on all logistics flows to and within the company. And that in a smart and completely unmanned way, tailored to the company and its specific flow of goods.”
“‘By consistently applying Supply Chain 4.0 methodologies, companies using Telloport’s ecosystem can make non-stop data-driven decisions, automate routine tasks, and boost their efficiency.”
“The opportunities on the shop floor are immense for those looking to optimize their supply chain, frm ad hoc deliveries and distribution across internal distribution to unmanned warehouses.”
“Finally, Telloport stays close to its customers to monitor implemented solutions and fine-tune them where necessary. We present them with the figures in black and white and actively work towards maximum ROI in close consultation with the customer.”
Ready for the switch to Supply Chain 4.0?
Now that you are fully aware of current supply chain evolutions and know what role Telloport can play in them, what are the supply pains within your industrial company today? Contact us for a non-binding chat or demo, and we’ll show you right away what gains we can make for you.