DHL Supply Chain has deployed Internet of Things (IoT) technology in its warehousing operations, as part of its efforts to effectively conduct operational activities.
DHL, along with Cisco and start-up Conduce, is testing the IoT technology at three pilot sites in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland.
The technology allows the company to monitor operational activities in real-time through a responsive graphical visualization of operational data combined from sensors on scanners and material handling equipment, and DHL's warehouse management system.
Visualizing operational data with heat maps at the pilot sites will help to enhance operational efficiencies and improve employee safety.
Cisco's and Conduce's industry expertise in Wi-Fi infrastructure and operational data visualization will enable DHL to effectively serve customers.
According to DHL, The pilots have revealed beneficial insights on activity peaks, warehouse layouts and processes by showing concentrations of pickers and material handling equipment against a backdrop of warehouse orders in real time.
DHL Supply Chain chief information officer and chief operating officer Markus Voss said: "Through our collaboration with Cisco and Conduce, we are integrating innovative solutions to build the digital supply chain of tomorrow today.
“This is changing the way we collect, analyze and use data, and ultimately, our ways of working at these sites.”
Cisco worldwide sales and field operations executive vice president Chris Dedicoat said: "In 2015, DHL and Cisco published a joint Trend Report on the 'Internet of Things in Logistics'. Continuing jointly on the topic of digital transformation, we are turning IoT into reality within the warehouse environment.”