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and how they are progressing against plan, resilience is impossible to achieve.
Sensor-based monitoring technologies, including IoT devices and connected telematics, are playing an increasingly important role in closing long-standing visibility gaps. Sensors embedded in vehicles, containers or pallets can provide continuous data on location, temperature, humidity and shock events, allowing logistics teams to monitor the journey of goods in far greater detail than was previously possible and, in case it is possible, to tackle upfront any possible incidents( especially temperature-related).
Crucially, this data is no longer confined to retrospective reporting. Real-time alerts enable proactive intervention when something goes wrong, whether that means rerouting a shipment to avoid congestion, addressing a temperature excursion before product quality is compromised, or responding quickly to delays that could cascade through the wider network. In uncertain operating conditions, the ability to act early can make the difference between a minor disruption and a major failure.
The evolution of TMS: from planning tool to control tower
Alongside sensor technologies, developments in TMS are reshaping how logistics operations are managed. Traditional TMS platforms were primarily designed to support planning and execution. Today’ s systems are evolving into digital control towers, offering centralized, real-time oversight across multiple modes, geographies and partners.
Remote control towers and live dashboards allow logistics teams to aggregate data from carriers, warehouses, ports and production sites into a single, coherent view. This not only improves situational awareness but also supports more informed decision-making under pressure. Scenario modelling and predictive analytics, increasingly powered by artificial intelligence, enable teams to assess the likely impact of disruptions and evaluate alternative courses of action before issues escalate.
Just as importantly, modern TMS platforms enhance accountability across the supply chain. Shared visibility helps align expectations between shippers, logistics providers and customers, creating a more transparent operating environment in which performance can be measured and continuously improved among all players in the chain.
Digitalization and robotics in the warehouse
Warehouses are another critical frontier in the development of smart supply chains. As volumes fluctuate and labor markets remain tight, digitalization and automation are becoming essential tools for maintaining efficiency and service levels.
Robotics is increasingly being deployed to support tasks such as sorting, picking, packing, palletizing and internal transport. Rather than replacing human workers, many of these solutions are designed to work alongside them, taking on repetitive or physically demanding activities while freeing people to focus on tasks that require judgement, dexterity or problem-solving.
This model of human – machine collaboration delivers multiple benefits. It can improve productivity and accuracy, reduce injury risk, and help warehouses adapt more flexibly to changes in demand. When combined with warehouse management systems and real-time data feeds, robotics also contributes to greater transparency and control within the four walls, feeding valuable information back into the wider supply chain.
Human – machine collaboration: augmenting decision-making
While automation and digitalization are often discussed in technical terms, the human dimension remains central to
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