INTERNET OF

THINGS
IN LOGISTICS
A COLLABORATIVE REPORT BY DHL AND CISCO ON
IMPLICATIONS ANDUSE CASES FOR THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

Powered by DHL Trend Research

 Preface 1

PREFACE

We at DHL and Cisco are excited to share this new trend report DHL and Cisco share a belief in the potential of IoT to revolutio-
with readers from the logistics industry on a topic that fires the nize business processes across the entire value chain, and parti-
imaginations of both our companies: the Internet of Things (IoT). cularly the experiences of our customers. In our collaboration,
we will explore a few of the many innovations presented by IoT,
IoT presents a unique technology transition that is impacting all and their application to the logistics industry. We hope you find
our lives and will have huge implications for the business of logis- the journey illuminating.
tics. As we move from 15 billion connected devices today to some
50 billion by 2020, and embed sensor technology and analytics Yours sincerely,
throughout our organizations, companies will enjoy unpreceden-
ted visibility into operations, enabling new sources of value. This
visibility, in turn, will transform how logistics providers make
decisions, including about how goods are stored, monitored, rou-
ted, serviced, and delivered to customers, as well as operational
health and safety practices.

Furthermore, the proliferation of IoT for our homes, work

environments, cities and even ourselves (with the emergence
of wearable technologies and biomedical sensors) creates oppor-
tunities for new business models in logistics. We believe there
is hidden value yet to be realized.

This trend report aims to deepen readers’ understanding of IoT, James Macaulay Dr. Markus Kückelhaus
covering three main issues: Cisco Consulting Services DHL Trend Research

• What is the Internet of Things, and why is it a big deal?

• What are some of the leading practices and applications
of IoT that are generating value across sectors?
• What are some of the key use cases for IoT in the logistics
industry specifically, and what will be their implications?
2 Table of Contents

Preface ............................................................................ 1

1 Understanding the Internet of Things ................... 3

1.1 Introduction: Connecting the Unconnected .................... 3
1.2 The Internet of Everything vs. IoT .................................. 5
1.3 IoT Impacts on Logistics ............................................... 7

2 IoT Best Practices .................................................. 8

2.1 Operational Efficiency ................................................... 8
2.2 Safety and Security ........................................................ 10
2.3 Customer Experience .................................................... 12
2.4 New Business Models .................................................... 13

3 IoT in Logistics ....................................................... 14

3.1 Use Cases – Warehousing Operations ............................. 14
3.2 Use Cases – Freight Transportation ................................. 18
3.3 Use Cases – Last-mile Delivery ...................................... 21
3.4 Success Factors for IoT in Logistics ................................ 25

Outlook ........................................................................... 26

Sources ............................................................................ 27
 Understanding the Internet of Things 3

1 UNDERSTANDING THE INTERNET OF THINGS

1.1 Introduction: Connecting the Unconnected

In today’s society, the Internet is often considered a “given” due to the simplest way to think of IoT is to consider it as the networked
its ubiquitous presence and accelerating influence on the ways in connection of physical objects.
which we live, work, and communicate with one another. But how
did the Internet get so large so quickly, and what role will it play in With the advent of IoT, Internet connections now extend to physi-
the future? cal objects that are not computers in the classic sense and, in fact,
serve a multiplicity of other purposes (see Figure 1). A shoe, for
The Internet has undergone numerous stages of development, example, is designed to cushion the foot while walking or running.
dating back to the founding days of ARPANET, the first TCP/IP net- A street light illuminates a road or sidewalk. A forklift is used to
work from which today‘s Internet evolved. Throughout these stages, move pallets or other heavy items. None of these have traditionally
the Internet has fundamentally been about connecting computers. been connected to the Internet — they did not send, receive, pro-
These computers, of course, continue to evolve in parallel with the cess or store information. Nonetheless, there is information latent
build-out of the Internet, with significant developments in PCs, in all of these items and their use. When we connect the unconnec-
laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more. Regardless of the many ted — when we light up “dark assets” — vast amounts of informati-
different form factors and computing architectures, the Internet on emerge, along with potential new insights and business value.
essentially revolved around connecting these devices whose sole rea-
son to exist was to send, receive, process, and in most cases store in- A connected shoe can tell its owner (or a researcher, or a manu-
formation. Until relatively recently, the Internet has been composed facturer) the number of footfalls in a given period of time, or the
entirely of computers connected to one another over the network. force with which the foot strikes the ground. A connected street
light can sense the presence of cars, and provide information to
Today this is no longer the case. We have entered a unique period drivers or city officials for route planning and to optimize the flow
in the life of the Internet — the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is not of traffic. A connected forklift can alert a warehouse manager to an
an entirely new concept, having originated in the early 2000s with impending mechanical problem or safety risk, or be used to create
the work of MIT’s AutoID Lab. While definitions vary, perhaps
1
greater location intelligence of inventory in the warehouse.

Figure 1: The Connected Home and Consumer

1
http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2012/auto-id-cloud-of-things-big-data
4 Understanding the Internet of Things

To light up such dark assets, IoT encompasses a diverse array of puters, consumer electronics, and communication devices (e.g.,
different technologies including wireless local (e.g., Bluetooth, smartphones); appliances; physical materials in the home (e.g.,
RFID, Zigbee, Wi-Fi), mesh network, and wide area connections thermostat, plumbing); clothing and wearable devices; vehicles
(e.g., 3G, LTE), as well as wired connections. Increasingly, IoT and much more. By 2020, Cisco estimates there will be more than
represents the convergence of information technology (IT) and 50 billion devices connected to the Internet. By that time, compu-
so-called “operational technology” (OT). OT is characterized by ters (including PCs, tablets, and smartphones) will represent just
more specialized, and historically proprietary, industrial network 17 percent of all Internet connections; the other 83 percent will
protocols and applications that are common in settings such as result from IoT, including wearables and smart-home devices.3
plant floors, energy grids, and the like.
While this may seem like a low rate of current penetration,
Of course, IoT also includes more consumer-oriented devices, IoT deployments have skyrocketed in recent years. According
embedded technologies, and apps. An important element of this to Zebra Technologies, in a study conducted with Forrester
is the incorporation of controllers and actuators (Arduino is a Research, enterprise IoT deployments have grown by 333 percent
well-known example), so that an action taken in the digital world, since 2012. According to the survey, 65 percent of respondents
such as a user clicking a link in an application, can result in a had deployed IoT technologies in the enterprise in 2014, compa-
corresponding action in the physical world (e.g., an alarm sounds, red to only 15 percent in 2012.4 Although technical and public
a lever flips, an assembly line comes to a halt). policy issues persist, many factors contribute to the accelerating
deployment of IoT capabilities. These include progress toward
However, we are only at the beginning of the IoT revolution. So common IP-led standards; the introduction of IPv6 (which
far, less than one percent of all physical objects that could be resolves the constraint on the number of available IP addresses
connected to the Internet are currently connected. In numbers, for connected devices); the proliferation of wireless connectivity;
that means of the roughly 1.5 trillion items on earth that could improved battery life; device “ruggedization” and new form fac-
benefit from an IP address, just under 15 billion are connected to tors; open innovation models such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo,
the Internet today.2 The average consumer in a developed nation as well as the so-called “maker” movement; and the declining costs
is surrounded by dozens of connectable items. These include com- of technology, following Moore’s Law.

Figure 2: IoE, the Networked Connection of People, Process, Data, and Things5

2
http://blogs.cisco.com/news/cisco-connections-counter
3
Strategy Analytics, “Connected World: The Internet of Things and Connected Devices in 2020,” 9 October 2014.
4
“IoT in the Enterprise Up Three-Fold, Study Finds,” Network World, November 24, 2014
5
Cisco Consulting Services, 2014
 Understanding the Internet of Things 5

1.2 The Internet of Everything vs. IoT

As critical as IoT is in connecting the unconnected, it is only part Current calculations estimate that IoE represents $19 trillion in
of the story. Along with physical objects, people and intangible “Value at Stake” globally over the next decade.7 Value at Stake can
“things” must also be connected in new and better ways. IoT is be understood as the new net profits created as a result of IoE (i.e.,
a vital enabler of certain types of connection that together make from markets that could not have existed before), as well as the
up what Cisco refers to as the “Internet of Everything” (IoE). IoE migration of profits from losers to winners as a result of IoE-led
connections can be machine-to-machine (M2M); machine-to- market dynamics.
person (M2P); or person-to-person (P2P). IoE includes not just
the networked connection of physical objects, but also includes IoT by itself will generate $8 trillion worldwide in Value at Stake
the links between people, process, and data (see Figure 2). IoT is over the next decade (see Figure 3) which accounts for more than
most often equated to M2M connections but, as noted, definitions 42 percent of IoE’s overall Value at Stake. This value will come from
of IoT are nearly as diverse as its applications. Nevertheless, most five primary drivers: innovation and revenue; asset utilization;
observers agree that IoT implies value beyond just the physical or supply chain and logistics; employee productivity improvements;
logical interconnection of objects. 6
and enhanced customer and citizen experience. Supply chain and
logistics alone are estimated to provide $1.9 trillion in value, which
Why is the distinction between IoT and IoE important? While IoT is a promising indication of the untapped potential and profits to
is one of IoE’s key technology enablers, so too are cloud and big gain from utilizing IoT in the logistics industry.
data, P2P video/social collaboration, mobility (including location-
based services), and security. Together, they create the opportunity The Value at Stake calculations stem from a bottom-up economic
for unprecedented innovation and organizational transformation. analysis conducted by Cisco on dozens of IoT use cases, both pub-
IoE is dissimilar from IoT in that it is not of itself a single techno- lic and private sector. Each use case represents a business capability
logy transition, but rather a larger platform for digital disruption and resulting economic value brought about by connecting the
comprised of multiple technologies. In this sense, IoT is a subset of IoE. unconnected.

Figure 3: IoT Value at Stake8

6
Machina Research, “What’s the Difference Between M2M and IoT?” September 2014. See also IDC, “The Digital Universe of Opportunities:
  Rich Data and the Increasing Value of the Internet of Things,” April 2014
7
http://internetofeverything.cisco.com/sites/default/files/docs/en/ioe_vas_public_sector_top_10%20insights_121313final.pdf
8
Cisco Consulting Services
6 Understanding the Internet of Things

So how does smart parking create value for cities? It begins with
The Internet of Things will re- connecting previously “dark” assets in new and better ways, in this
volutionize decision making – we know case by placing sensors on parking meters and spaces (see Figure
that. By connecting the previously un- 4). This creates new data and intelligence about those assets —
connected, we create incredible potential which spaces are available, where they are located, how much it
for businesses to improve the speed and costs to park. The resulting insights provide the basis for process
accuracy of decision making through innovation, including new services (e.g., “space finder” apps) and
the analysis and application of digital new sources of monetization (e.g., dynamic pricing based on avai-
information. It enables dramatically lability). Ultimately, this delivers the most important impact: bene-
faster cycle times, highly dynamic processes, adaptive customer fit both to city employees and citizens. With smart parking, traffic
experiences and, through the ecosystem of people and techno- wardens and city planners can be more productive, and drivers
logy, the potential for breakthrough performance gains. can enjoy greater convenience. Case examples of smart parking
include Barcelona, Dubai, Nice, San Mateo County (California),
Edzard Overbeek, Senior Vice President, Cisco Services and Santander.

This example illustrates that there is more to IoT than merely

connecting assets. Connecting “things” is a means to an end. IoT
But what does connecting the unconnected entail? An examp- creates value through the data that can be captured from connec-
le of a city government is instructive. For many municipalities, ted assets and the resulting insights that will drive business and
smart parking is the “killer app”: parking is a source of important operational transformation.
government revenues, but also a cause of process “friction” that
yields inefficiency and citizen dissatisfaction. Beyond frustrated Thus the use of analytics and complementary business applications
drivers, this friction has important implications. It is estimated that (e.g., data visualization) is crucial if organizations are to capture
as much as 30 percent of all urban traffic is the result of drivers and make sense of the data generated from connected devices.
looking for parking. Parking in unauthorized spaces has reached
10
As IDC puts it, “The IoT is innately analytical and integrated.”9
epidemic proportions in many major urban centers, with approxi- An illustration of this is a network of motion sensors combined
mately one third of all parking occurring outside designated (pay with IP cameras and video analytics capabilities – together this
or free) spaces. This adds to congestion and undermines city
11
system delivers insights beyond the basic detection of motion
revenues. On a global scale, inefficient parking also contributes to (e.g., it can intelligently identify an unauthorized human form
billions of dollars in lost citizen productivity and millions of tons from a branch blowing in the wind as responsible for tripping
of greenhouse gases. a sensor).

New Things New Data Process People

10101
11001
001

Connected Flows Innovation Impact

Parking spaces Space Pricing Traffic wardens

Parking meters availability Payment Citizens/drivers
Finding spaces City planners

Figure 4: IoE-enabled Smart Parking12

9
http://www.streetline.com/2013/10/streetline-and-cisco-expand-collaboration/
10
http://web.mit.edu/11.951/oldstuff/albacete/Other_Documents/Europe%20Transport%20Conference/traffic_engineering_an/the_time_looking_f1580.pdf
11
IDC, “IDC‘s Worldwide Internet of Things (IoT) Taxonomy,” October 2013
12
Cisco Consulting Services
 Understanding the Internet of Things 7

1.3 IoT Impacts on Logistics

IoT promises far-reaching payoffs for logistics operators and

their business customers and end consumers. These benefits ex-
tend across the entire logistics value chain, including warehousing
operations, freight transportation, and last-mile delivery. And they
impact areas such as operational efficiency, safety and security,
customer experience, and new business models. With IoT, we
can begin to tackle difficult operational and business questions in
exciting new ways.

As shown in Figure 5, applying IoT to logistics operations pro-

mises a substantial impact. We can monitor the status of assets,
parcels, and people in real time throughout the value chain. We
can measure how these assets are performing, and effect change in
what they are currently doing (and what they will do next). We can
automate business processes to eliminate manual interventions,
improve quality and predictability, and lower costs. We can optimi-
ze how people, systems, and assets work together, and coordinate
their activities. And ultimately, we can apply analytics to the entire
value chain to identify wider improvement opportunities and best Figure 5: IoT-enabled Capabilities15
practices.
But is this the right time to leverage IoT in logistics? Today, we see
In essence, IoT in the world of logistics will be about “sensing optimal conditions for IoT to take off in the industry. There is a
and sense making” (see Figure 6). “Sensing” is the monitoring of clear technology push through the rise of mobile computing, con-
different assets within a supply chain through different techno- sumerization of IT, 5G networks, and big data analytics, as well as
logies and mediums; “sense making” is concerned with handling a pull from customers who are increasingly demanding IoT-based
vast amounts of data sets that are generated as a result, and then solutions. Combined, these factors are enabling logistics providers
turning this data into insights that drive new solutions. to adopt IoT at an accelerating rate.

„
IoT is SENSING & SENSE MAKING“ in the world of logistics
Technology push Need for logistics solutions

• Mobile computing growing steadily with more mobile • High need for transparency and integrity control
phones expected in 2020 than people in the world (right products, at the right time, place, quantity,
condition and at the right cost) along the supply chain
• Due to the consumerization of IT, sensor technology
has become more mature and affordable to be used
IoT in • End consumers are asking for detailed shipment tracking
for industry purposes in logistics Logistics to have transparency in real time

• With the move towards 5G, wireless communication will • Business customers are asking for integrity control
reach a new level of maturity connecting everything anytime especially for sensitive goods

• Cloud computing and big data technologies will enable new • Logistics companies need transparency of networks
data-based services and assets being used for ongoing optimization of
efficiency and network utilization

Figure 6: Convergence of Technology and Logistics Trends

13
Cisco Consulting Services, 2015
8 IoT Best Practices

2 IOT BEST PRACTICES

As with most technology transitions, it is helpful to look at IoT in

a broader context, and to consider some of the best practices from
other industries. This can inform and inspire the use of IoT in
logistics. We have selected a number of innovative IoT examples,
clustered into four functional categories; each provides individuals
or companies with significant benefits.

2.1 Operational Efficiency

2.1.1 Traffic and Fleet Management

Optimizing asset utilization to drive greater operational efficiency

The overall goal is to maintain, modernize, and improve the
is at the very heart of IoT value; according to Cisco’s calculati-
Hamburg Port Authority’s IT infrastructure to support efficient
ons, it accounts for roughly 25 percent of the total Value at Stake
operations and economic development, while minimizing the
from IoT. Vehicles are among the assets most ripe for improved
impact of traffic on local citizens. An IoT-based approach coor-
efficiency, especially in terms of traffic and fleet management. In-
dinates all aspects of harbor operations impacting ship, rail, and
vehicle telematics and vehicle-infrastructure integration have been
road traffic. So far, the Hamburg Port Authority has installed more
vanguard applications in the use of sensor data. And automotive
than 300 roadway sensors to monitor traffic in the port area and to
manufacturers and transportation operators have invested subs-
track wear on bridges. Digital signs and mobile apps give drivers
tantially in connected vehicles, including “recovery” systems, such
traffic and parking information. Sensors also extend to waterways
as LoJack, and in-vehicle driver services, such as General Motors’
(using radar and automatic identification systems to coordinate
OnStar. With IoT, traffic and fleet management applications herald
ship traffic), and a solution that integrates roadway traffic data to
a new wave of efficiency gains.
help manage traffic disruptions that may occur when ship traffic
requires bridge closures around the port area.17
One example is the Seoul City Transportation Information Center
(TOPIS), which evolved from a bus management system created in
2004. It is now responsible for providing efficient public transpor-
tation services through managing and gathering information on
all public transportation in Seoul, excluding traffic signals. The
TOPIS Center gathers data from streets, buses, taxis, and citizens
using GPS devices, loop detectors, road sensors, video, and citizen
reports. This data enables a scientific approach to transportation-
management policy. Travelers have access to bus arrival times 24
hours a day, enabling them to schedule their routes and choose
which buses to ride. The system has increased transit efficiency, re-
duced traffic, improved uptake of transport services through clear
communication to the public, and raised customer satisfaction.16

Fleet management is crucial at the Port of Hamburg, which is the

second busiest port in Europe. Its “smartPORT” initiative has
raised efficiency and prepared the port for additional growth.

16
http://internetofeverything.cisco.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/Korea_TOPIS_Jurisdiction_Profile_final.pdf
17
http://internetofeverything.cisco.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/Hamburg_Jurisdiction_Profile_final.pdf
 IoT Best Practices 9

2.1.2 Resource and Energy Monitoring Other compelling examples of IoT enabling improved manage-
ment of water and electricity resources include Water for People,
Operational efficiency is not exclusively about lowering costs. a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting clean
IoT sensors are ideally suited to tracking all kinds of resources, water in the developing world through IoT, and the City of Oslo,
including petroleum and natural gas, electricity, and water. And Norway, with its world-leading smart street-lighting program.
IoT technology has strong potential to enable greater environmen-
tal sustainability. IoT can reduce waste, prevent disasters, and be a
critical component of the smart energy grid of the future. Utility 2.1.3 Connected Production Floor
organizations, municipalities, oil and gas companies, and con-
sumers themselves are among the many entities and individuals As was the case with in-vehicle telematics, sensor-enabled applica-
tapping into IoT capabilities to optimize their use of resources. tions have been commonplace in the field of industrial automation
and manufacturing process control for many years. ABB, Bosch,
Hagihon, Israel’s largest municipal water utility company, is leading GE, and Rockwell Automation are just some of the organizations
the way in using smart devices to improve water-system manage- that have invested heavily in this area. Most production floors were
ment, maintenance, and revenue collection in the Jerusalem area. historically managed by operational technology that was “closed”
In a semi-arid climate, Hagihon has reduced water loss while — that is, running on proprietary network protocols and legacy
preserving the company’s bottom line. management applications. With IoT, all these systems are now
migrating to open IP standards, resulting in increased scalability,
The company replaced a traditional, labor-intensive work model interoperability, uptime, manageability, and security.
with a smart-technology solution, implementing a mix of both
high- and low-tech strategies, and cultivating several key techno- IoT enables managers to understand what is occurring at a given
logical partnerships, to increase efficiency and profitability. Pump moment in a factory environment — the performance of machi-
and in-ground sensors allow easy tracking of water pressure and nes, ambient conditions, energy consumption, status of inventory,
flow. A supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system or the flow of materials. Preventative maintenance is a key use case
controls functions based on sensor data analysis. A geographical of IoT, and this is particularly critical in a production-floor setting.
information system (GIS) provides a real-time map of current con- Sensors can alert managers (or machines) that a physical asset in
ditions. Fixed acoustic sensors, combined with mobile, cloud, and the factory is exceeding acceptable levels of vibration or tempera-
GPS technology, can pinpoint water leaks underground, while ERP ture, is malfunctioning, or is otherwise prone to fail. This has ma-
and mobile apps support field technician productivity. This impres- jor implications in terms of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE),
sive leak detection system has resulted in a significant decrease in a key metric of manufacturing productivity, and has positive ripple
overall water loss, and has increased profitability. The system has effects throughout the supply chain.
also improved labor efficiency, with sensors taking data collection
that was previously conducted manually. This has generated subs- Continental Tire provides a good example of a connected produc-
tantial cost savings. tion floor. The company was experiencing production delays due
10 IoT Best Practices

to misplaced components for tire manufacturing in its enormous in Bulgaria). For the company, IoT is about information-enabling
plant environments, relying on grid lines painted on the floor and a mine. Mining is not generally seen as an information-heavy
handwritten notes to locate “carriers” (carts) holding sheets of industry — the process of mining is much the same today as it has
rubber and other tire components. Now, Wi-Fi sensors are placed been for the better part of the past century. Although there may be
on carriers and integrated with an inventory management system, hundreds of personnel underground at any given time, not a lot
so that employees can view individual carrier locations on their of information typically comes out of a mine. Reports tend to be
mobile devices. These appear as icons superimposed on a map paper-based and issued after miners and supervisors come off shift
of the facility. As a result, Continental has increased production every eight hours. This creates all kinds of inefficiency in terms
efficiency, and cut wasted component costs.18 of how the mine is run, and operating “blind” can compromise
worker safety.

2.2 Safety and Security

2.2.1 Equipment and Employee Monitoring

Monitoring of equipment and people to increase safety and secu-

rity is another main value proposition of IoT. Union Pacific, the
largest railroad in the United States, uses IoT to predict equipment
failures and reduce derailment risks. By placing acoustic and visual
sensors on tracks to monitor the integrity of train wheels, the com-
pany has been able to reduce bearing-related derailments, which
can result in costly delays and up to $40 million in damages per
incident. By applying analytics to sensor data, Union Pacific can
predict not just imminent problems but also potentially dangerous
developments well in advance. Over 20 million temperature rea-
DPM is using IoT to connect its end-to-end mine operation,
dings per day are sent to the Union Pacific data center; on average,
including vehicles, mobile devices, cameras, programmable logic
three railcars per day are identified as exceeding a safe threshold of
controllers (PLCs) on conveyer systems, lights, fans, power, and
some kind. Train operators can be informed of potential hazards
more. Supervisors can track equipment and miner movements
within five minutes of detecting anomalies in bearings or tracks.19
throughout the mine. The mine’s blasting system is integrated with
location-tracking applications to ensure the blast site is cleared of
In the case of Dundee Precious Metals (DPM), equipment moni-
personnel and equipment. The result is greater safety for miners
toring and employee safety go hand in hand. DPM is a Canadian
and increased mine production — from half a million tons to two
mining company that operates Europe’s largest goldmine (located
million tons per year.20

18
http://www.aeroscout.com/files/RFID-Journal-AeroScout-and-Continental-Tires-04-25-2012.pdf?1
19
http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2012/03/30/union-pacific-using-predictive-software-to-reduce-train-derailments/
20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGxJLUS7hQQ
 IoT Best Practices 11

2.2.2 Health Monitoring

Using IoT to monitor people extends beyond preventing industrial

accidents to improving the wellness of the population in general.
The consumer trend of using wearable technologies to enable the
“quantified self ” has increased dramatically in recent years, exemp-
lified by devices from Apple, Fitbit, Jawbone, Pebble, and Sony. The
number of personal health and fitness trackers (including smart
watches) in use is expected to approach 50 million in 2015, and the
figure is set to double in the next two years.21

Figure 7: Smart Healthcare Using Proteus Smart Pills23

2.2.3 Physical Security

IoT also introduces many improvements in physical security.

An example in the consumer world is SmartThings, which began
as a Kickstarter-funded innovation and was acquired by Samsung
in 2014. Through its portfolio of smart home-security solutions,
SmartThings enables consumers to lock and unlock doors in their
home from anywhere using a mobile app; capture images or trigger
alarms when sensors detect motion; and receive alerts if doors
or windows are unexpectedly opened. These kinds of intrusion-
detection capabilities serve as next-generation burglar alarms,
Healthcare organizations are moving beyond the activity-measu-
but SmartThings also secures other “things”: sensors attached to a
ring capabilities of consumer-oriented wearables, which generally
child’s clothing or a pet’s collar, for example, can be configured to
track factors such as hours of sleep, steps taken, or calories burned.
alert the user if they have strayed from the premises.24 The August
Some are leveraging IoT for an array of different and more com-
Smart Lock,25 another popular consumer application of IoT, allows
plicated wellness monitoring applications. For example, Novartis
users to provide access to their house to trusted parties remotely,
and Google are developing a smart contact lens to measure blood
using a smartphone app and an IoT-enabled locking mechanism
glucose levels for diabetes patients.22
on their front door. This could also provide new delivery options
in last-mile logistics.
But one of the biggest areas of value for IoT, in terms of both
health and financial outcomes, is chronic disease management.
Monitoring patients — their blood pressure, their compliance with
medication instructions, the care they receive within the walls of a
hospital or senior living facility — is perhaps the core application
of IoT in healthcare. Products such as so-called Proteus “smart
pills”, which feature tiny sensors embedded in the tablets swal-
lowed by patients, illustrate how IoT-enabled biomedical device
miniaturization can give doctors and scientists greater insights into
disease.23

IoT can reduce the potential for medical error among caregivers,
provide an opportunity to intervene in emergencies, help medical
professionals and patients take a more longitudinal approach to
care, and, in the aggregate, shape research and health policy.
Figure 8: August Smart Lock - Smartphone-Controlled Security25

21
Juniper Research, “Smart Wearable Devices Fitness, Glasses, Watches, Multimedia, Clothing, Jewellery, Healthcare & Enterprise 2014-2019,” September 2014.
22
http://www.forbes.com/sites/leoking/2014/07/15/google-smart-contact-lens-focuses-on-healthcare-billions/
23
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3024773/worldchanging-ideas/you-will-swallow-a-sensor
24
http://www.smartthings.com/benefits/home-security/
25
http://august.com/
12 IoT Best Practices

2.3 Customer Experience 2.3.2 Customer Recognition and

Context-aware Offers
2.3.1 Connected Retail
IoT will be instrumental in creating exciting new experiences for
Retail is an industry set for dramatic change because of IoT many types of customers, in many different settings. One of IoT’s
innovations. The “connected retail store” amounts to a diverse most robust use cases is the application of beacons and other
collection of IoT-enabled use cases, all promising greater operati- sensors for customer recognition. Beacons are small sensors that
onal efficiency and new forms of customer experience. can connect wirelessly to mobile devices such as smartphones and
tablets. Typically, they use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to
Research on the retail industry reveals the most valuable use cases detect individuals in proximity to the sensor, and recognize them
(for both retailers and consumers) are those that drive greater through integration with analytics, mobile apps, and other enter-
efficiency in the shopping experience. IoT in the retail industry
26
prise applications. These low-cost sensors can be attached to walls,
will drive efficiency through in-shelf availability, inventory and doors, ceilings, store displays, mannequins, point-of-sale systems,
merchandise optimization, planogram compliance, loss preven- ATMs, and almost any other surface.
tion, mobile payments, and more. This in turn will transform the
customer experience. Apple’s iBeacon is a well-known example, but many other leading
technology players are entering this space. Companies such as
For consumers, improved efficiency will flow from several key Estimote27 and StickNFind make very small, very low-cost beacons
IoT-reliant applications, including: that can be adhered to a variety of surfaces. It is easy to foresee
a time when beacons become so small and cheap that they are
• Checkout optimization tools such as Qminder and Waitbot virtually disposable and could be placed on millions of consumer
• In-store guidance for shoppers, such as the OSHbot, products, even food items.
introduced by American home improvement retailer Lowe’s.
This is a robot equipped with sensors, cameras, and speech
and video analytics that assists with way-finding and the
location of products
• Mobile payments, including Apple Pay

These applications extend beyond the store to omnichannel retail

as well. Eggminder, a “smart egg carton” solution that keeps
track of eggs in a refrigerator is an admittedly less-than-essential
example in the burgeoning field of smart-home replenishment
applications. However, a number of IoT-enabled solutions together
may hold vast potential to improve the overall retail experience for
consumers.
Figure 9: Estimote Beacons for Context-aware Offers27

Beacons and BLE technology enable greater precision and flexibili-

ty than many cellular or RFID-based location-sensing applications.
But beacons are not merely delivering location coordinates; they
enable interactions with mobile apps that can communicate with
customers and add value in new ways. The ability to recognize a
customer means companies can push targeted marketing messages,
promotions, and value-added services to customers, and these can be
customized to reflect the priorities of individuals in any given moment.

This approach to customer experience design and execution is

known as “hyper-relevance”. Beyond mere personalization, hyper-
relevance is a new paradigm, underpinned by IoT, which enables
consumers to receive what they want, when and how they want it.
It requires an analytics-driven approach that applies intelligence to

26
http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/collateral/executive-perspectives/ioe-retail-whitepaper.pdf
27
http://estimote.com/
 IoT Best Practices 13

the context of the consumer (where he or she is, what he or she is sells, the kinds of employee skill sets required, and so forth.
hoping to accomplish), thereby allowing companies to dynamically
provide the most suitable experience.28 Real estate is one industry in which the sensor-enabling of physical
assets creates the potential for value-added services. Real estate
company Transwestern, a global leader in property and facilities
management, embedded some 95,000 sensors in one of its flagship
office properties in Houston, Texas. The data from these sensors
— connected fire alarms, wireless access points, video surveillance
cameras, temperature sensors, HVAC, and more — enables Trans-
western to monitor energy usage in the building, creating valuable
new insights that help tenants lower their utility bills.30

2.4.2 Usage-based Insurance

Property and casualty insurers are also tapping into the power of
Figure 10: The Dandy Lab - The First Talking Store29 IoT. Insurers use the technology to create new business models that
reduce guesswork, subjectivity, and a reliance on aggregated histo-
With IoT, we are seeing a proliferation of customer recognition rical data in actuarial processes and for setting premiums. Sensors
capabilities in retail that enable new experiences via apps and are connected to a car’s onboard diagnostics port and data is cap-
connected products. The Dandy Lab is an innovative British
29
tured on variables such as average speed, distance traveled, times
retail shop, powered by IoT, which bills itself as “the world’s first of day traveled, the frequency of hard braking and cornering, and
talking store”. Technology in the store enables customer recogni- the deployment of an airbag. Some insurers also equip car sensors
tion throughout, driving intelligent, context-aware interactions with global positioning systems (GPS) to track location, although
that create a unique shopping experience. Mondelez, the maker of this is less common due to consumer and regulatory concerns
snack food products such as Cadbury chocolates and Oreo coo- about privacy. By having a more objective measure of an individual
kies, is introducing a “smart shelf ” that combines sensors and ana- consumer’s behaviors, and the risks they pose, insurance carriers
lytics to create intelligent advertisements and offers based on the can more accurately price risk. For consumers, they can convert
gestures, physical characteristics, and dwell times of consumers in what is normally a fixed cost for auto insurance to a variable cost
front of their displays. This also impacts operational efficiency for that changes according to behavior (to increase user acceptance,
retailers by optimizing restocking, checkout processes, and staffing. many insurers also guarantee that rates can only go down for con-
sumers using “pay-as-you-drive” services). Several providers enable
customers themselves to receive alerts when a car is speeding (for
2.4 New Business Models example, a parent could be alerted if their teenager is driving the
family car too fast). Insurers offering pay-as-you-drive services
2.4.1 Becoming a “Service” Provider include Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company of Japan, General
Motors Assurance Corporation (GMAC) and many others.31
IoT is empowering organizations to move into adjacent markets
and monetize their assets in new ways. This involves sensor-
enabling core aspects of the business to generate new insights that
are of value to customers. Manufacturing, engineering, high tech,
utilities, and other asset-intensive sectors are now evolving to com-
prehend business models that monetize these insights “as a service”
through dynamic pricing and payment plans. The idea of “X as a
service” is most often associated with cloud computing capabi-
lities and of course cloud is an important companion for IoT in
generating new sources of value. But the movement of companies
to a service-oriented model is not purely a technological challenge.
This can often imply a fundamental transformation for the organi-
zation — how the company goes to market (i.e., channels), what it

28
http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/collateral/executive-perspectives/ioe-retail-whitepaper.pdf
29
http://www.thedandylab.com/
30
http://www.cisco.com/web/tomorrow-starts-here/files/property_management_firm.pdf
31
See more at:“Pay-As-You-Drive Vehicle Insurance: Converting Vehicle Insurance Premiums Into Use-Based Charges,” Victoria Transport Policy Institute, May 2014.
14 IoT in Logistics IoT in Logistics 15

3 IOT IN LOGISTICS

Amid the hype surrounding IoT today, one thing is clear: the
logistics industry is a key player poised to benefit from the IoT
revolution.

With millions of shipments being moved, tracked, and stowed by a

variety of machines, vehicles and people each day, it is no surprise
that logistics and IoT are a perfect match. In logistics, IoT can con-
nect different assets along a supply chain in a meaningful way, and
then analyze the data generated from these connections to capture
new insights. By doing so, IoT enables logistics providers to unlock
higher levels of operational efficiency, while creating customized,
dynamic, and automated services for their customers. Falling pri-
ces of device components (sensors, actuators and semiconductors),
faster wireless networks, and increasing data crunching capabilities
only compound the business benefits, ensuring that IoT becomes a
disruptive trend in the logistics industry over the next decade.

But just how nascent is IoT in logistics? Many of the technologies

behind IoT — including sensors, microprocessors and wireless
connectivity — have been in use in various logistics applications
for a number of years already. Indeed, the logistics industry was
among the first adopters of IoT technologies in operations, from
the introduction of handheld scanners that digitized the delivery
process to the multiple sensors that monitor cargo integrity and
delivery truck performance. But even early adopters are just at the
tip of the iceberg of fully exploiting IoT potential in the logistics
industry.

In this section, we will explore some of the exciting use cases for
IoT in logistics and cluster these within the bounds of warehousing
operations, freight transportation, and last-mile delivery. IoT use
cases relating to self-driving vehicles can be found in a separate
DHL trend report titled Self-driving Vehicles in Logistics. At the end
of this section, we will review the success factors for IoT adoption
in logistics and provide a roadmap on how logistics providers can
move forward and leverage this trend.

3.1 Use Cases – Warehousing Operations

Warehouses have always served as a vital hub in the flow of goods

within a supply chain. But in today’s economic climate, they also
serve as a key source of competitive advantage for logistics provi-
ders who can deliver fast, cost-efficient, and increasingly flexible
warehousing operations for their customers.
16 IoT in Logistics

This is no easy challenge. With thousands of different types and

forms of goods being stored in the average warehouse today, every Spotlight
square meter of warehousing space must be optimally utilized to
ensure specific goods can be retrieved, processed, and delivered
as fast as possible. The result is a high-speed, technology-driven
environment that is ideal for IoT applications. From pallets and
forklifts to the building infrastructure itself, modern warehouses
contain many “dark assets” that can be connected and optimized
through IoT.

In the warehouse, the widespread adoption of pallet or item-level

tagging — using low-cost, miniscule identification devices such
as RFID — will pave the way for IoT-driven smart-inventory Alethia was a German government-funded project run by DHL,
management. Fraunhofer IIS, and other partners to create a wireless sensor
network system that enables seamless, end-to-end tracking
Let’s examine a few instances of IoT in action in a warehouse. For of items for different transport modes. Various sensor nodes
starters, wireless readers capture data transmitted from each pallet on item and asset level were combined in a sensor network.
as it arrives through inbound gateways. This data could include This network can safeguard the integrity of goods in transit,
information on the product such as volume and dimensions, which checking location, temperature, humidity and shock.
could then be aggregated and sent to the WMS for processing. This http://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/en/ff/sens/anw/log/aletheia.html

capability eliminates the time-consuming task of manual counting

and volume scanning of pallets. Cameras attached to the gateways
could also be used for damage detection, by scanning pallets for for delivery – are being sent. Stock levels are then updated automa-
imperfections. tically in the WMS for accurate inventory control.

Once pallets are moved to the right location, tags transmit signals Beyond goods stored in a warehouse, IoT can also drive optimal
to the WMS to provide real-time visibility into inventory levels, asset utilization. By connecting machinery and vehicles to a
thus preventing costly out-of-stock situations. If any item has been central system, IoT enables warehouse managers to monitor all
misplaced, sensors can alert the warehouse manager, who can assets in real time. Managers can be alerted when an asset is being
track the item’s exact location for corrective action. For quality over-utilized or when an idle asset should be deployed to do other
management, sensors monitor the condition of an item and alert tasks. For example, a variety of sensors could be deployed to moni-
warehouse managers when the temperature or humidity thresholds tor how often assets in a sorting system, such as conveyer belts, are
are about to be compromised. This would allow warehousing staff in use or idle, and at what times. Analysis of the data could then
to take corrective action, ensuring service quality and greater identify optimal capacity rates and tasks for the assets. One such
customer confidence. innovation is Swisslog’s “SmartLIFT” technology. The solution
combines forklifts sensors with directional barcodes placed on the
During outbound delivery, pallets are scanned through an out- ceiling of the warehouse and WMS data to create an indoor GPS
bound gateway to ensure that the right items – in the right order system that provides the forklift driver with accurate location and
direction information of pallets. It also delivers a dashboard for
managers to observe the real-time speed, location and productivity
of all forklift drivers as well as visibility on inventory accuracy.
Bobcat deployed the solution in its warehouse and reported a 30
percent increase in pallets per hour with no inventory errors.32

Such solutions can in future identify inefficiencies in already

automated processes. For example, an automatic guided vehicle
(AGV), such as an automatic pallet mover, will do an assigned task
over and over unless there is manual intervention to assign it to
another task. By analyzing its capacity and patterns, the warehouse
 IoT in Logistics 17

Figure 11: Swisslog SmartLIFT Technology for Forklifts32

manager may find that on weekends, it is best used in another part accidents per year, which causes 94,750 injuries. Almost 80 percent
of the warehouse and this triggers corrective action. of forklift accidents involve a pedestrian.33 Multiplied on a global
scale, this demonstrates the potential scale for improving safety
Connected assets in a warehouse also enable predictive mainte- within the warehouse.
nance for warehouse transport systems. As one example, sensors
could be placed on a sorting machine to detect levels of physical Sensors and actuators combined with radar or cameras attached
stress by measuring throughput or the temperature of the machine. to forklifts can allow them to communicate with other forklifts
Cameras can also be employed to detect package damage or pile- and scan the environment for hidden objects that could cause a
ups as they occur. All of this data could then be collected and com- collision. Forklifts could be programmed to slow automatically
bined for predictive maintenance analytics, which can schedule at intersections when another forklift or pedestrian is detected
maintenance appointments and calculate the expected lifetime of around the corner.
the machine at its current level of usage. Any pile-ups are alerted
to staff so they can be fixed before causing serious damage. Many accidents also result from workers loading the pallet incor-
rectly. Such accidents could be avoided by using pressure sensors
IoT can also drive higher levels of worker health and safety to detect when a load has become too heavy, and also when an
through a connected workforce and connected vehicles. Statistics uneven load has been placed on the forklift. Ravas is developing
from the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) and the U.S. Occup- smart forks that incorporate weight scales as well as load-center
ational Health and Safety Administration estimate that there are measurement technology for pallet trucks.34 By alerting the driver
about 855,900 forklifts in operation in the United States alone. when load capacity has been exceeded or when the load center is
Those forklifts are estimated to contribute to more than 100,000 uneven, safety is increased.

32
http://info.totaltraxinc.com/blog/here-is-what-happens-when-big-data-and-forklifts-meet
33
http://www.sick.com/us/en-us/home/pr/whitepapers/Documents/SICK%20White%20Paper-%20Collision%20Awareness%20Solutions.pdf
34
http://www.ravas.com/en/int/products/show-product/iforks-touch/
18 IoT in Logistics IoT in Logistics 19

IoT technologies can also prevent falling pallets and products. A 3.2 Use Cases – Freight Transportation in 2012 and 689 in Europe,37 with organized crime targeting ports Spotlight
mix of sensors and cameras could be employed to detect risks from and rest areas. Theft costs shippers and logistics providers billions
imperfect storage and calculate the likelihood of a pallet or item With hundreds of thousands of ocean, air, and road assets, freight of dollars each year, from the impact of inventory delays as well as
falling from a shelf. Once an issue is identified, an alert could be transportation presents great potential for IoT networks. IoT in the cost of stolen goods. Through IoT, logistics providers will gain
transmitted to the warehouse team for immediate action, redu- freight transportation will move beyond track and trace. Today it clear visibility on the movement of goods — meter by meter and
cing potential injuries to workers and cutting down on damage to is already possible to track and monitor a container in a freighter second by second — as well as item-level condition monitoring to
goods. At all hours, these cameras could also be used for monito- in the middle of the Pacific, and shipments in a cargo plane mid- ensure that goods arrive in time, at the right place, and intact.
ring items to prevent theft. flight. So, what else can IoT do for freight transportation in the
future? As we have seen, location and condition monitoring through IoT
In the near future, workers will opt-in to the IoT system, con- will provide a new level of transport visibility and security. Telema- One solution from DHL is the SmartSensor,38 which offers
necting via their smart phones, scanners, and wearables – in fact, We expect IoT to provide the next generation of track and trace: tics sensors in trucks and multi-sensor tags on items transmit data full-condition monitoring. This intelligent sensor can monitor
smart glasses and other wearables are likely to bring an exciting faster, more accurate and predictive, and more secure. Freight- on location, condition (whether any thresholds have been crossed), temperature and humidity, while also indicating shock and
new stage in machine-to-human interaction in the warehouse. Watch recorded 946 cargo theft incidents across the United States and if a package has been opened (to detect possible theft). light events, to ensure complete integrity during transportation.
IoT use cases relating to this topic can be found in a separate DHL
trend report titled Augmented Reality in Logistics.

The emergence of the connected workforce provides new op-

portunities to monitor the health and fatigue of workers, track
the fixed process paths of workers, and analyze where warehouse
managers can improve walkways or change a process to make
workers’ lives easier and safer. One such solution is under develop-
ment from Locoslab, which provides precise localization of mobile
devices in indoor environments using active and passive RFID
technology. It monitors the movement of people and objects within
an indoor environment and applies location analytics to under-
stand where processes can be improved.35

Sensors can also be integrated into the warehouse infrastructure

itself. In an average warehouse, ordinary lighting accounts for
up to 70 percent of energy use.36 Smart warehouse energy
management connects HVAC and utilities networks, including
connected LED lights, to optimize energy consumption. In addi-
tion to automatically dimming and lighting according to activity,
such systems regulate the energy consumption of devices, hea-
ting, and ventilation. The resulting reduction in energy consump-
tion cuts overhead costs along with the carbon footprint of the
warehouse (as with the Transwestern example in section 2.4.1).

35
www.locoslab.com
36
http://www.lighting.philips.com/pwc_li/main/application_areas/industry/ledsinindustry/assets/Warehouse-brochure.pdf
37
http://www.globalinitiative.net/wpfb-file/freightwatch-2013-global-cargo-theft-threat-assesment-full_0-pdf/ 38
DHL Smart Sensor: www.smartsensor-temperature.net
20 IoT in Logistics

One challenge that the logistic industry is facing is that many of spare capacity along fixed routes across all business units. From
the existing solutions are proprietary, stand-alone solutions that there, it could recommend suggestions for consolidating and
are not connected to each other. New platforms need to be created optimizing the route. This would create fleet efficiencies, improve
that combine various existing hardware and software solutions for fuel economy, and reduce deadhead miles, which account for up
end-to-end integrity control of supply chains. Agheera, a real- to 10 percent of truck miles.39
time tracking solution provider, has developed an open platform
for connecting various telematics and sensor hardware devices Similar to optimal asset utilization in warehousing operations,
to consolidate data across different applications and modes. The a connected fleet could also pave the way for predictive asset
platform merges multiple assets such as a connected swap body lifecycle management. This solution leverages analytics to
or truck into one easy-to-use portal with worldwide accessibility, predict asset failures and automatically schedule maintenance
allowing logistics providers and customers to track all assets and checks. One example is MoDe (Maintenance on Demand). This
their various devices at once. 2012 EU-backed research project between Volvo, DHL, and other
partners sought to create a commercially viable truck that auto-
nomously decides when and how it requires maintenance. The
latest sensor technology was embedded in key areas such as oil
and damper systems to identify material degradation or damages.
Data was then transmitted first to a central unit in the truck via
a wireless network, then to a maintenance platform for analysis.
The driver or maintenance crews were then alerted to potential
problems. The system was found to increase vehicle uptime by
up to 30 percent40 and decrease potential danger to truck drivers
through constant condition monitoring of vehicles.

Figure 12: Agheera Real-time Tracking Portal

Another key area of IoT opportunity is fleet and asset manage-

ment. For example, sensors can monitor how often a truck, con-
tainer or ULD is in use or idle. They then transmit this data for
analysis on optimal utilization. As noted earlier in this section,
many logistics vehicles today are already brimming with sensors,
embedded processors, and wireless connectivity. Sensors that
measure the capacity of each load can provide additional insights
concerning spare capacities in vehicles on certain routes. IoT
could then enable a central dashboard that focuses on identifying Figure 13: The Future of Trucking - MoDe40

IoT can also play an additional role in health and safety, preven-
ting potential collisions and alerting drivers when they need to
take a break. Long-distance truck drivers are often on the road for
days in hazardous conditions. Cameras in the vehicle can monitor
driver fatigue by tracking key indicators such as pupil size and
blink frequency. This is already being applied by Caterpillar, the
world‘s largest manufacturer of construction and mining equip-
ment, which is using this technology to keep sleepy truck drivers
from getting into accidents. If the solution senses the driver is
losing attention on the road, it activates audio alarms and seat
vibrations. An infrared camera is capable of analyzing a driver‘s
eyes through glasses and in the dark.

39
http://www.epa.gov/smartway/forpartners/documents/trucks/techsheets-truck/420f00037.pdf
40
http://fp7-mode.eu/
 IoT in Logistics 21

3.3 Use Cases – Last-mile Delivery

With the final part of the delivery journey (the so-called “last
mile”) being highly dependent on labor, and as consumer demands
become more sophisticated and delivery points continue to
multiply, logistics providers face new challenges. They need to find
creative new solutions for this important stage in the supply chain
– cost-effective solutions that provide value for the end customer
and operational efficiency for the logistics provider. IoT in the last
mile can connect the logistics provider with the end recipient in
exciting ways as it drives dynamic new business models.

One IoT-enabled use case for the last mile creates optimized
End-to-end supply chain risk management is yet another area in collection from mail boxes. Sensors placed inside the box detect
which IoT is becoming increasingly useful. Rising volatility and whether it is empty and, if so, transmits a signal that is then
uncertainty in global supply chains is causing traditional supply processed in real time. The delivery person can then skip that box
chain management models to break down. Natural disasters, so- for collection, thereby optimizing daily collection routes. Start-ups
ciopolitical unrest, conflict, economic uncertainty, and market vo- such as Postybell42 have created proximity sensors that detect when
latility all threaten catastrophic disruption, often without warning. mail has been placed in a private mailbox and can also monitor the
How does IoT help identify and prioritize such risks? One tool is wetness inside the mailbox. A delivery then triggers an alert to the
DHL Resilience360 for supply chain risk management, which pro- recipient’s phone via GSM. They can, for example, be reminded to
vides a multi-tiered visualization of the end-to-end supply chain. check their mailbox or keep track of it while they are on holiday.
The same principle could be applied to the DHL Paketkasten or
Parcelbox, which are solutions to accommodate the e-commerce
boom – users can install a personal parcel locker at their front
door. This is currently being launched in Germany. But as letter
volumes decrease and parcel volumes increase, we can imagine a
future in which temperature-controlled smart lockers eventually
replace traditional mailboxes and ensure first-time every-time deli-
very of parcels, groceries, and other environmentally sensitive goods.

Figure 14: DHL Resilience360

Supply Chain Risk Management Portal41

Any disruptions on a global scale are checked for their effects on

key trade lanes; if they pose a strong risk, appropriate mitigation
strategies are triggered automatically. In the future, Resilience360
Figure 15: Postybell Smart Mailbox42
could integrate all the data transmitted from assets and respond
when a truck carrying urgent cargo is about to break down or
when a warehouse has been flooded from a storm. It could also
move a shipment from air freight to road freight to compensate for
an airline strike.

Managing threats such as port strikes, airport closures, and

highway closures may not seem like an obvious IoT application at
first glance, but analytical capabilities are becoming sophisticated
enough not only to predict them, but increasingly to respond.

Figure 16: DHL Paketkasten for Parcel Delivery

41
www.dhl.com/en/logistics/supply_chain_solutions/what_we_do/resilience_360.html
42
http://www.postybell.com/
22 IoT in Logistics IoT in Logistics 23

an item for pick-up. These items could be collected with dynamic

pricing models and bring more value to the return trip and to the
consumer.

Figure 17: Flexible Shipping Powered by Shyp43

Additional services can also be introduced with the rise of item-

level tagging. We imagine that in the future, as RFID or other sen-
sory tags become ubiquitous, a single product will be monitored
via a printed NFC smart label that incorporates sensors to monitor
temperature and humidity. The proliferation of these low-cost
printed smart labels will allow consumers to gain next-generation
visibility on the products they have purchased.

For example, when chocolates or other perishables are ordered

online, consumers will be able to use their smartphone, via NFC,
to check upon arrival if the correct temperature was maintained
during transportation and whether the seal was broken. In homes
and supermarkets, consumers could scan items such as packaged
poultry to see if the ideal temperature has been maintained from
The connected mailbox is just one part of an overall trend of vicinity. If it is unclear what a recipient’s schedule will be, smart- the moment the poultry was packaged until it reaches the home
“smart home” products that consumers are beginning to adopt. home products with proximity sensors (e.g., smart lights) could refrigerator. In a growing B2C market for pharmaceutical goods,
One common IoT-based example in the consumer world is the sense if the recipient is at home and communicate to the delivery the end consumer could check the integrity of his or her medical
connected fridge. It tracks the expiration dates of products being person ahead of time if a delivery is possible. A flexible delivery product (e.g., serum) before use.
stored, detects when supplies are running low, and orders more address service could also be initiated by the logistics provider.
online automatically. Such automatic replenishment and Applying predictive analytics to the recipient’s historical mobile
anticipatory shipping solutions have implications for logistics device location data (with the recipient’s opt-in to the service), Spotlight
providers. For example, sensors detect when a retailer is low on the provider could request confirmation of the expected delivery
stock and places an order automatically at the nearest distribution window and location.
center, reducing lead time and avoiding stock-outs that result in
missed sales. Amazon has even patented an algorithm that predicts New business models to monetize and optimize the return trip
a purchase by a customer before he or she confirms it, to enable an- delivery address or selecting an alternative means of delivery, such are also possible with IoT, as it connects delivery people with
SemProM (Semantic Product Memory) was a co-research project
ticipatory shipping. This moves the predicted product for purchase as to a parcel station. Many experiments have been conducted to surrounding vehicles and individuals. Innovative startups such
between DHL, DFKI and other partners to create a digital product
closer to the customer’s usual delivery address to save lead time provide more flexible delivery, but one of the key issues has been as Shyp43 are developing new ways to send products and to do
memory or “Smart Labels” for a product. The smart items can
on delivery. Thus, by combining sensor data with customer data, in matching real-time delivery to the given addresses and time pick-ups. Consumers simply take a picture of the item they need
store product-related information over the whole product life-
logistics providers could in future provide a wide variety of ad hoc slots in a cost-effective manner for the logistics provider. With shipped and enter all delivery information in an app, and a Shyp
cycle and make it possible to control various business processes
and anticipatory delivery services for homes and local businesses. IoT-enabled solutions, tagged parcels offer more visibility to the employee collects the item for packing and delivery. Through IoT,
with this information. For example, production processes are
recipient on when their parcel is expected to arrive and whether a logistics providers can connect with people or businesses on their
controlled without access to backend systems by production
Another IoT use case arising from the proliferation of smart change in address is required — for example, if they are at work. If delivery route who would like to send things but don’t have the
routing stored directly on a work-piece RFID tag.
devices and home products is the flexible delivery address. Today, a delivery is planned during the day, a customer could change the time or means to go to a post office or properly prepare and pack
http://www.semprom.de/semprom_engl/
most online consumers have the choice of giving one preferred address to that of a neighbor who is home or at a workplace in the
43
http://www.shyp.com/
24 IoT in Logistics

One innovative company leading the production of printed elec-

tronics is Thinfilm, which has also recently partnered with Xerox
to create mass-printed smart-memory labels. Thinfilm has recently
experimented with Diageo on the concept of a smart whiskey bot-
tle that provides consumers with information on integrity as well
as other add-ons such as promotional offers.

Figure 18: Diageo and Thinfilm‘s Smart Label Solution44

If this level of detailed information becomes available for a single

product, logistics providers in the last-mile could have much
greater transparency on the contents of a parcel (assuming the
customer allows it). They could understand, for example, if an item
requires specific attention to temperature or if it is particularly
fragile. This would, of course, add complexity to delivery but it
would also create an opportunity for logistics providers to increase
service standards for customers and end consumers.

44
http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/i/newscms/2015_09/909191/jw_blue_smart_bottle_3_daa76080b995da41124e94f423027c02.jpg
 IoT in Logistics 25

3.4 Success Factors for IoT in Logistics entire networks before implementing new solutions – and this
means substantial investment must be made.
So far, this report on IoT in logistics has focused on individual use
cases along the supply chain. But this is by no means a complete list To successfully implement IoT in logistics will require strong
of use cases! Companies looking to leverage IoT in their operations collaboration, along with high levels of participation between
should not just consider implementing a single use case within different players and competitors within the supply chain, and a
warehousing, transportation, or last-mile delivery. The key to suc- common willingness to invest. The shared end goal will be to create
cess lies in understanding the convergence of these use cases with a thriving IoT ecosystem.
one another. For example, a car that cannot connect to another
To achieve this, there will be some key success
vehicle or to an intelligent parking lot will be less effective; a smart
factors required:
pallet that can be used for inventory management in a warehouse
but not in the retailer’s shop will provide only limited benefits. • Clear and standardized approach for the use of unique
identifiers or ‘tags’ for various types of assets among different
Therefore, at its core IoT will require the creation and management industries on a global scale
of an intelligent network of assets connected to different verticals
• Seamless interoperability for exchanging sensor information
and horizontals within the supply chain (see Figure 19).
in heterogeneous environments

But before we consider the connectivity standards between diffe- • Establishment of trust and ownership of data and overcoming
rent industries, the first step must be to connect within the logistics privacy issues in the IoT-powered supply chain
industry itself! Logistics is a typically low-margin and fragmen-
• Clear focus on reference architecture for the IoT
ted industry, especially in road freight where there are tens of
thousands of different suppliers with varying operating standards • Change in business mindset to embrace the full potential
for local, domestic, and international operations. Additionally, as of the Internet of Things
logistics is such a networked business, it will be necessary to adjust

Figure 19: The IoT Ecosystem

26 Outlook

OUTLOOK

The breadth of applications highlighted in this report underscores While IoT may present different security challenges than the logi-
how IoT is impacting virtually every sector of the economy, and stics industry has faced in the past, it may also support many new
portends momentous changes for the logistics industry and society enhancements to safety and security, particularly when combined
as a whole. with analytics. And there are other clear benefits to successfully
answering these challenges, including greater efficiency and con-
Important questions remain about the future of IoT, particularly in venience; new sources of economic growth, productivity, and job
the realms of work, security, and privacy. As noted in this report, creation; better health and wellbeing; and improved environmental
IoT presents many opportunities for automation, and this is likely sustainability.
to change how some logistics jobs are performed.
To conclude this report, let us consider the scale of future impact.
In addition, connecting what has been previously unconnected Over the next five years, humans will more than triple the number
may, in some circumstances, highlight new security vulnerabilities. of “things” connected to the Internet, growing them from 15
As we interconnect IT and OT, for example, there may be new billion today to 50 billion by 2020. Still, 50 billion represents only
points of ingress for hackers, cybercriminals, terrorists, mischief- a tiny fraction of what could be connected — something on the
makers and others who wish to do harm. It is therefore vital that order of 3 percent of all connectable things. The sizzling pace of
all actors within the supply chain, including governments and the innovation in recent years, particularly the proliferation of embed-
high-tech industry, collaborate to ensure IoT security is prioritized ded sensor technology, wearables, and apps, has already caused
on technology agendas in the coming years. All will need to devote incredible change in just a few short years. But what will the world
significant financial and human resources to counter wrongdoing. of logistics look like when not 1 percent of things, nor 3 percent
Indeed, if IoT is to reach its full potential, it will be essential to of things, but 30 percent of things are connected? As we reflect on
address the legitimate concerns of citizens and policymakers about these developments in the context of the Internet of Everything, it
the privacy and control of personal information. is clear that we are just beginning to connect the unconnected.

The Internet of Things represents $1.9T in Value at Stake for the logistics industry over the
next ten years. Bountiful opportunities therefore exist for logistics providers to leverage IoT in their
organizations in order to increase productivity, reengineer existing processes and provide new services
that challenge traditional business models. However to derive significant commercial value from IoT
will ultimately depend on how well connected assets, such as containers or parcels, are networked along
the entire supply chain. This of course entails close cooperation and collaboration between all players in
the logistics industry.

Rob Siegers, President Global Technology at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation
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