IoT supply chain refers to all connected devices capable of collecting and transmitting real-time data to improve logistics management. This technology is becoming critical for industrial companies seeking to gain real-time visibility, precision, and responsiveness. By connecting goods, machines, and infrastructure, IoT (Internet of Things) enables the optimisation of flows, strengthens operational reliability, and improves overall competitiveness.
Understanding IoT supply chain: definition and strategic role in the transformation of operations
IoT supply chain relies on a network of connected devices capable of tracking, measuring, and transmitting information essential to flow management. This technology enhances the precision of operations and facilitates coordination between logistics stakeholders. It also enables decision-makers to sustainably improve performance through a clear and continuous view of their activities.
In the industrial sector, IoT is based on sensors, RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identification), BLE beacons (Bluetooth Low Energy), APIs (Application Programming Interface), and analysis platforms to:
- Collect data on flows, machines, and storage areas;
- Automatically analyse activity variations;
- Trigger alerts or recommendations.
This digitalisation of the supply chain makes operations more robust. As Évelyne Mercier, Finance Director at Manutan France, points out: "A digitalised function proves more robust, more reliable and faster. It also offers better predictability and better readability."
IoT supply chain finds varied applications:
- In transportation: tracking of goods, temperature control, shock prevention;
- In the warehouse: automated inventory, item geolocation, energy management;
- In maintenance: anomaly detection, wear monitoring, intervention optimisation.
These applications increase the precision of operations whilst strengthening responsiveness.
Smart supply chain: how IoT enhances traceability and visibility of flows
Traceability is at the heart of current challenges. Thanks to IoT supply chain, a company obtains instant visibility on their products, whether in transit, storage, or preparation. RFID technologies, smart QR codes, industrial GPS, or BLE enable precise and continuous tracking of goods.
A new generation of track & trace
RFID solutions allow entire batches to be scanned in seconds, offering total transparency on stock status. BLE beacons locate containers, pallets, or equipment within a defined perimeter, for example in a multi-zone warehouse.
This advanced track & trace capability enables:
- Automatic updating of item statuses;
- Reduction of losses or location errors;
- Better reliability of logistics processes.
This level of visibility also contributes to compliance with European quality and safety requirements, also applied in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway, where equivalent systems are expected to ensure compliance.
Stock optimisation and loss reduction
IoT data facilitates stock management by detecting discrepancies between theoretical and physical levels. They also enable supply adjustments based on actual consumption, thus reducing costly overstocking whilst limiting stockouts.
Anomalies (temperature variations, poor storage conditions, shocks) are automatically identified. This vigilance helps limit losses and improve customer satisfaction.
Industrial IoT supporting predictive analytics: reducing downtime and optimising equipment
Equipment availability directly impacts logistics performance. IoT supply chain provides an efficient digital solution through continuous monitoring of the condition of machines and infrastructure. Sensors measure vibrations, humidity, temperature, pressure, deformations, or stress, enabling failures to be anticipated.
The rise of connected MRO
Trolleys, smart racks, connected tools, or sensor-equipped machines become genuine sources of data about their own operation. This transparency enables maintenance to be adjusted according to actual usage, gaining relevance and efficiency.
Maintenance teams have a more precise view and can prioritise essential interventions.
Reducing downtime and extending life cycles
Predictive analytics reduces unplanned downtime, which is among the main cost factors in industrial environments. By detecting the first signs of failure, companies avoid major breakdowns, protect their employees, and extend the lifespan of their equipment.
This approach is not merely theoretical: according to several European studies, IoT-based predictive analytics enables unplanned downtime to be reduced by 30 to 50% and significantly extends the lifespan of industrial equipment[1]. These measurable gains demonstrate the direct impact of industrial IoT on operational performance and cost control.
By avoiding production interruptions and optimising machine durability, this approach aligns perfectly with the competitiveness and profitability challenges faced by industrial companies today.
Intelligent warehouse monitoring: IoT as a lever for performance, safety, and energy efficiency
IoT sensors enable companies to continuously monitor the essential parameters of their warehouses: temperature, humidity, vibration, luminosity, COâ‚‚, movements, energy consumption. This intelligent monitoring improves storage quality, strengthens safety, and supports operational performance.
Sensors to manage operations with precision
By analysing data from these sensors, logistics managers quickly identify sensitive areas, operational discrepancies, or energy drift. A few examples illustrate the value of this technology:
- Temperature and hygrometry control for sensitive products;
- Detection of abnormal vibrations on machines;
- Luminosity tracking to optimise lighting;
- Intelligent ventilation management using COâ‚‚ data.
This improved control also contributes to meeting the sustainability and energy efficiency objectives expected throughout Europe.
A strong contribution to safety and ergonomics
IoT supply chain also supports workplace safety. Sensors detect unusual movements, potential risks, or abnormal equipment behaviour. These alerts enable action before an incident occurs.
The data collected also serves to improve workstation ergonomics by identifying areas of high stress or activity rhythms likely to generate fatigue.
These advances contribute to a safer, better-managed, and more efficient warehouse.
Leveraging IoT data to improve procurement and logistics performance: towards faster and more reliable decision-making
The true potential of IoT supply chains lies in data exploitation. Once centralised and analysed, this information becomes a performance lever for procurement, logistics, and supply chain departments.
Advanced analytics supporting performance
Analysis platforms transform raw data into structured information:
- Operational dashboards;
- Automated alerts;
- More reliable forecasts;
- Adjustment recommendations.
This intelligent exploitation facilitates decision-making and helps companies reduce their indirect costs whilst strengthening their operational efficiency.
How Manutan supports the digitalisation of processes
The Manutan Group supports industrial organisations in their transition to an efficient IoT supply chain by mobilising its expertise and services available across all its subsidiaries. Companies can rely on:
- Expert advice/assistance: Manutan supports you with genuine human expertise to validate specifications and guide your choice (available in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Portugal, on the date of content publication).
- Manutan handles integrations (ERP, e-procurement), with rapid connection, dedicated training, and assistance to optimise procurement and improve efficiency (available in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Portugal, at the date of content publication).
These services enable procurement and logistics teams to be effectively supported in modernising their processes, whilst ensuring smooth and secure integration of IoT solutions.
IoT supply chain is now establishing itself as a concrete performance lever for industrial companies. By improving visibility, responsiveness, safety, and operational efficiency, it transforms supply chains and supports competitiveness in a demanding market.
