Wearable technology innovations in the supply chain could be the answer to both streamline and protect the supply chain industry.

This is according to Morne Janse van Rensburg, CEO of supply chain consultancy VSc Solutions.

Telling TWA, “People are talking about how wearable technology is set to change the way people live. Yet, applications for enhancing the way we do business are just as far-reaching. We are entering a world where businesses that will get ahead of the pack are those that are best able to integrate technology with their systems in an innovative way.”

“One aspect of this is wearable technology which is ready to be applied to supply chains in order to enhance inputs into planning and route compliance software. This will allow for more visibility and, ultimately, better management of the supply chain.”

“Technology may replace people in other industries, but in the supply chain industry human drivers will still be an integral part of moving goods from one end to the next.”

“Drivers are a critical link in the chain, so it is important that we protect them. And the more proactive such protection can be the better for the company and drivers.”

At present, on-board computers that track vehicles identify drivers via a tag pressed to the starter button.

”The problem with this is that drivers sometimes swap their tags; yet by using the wristbands, one will be able to tell exactly who is driving.”
The benefits of incorporating technology such as Bluetooth and wireless into wristbands, similar to watches, centre on their ability to also measure the rhythm of the wearer’s heart.

“Monitoring drivers’ heart rhythms will also enable the control centre to tell whether the driver is under stress. For example, a sudden jump in heart rate will indicate a stressful event such as a hijacking, enabling the control centre to send for help in case the driver is unable to raise the alarm. Also, a raised heart rate may also help one to identify which of a pool of drivers may be responsible for shrinkage.”

Concluding, “The world has become a global village and this type of technology is just enabling us to do what we do with greater speed and efficiency, ultimately providing a better service to our customers.”