While manufacturing has always been a numbers game — meeting quotas, balancing demand and supply, and managing downtime — discrete and process manufacturers have always relied on yesterday's data to forecast what tomorrow would bring. The industry is at an interesting crossroads. Not only do we now have quick and affordable access to computational power, but we can also collect data from a new source: machines. It's difficult to overestimate the increased efficiency of such capabilities in terms of uptime, productivity, and other important performance indicators. That is why this data-driven approach to manufacturing is dubbed Industry 4.0. At the forefront of this digital revolution are rugged mobile devices. Not only are they convenient to tote and use, but developments in processing power and memory enable today's mobile devices to act as powerful data processors on the edge, near to information sources. Additionally, their form factor and familiarity with everyday life
Inadequate real-time data and breakdowns in the supply chain management process have a detrimental effect on last-mile logistics and supply chain efficiency. Rugged mobile technology eliminates breakdowns in supply chain management (SCM) and transportation planning by enabling total connectivity and clear communication. The global supply chain is being pressed to improve efficiency and speed, while customers demand information and quickness. These demands exacerbate last-mile transportation and logistics complications and put a burden on business effectiveness. With global e-commerce sales expected to reach $4.2 trillion in 2021, the strain on last-mile logistics will only grow. Inadequate planning, a lack of visibility into last-mile procedures, and ineffective communication are just a few of the numerous challenges that transportation and logistics companies face. Fortunately, mobility via rugged devices complements successful last-mile technology and has the potential to address th