The trend of Next-Generation Wireless is the development and implementation of evolutionary wireless communication technologies and their supporting infrastructure. It includes the utilization of various frequencies and bandwidths across the electromagnetic spectrum to help connect everyone and everything everywhere.
The introduction of wireless internet to the supply chain ushered in the first major wave of digitalization in logistics, from desktop computers and sensors to some of the earliest autonomous mobile robots. However, as digitalization accelerates and more digital devices are incorporated into supply chain operations, the capacity, speed, and stability limitations of typical workplace Wi-Fi have been reached, and logistics leaders have begun testing and implementing alternative and new wireless communication networks. With the ability to effectively monitor, track, and interact with workers, assets, and shipments around the world, logistics providers can attain a new level of speed, accuracy, efficiency, and resilience for the supply chain.
The trend of Next-Generation Wireless has moderately low impact on the logistics industry. Although vast benefits are gained from instant and continuous visibility of workers, assets, inventory, and shipments, the trend’s intersection and implementation in the supply chain will not be highly disruptive to operations. However, next-generation wireless technologies are anticipated relatively close to realization as they already exist and adoption is starting to accelerate across supply chain segments around the world.