ABSTRACT
A pressing demand of optimized logistics is the ability to have a real-time track and trace of material in transit. Current methods that combine manual intervention, be it scanning or detecting using equipment, is fraught with issues. The Internet of Things (IoT) with its capabilities of making objects uniquely identifiable, connected, and as transmitters of information about self and surroundings, can go a long way in alleviating this issue. With global network connectivity from land, air, and sea, ubiquitous computing can help in assimilating data from digital objects providing an autonomous command and control center in logistics operations. This chapter describes using case studies, the application of the IoT in logistics of material and people, including mass transportation, connected rail, and vehicles. Increasing challenges with volumes much beyond human operations, such as traffic congestion, urbanization, global supply chains, cost pressure, real-time inventory management, and sustainability pressures, are discussed. Autonomous logistics with the IoT-based logistics for decentralized decision-making is also discussed in this chapter.
