IoT (Internet of Things)
Also: Internet of Things, IoT, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Internet der Dinge, IoT-Plattform, vernetzte Sensorik
AI-generated
IoT (Internet of Things) refers to the networking of physical objects – sensors, machines, and vehicles – with IT systems, enabling these devices to independently collect, transmit, and receive data.
Key facts
- IoT connects physical objects with IT systems, enabling the automatic capture and transmission of status data in real time.
- Typical logistics applications include asset tracking, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and cold chain monitoring.
- The choice of wireless standard (Wi-Fi, BLE, UWB, 5G) significantly affects the coverage, accuracy, and operating costs of an IoT system.
- IoT delivers raw data – operational value is only created through integration into WMS, ERP, or BI systems and through downstream analysis.
- Security and data sovereignty are critical planning factors in IoT projects, as networked devices represent potential attack vectors.
What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the networking of physical objects with digital systems via the internet or local networks. Every object – whether a forklift, refrigerated container, conveyor system, or shelf – gains the ability to generate and transmit status data through sensors, actuators, or embedded communication modules. This data flows into central platforms where it is analyzed, combined with other systems, and used to support decision-making. IoT is not a single technology but rather an interplay of sensor technology, connectivity (Wi-Fi, cellular, LPWAN, Bluetooth), data platforms, and integration into operational systems such as WMS, ERP, or BI.
How does IoT work in warehouse logistics?
In practice, an IoT project begins with selecting suitable use cases. Typical applications in intralogistics include:
- Asset Tracking: Real-time location tracking of load carriers, industrial trucks, or tools.
- Condition Monitoring: Monitoring of temperature, humidity, or vibration – for example in cold chains or with sensitive goods.
- Equipment Status Reporting: Conveyor systems or storage and retrieval machines report wear values before a failure occurs (predictive maintenance).
- Gate and Dock Control: Sensors detect occupied docking positions and automatically control traffic light systems or guidance systems.
The collected data reaches an IoT platform via gateways, or is fed directly into connected IT systems. There it can be linked with movement data from the WMS or delivery data from the TMS to create a complete operational picture. How closely this integration is implemented depends heavily on the existing IT architecture and available interfaces – an aspect that is frequently underestimated in practice.
What matters when making a selection?
Those planning IoT projects should carefully evaluate the following dimensions:
- Use Case Clarity: What data is actually needed, and what concrete benefit does it generate? Not every sensor automatically delivers decision-relevant information.
- Connectivity and Coverage: Warehouse buildings significantly attenuate radio signals. The choice of transmission standard (Wi-Fi, UWB, BLE, 5G) directly affects accuracy, range, and operating costs.
- Data Sovereignty and Security: IoT devices are potential attack vectors. Questions regarding firmware updates, network segmentation, and data storage location (cloud vs. on-premises) must be clarified before implementation.
- Integration: IoT delivers raw data. Operational value is only created through connectivity to WMS, ERP, or BI systems. Proprietary platforms can complicate this integration.
- Lifecycle and Operating Costs: Hardware costs are often lower than the ongoing costs for connectivity, maintenance, battery replacement, and platform operation.
Important: IoT provides data. Analysis, forecasting, or automated decisions are only generated by downstream systems such as analytics or AI – this layer must be conceptually distinguished from IoT.
Related terms
- AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to systems that learn from data, recognize patterns, and on this basis support or automate decisions.
- API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined interface through which two software systems can exchange data in an automated and standardized way. In intralogistics, it connects systems such as WMS, ERP, or TMS with one another and with external services.
- Automatisierung
Automation refers to the use of technologies and systems to execute processes fully or partially without human intervention. In intralogistics, the spectrum ranges from simple conveyor systems to fully automated high-bay warehouses with autonomous vehicles.
- BI
Business Intelligence (BI) refers to the systematic collection, preparation, and analysis of company data to support informed decision-making in logistics and supply chain management.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Barcodescanner
A barcode scanner is an optical reading device that captures printed barcodes and converts them into machine-readable data. It is used in intralogistics for the seamless identification of goods, load carriers, and storage locations.
- Blockchain
Blockchain is a cryptographically linked, distributed data structure in which transactions are stored in a tamper-resistant manner and are traceable by all participants.
- Cloud Computing für Logistik
Cloud computing for logistics refers to the operation of logistics software and data platforms via external cloud services instead of on-premises data centers. Typical applications include warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, track-and-trace, as well as BI and integration platforms.
- Datenanalyse
Data analysis refers to the systematic evaluation of raw data from logistics and IT systems in order to measure performance indicators, identify the causes of deviations, and make well-informed decisions.
- Digital Warehouse
Digital Warehouse refers to a warehouse in which processes, systems and decisions are consistently data-driven and system-guided. Typical building blocks include a warehouse management system, real-time visibility, IoT sensors, mobile data capture and automated optimization logic.
- Disposition
Disposition refers to the operational planning and control of resources, quantities, and orders in logistics – for example in transport or materials disposition. It encompasses capacity assignment, scheduling, prioritization, and response to disruptions.