Retail, CPG and Logistics

IoT in transportation: all you need to know about smart traffic control systems using IoT

The number of vehicles on the road is increasing rapidly across the globe causing unmanageable chaos on roads. The increasing density of vehicles not only causes traffic congestion but is also a huge contributor to environmental pollution. It is a no-brainer that effective traffic control systems need to be implemented to streamline the flow of traffic.
For businesses, this chaos is a direct threat to the efficiency and reliability of the supply chain.

The question is How? The answer is Technology!

Fortunately, digital solutions are now available to address the most complex issues that we face. Digital transformation is revolutionising various sectors and enhancing their efficacy, especially through the integration of IoT solutions . And, leveraging the right technology is the key to building efficient traffic control systems.

The technology that has emerged at the forefront to address vehicular traffic problems is the Internet of Things or IoT, which plays a crucial role in intelligent traffic management. We are all familiar with IoT technology because it has impacted our lives in one way or the other. One of the most common examples of an IoT device that we use is Fitbit. The device has sensors that pick up signals to monitor various health parameters in real time. These readings can be directly provided to a clinician who can recommend the required course of action, showcasing the application of IoT in healthcare. Essentially IoT sensors can be embedded anywhere to track metrics in real-time and necessary action can be taken instantly.

In an IoT-based smart traffic management system, vital information is provided by IoT sensors for effective traffic monitoring. This optimises the time interval of traffic signals so that they function according to the number of vehicles on the road.

A smart traffic management system using iot in transportation enables the monitoring of traffic in all the streets in a city through a centralised control centre. Based on this data, conditions such as traffic jams or traffic congestion can be prevented with the help of dynamic traffic adjustments such as traffic light optimisation, entry alarms, etc. The IoT technology facilitates direct communication between intelligent vehicles at intersections or other important touchpoints on roads. Another vital feature of smart traffic management is that it helps provide priority access to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police vehicles, etc.

The Business Impact: How Traffic Congestion Disrupts Your Supply Chain

For logistics and supply chain leaders, public traffic problems translate into tangible business costs:

• Increased Lead Times: Unpredictable delays mean longer delivery times and unhappy customers.
• Higher Fuel Costs: Idling in traffic and taking longer routes directly impacts fuel expenditure.
• Inefficient Asset Utilization: Every hour a truck is stuck in a jam is an hour of lost productivity.
• Increased Risk: Delays can lead to missed delivery windows and penalties.

The Solution: What is IoT in Transportation?

IoT in transportation refers to the network of vehicles, sensors, and infrastructure that are connected to the internet, allowing them to send and receive real-time data. In an IoT-based smart traffic management system, this data can be used to optimize the time interval of traffic signals based on real-time vehicle density. More importantly for logistics, it allows for direct communication between vehicles and a central control system, providing a real-time view of every asset in the field and helping to provide priority access to emergency vehicles like ambulances, which clears the way for commercial traffic.

Discover how IoT transforms smart traffic control for smarter, safer transportation. Learn more now!

How Smart Traffic Technology Works: The Core Mechanisms

The working of IoT for any application entails the integration of multiple objects into a single centralised panel for effective data analytics. The integration is facilitated by built-in sensors, etc. IoT solutions that collect and transmit data to the control panel are essential for effective traffic monitoring.

For smart traffic control, IoT sensors are installed in various vehicles. These sensors are integrated with traffic signals, street lights, etc. Sensors facilitate continuous monitoring and help reduce accidents, making them vital for intelligent traffic management. Additionally, IoT technology enhances the quality and efficiency of services by enabling traffic control professionals and logistics managers to analyse data gathered by sensors in real time.

Safety of transportation improves with IoT technology. This is because data such as the number of vehicles at a traffic junction or intersection can be tracked and required action can be taken to prevent accidents or mishaps. Traffic control professionals can optimise design processes to minimise operating costs based on data provided by IoT sensors in their monitoring systems. IoT sensors can also monitor variations in traffic patterns and provide real-time data to drivers enabling them to choose routes that avoid traffic congestion ,thus improving transportation systems.

The traffic management system using IoT technology facilitates connected vehicles. In other words, vehicles can be connected with IoT which makes it easy to detect the vehicle from a distance. It also helps monitor driver behaviour, driving style, etc. IoT sensors also provide data on the type of vehicle, its destination, speed, and more contributing to real-time traffic analysis. All this data helps in regulating traffic on the road and reducing downtime.

IoT technology not only reduces traffic congestion and road accidents but also lowers fuel consumption by vehicles, and thus positively impacts the environment.

A smart traffic management system using iot offers dynamic traffic signal processing based on real-time data analytics. IoT sensors collect data on the number of vehicles, congestion, weather conditions, and more. All this data is processed and displayed on a centralised control panel. Traffic organisations and municipalities can monitor traffic conditions on the interactive control panel, enhancing their traffic monitoring capabilities.

5 Practical Use Cases for IoT in Logistics

1. Real-Time Fleet Management: Go beyond simple GPS. Telematics sensors provide data on vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, and engine health, allowing for proactive maintenance and optimized routing.
2. Dynamic Route Optimization: IoT systems can analyze real-time traffic, weather, and road closure data to automatically re-route drivers, ensuring the fastest and most fuel-efficient path to their destination.
3. Driver Behavior Monitoring: Monitor driving styles, braking patterns, and adherence to routes. This data can be used to improve driver safety, reduce wear-and-tear on vehicles, and lower insurance premiums.
4. Cargo and Asset Monitoring: Place IoT sensors inside trailers or on valuable pallets to monitor temperature, humidity, shock, and tilt, ensuring cargo integrity and reducing spoilage or damage.
5. Yard Management: In distribution centers, use IoT to track the location and status of trailers in the yard, reducing wait times and optimizing the loading and unloading process.

Overcoming the Challenges of IoT Implementation

1. Cybersecurity Threats: With thousands of connected devices, a secure IoT architecture is critical to protect sensitive data and prevent attacks.
2. Data Management: Handling the immense volume of data requires a powerful cloud platform and strong data governance to derive accurate conclusions.
3. System Integration: The new IoT platform must seamlessly integrate with your existing Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
4. Change Management: Your team must be trained not just on how to use a new dashboard, but on how to make data-driven decisions based on the real-time insights it provides.

How Infosys BPM Drives Logistics Excellence with IoT

Infosys BPM partners with organizations to transform their logistics operations by harnessing the power of IoT and real-time data. Our end-to-end solutions, from consulting to managed services, are designed to create a more resilient and efficient supply chain.
Our Supply Chain Control Tower solution provides the end-to-end visibility you need to reduce delays, cut costs, and improve customer satisfaction. We help you move from a reactive to a proactive logistics strategy, turning data into your most valuable asset.

In Conclusion

Technology is advancing at a breakneck speed and revolutionising every aspect of our lives. Smart cities are the next thing on the horizon. A vital aspect of a smart city is the seamless flow of traffic. IoT-based smart traffic control can optimise traffic flow and enhance the capacity of roads without the need for additional roads. IoT in transportation is a futuristic technology that has the potential to resolve most issues we face in logistics process outsourcing because of the fast-paced increase in vehicular traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between IoT and Telematics?

Telematics (telecommunications + informatics) is a component of IoT. Telematics specifically refers to the practice of tracking vehicles and monitoring their data. IoT is the broader ecosystem that includes the telematics devices, the network, the cloud platform, and the analytics software.

What is a "Supply Chain Control Tower?

A Supply Chain Control Tower is a centralized, data-driven hub, usually a software dashboard, that provides end-to-end visibility of your entire supply chain. IoT is a key technology that feeds real-time data into the control tower.