Drone Technology in Supply Chain Management
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly popular in supply chain management and are being used for a variety of purposes. UAVs are capable of performing tasks such as inventory tracking, package delivery, warehouse scanning, and surveillance, among others. The use of UAVs in supply chain management can benefit businesses in several ways. For instance, UAVs can help reduce costs associated with human labor and provide greater operational efficiency (Rejeb et al., 2021). Furthermore, UAVs can improve safety by eliminating the need for workers to be in close proximity to hazardous materials or products (Dutta & Mitra, 2021). UAVs can also reduce the need to store large amounts of inventory due to their ability to quickly provide accurate records of stock levels.
However, there are potential issues that should be considered when using UAVs in supply chain management. For instance, UAVs are typically dependent on GPS navigation and may be unable to operate in areas with limited or inconsistent access to satellite signals (Rejeb et al., 2021). Additionally, UAVs may be more prone to malfunction due to their reliance on complex technology and vulnerable to cyber attacks. Lastly, UAVs must adhere to all regulations and safety standards set forth by government agencies. Failure to do so could result in fines and other repercussions. Overall, the use of UAVs in supply chain management can provide organizations with considerable advantages. However, companies should be aware of the potential risks associated with UAVs and take the necessary precautions to ensure proper use. Businesses should also ensure that the technology is compliant with local regulations and consider investing in cyber security measures to protect UAVs from malicious attacks. By considering these factors, organizations can maximize their investment in UAVs for supply chain management and reap the most benefits from this transformative technology.
References
Dutta, P. K., & Mitra, S. (2021). Application of agricultural drones and IoT to understand
food supply chain during post COVID?19.Agricultural Informatics: Automation Using the IoT and Machine Learning, 67-87.
Rejeb, A., Rejeb, K., Simske, S. J., & Treiblmaier, H. (2021). Drones for supply chain
management and logistics: a review and research agenda.International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 1-24.
