Think about running a supply chain without knowing where shipments are, when they’ll arrive, or whether inventory levels are accurate. Sounds nearly impossible, right?
That’s why real-time supply chain tracking is so essential for businesses—it minimizes disruptions, ensures smooth operations, and enables data-driven decision-making.
But how does supply chain tracking work? To ensure businesses always have live tracking updates, managers rely on digital tools and technologies such as supply chain automation, digital signage, AI-powered analytics, IoT sensors, and real-time GPS tracking.
Out of these, digital signage is crucial for communicating and sharing tracking metrics across a supply chain. Delivery compromised? Digital signage will alert the team. Unforeseen delays in manufacturing? Digital signage will communicate that across the factory floor and help realign the delivery schedules.
With digital signage, you can utilize the full potential of real-time supply chain tracking and communicate important insights to different stakeholders and teams.
This article explores how digital tools, including digital signage, are transforming logistics, reducing inefficiencies, and driving digital transformation in supply chain tracking.
The Importance of Real-Time Supply Chain Tracking in Modern Logistics
In logistics, what you don’t know can hurt you. Late shipments, misplaced inventory, and unexpected delays can cost businesses millions.
This is where technologies like GPS, IoT sensors, and AI-driven analytics provide full visibility across operations, allowing companies to track shipments, predict delays, and optimize routes in real-time.
For example, a retailer tracking inbound shipments can reroute deliveries based on traffic data and prevent stockouts. With supply chain automation and digital tools, logistics teams move away from guesswork and toward data-driven decisions that keep supply chains moving profitably.
Also Read: Digital Displays: Connecting Warehousing, Manufacturing & Distribution
Key Digital Tools for Real-Time Supply Chain Tracking
Few businesses today have to rely on spreadsheets and manual logs to track shipments.
In today’s fast-paced logistics world, businesses need supply chain tools and techniques that provide real-time data visibility.
From IoT sensors that monitor temperature-sensitive goods to AI-powered analytics that predict supply chain disruptions, digital tools are transforming the way companies manage operations.
Here are some of the most essential digital supply chain tools and techniques used today:
- GPS tracking & telematics: Provides real-time shipment location and optimizes route planning
- IoT-enabled sensors: Monitor environmental conditions for perishable or fragile goods
- AI & machine learning: Analyzes patterns to predict delays and suggest proactive solutions
- Blockchain technology: Ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transaction records
- Cloud-based management platforms: Centralize supply chain data for seamless coordination across teams
- Digital signage systems: Displays live shipment data, inventory updates, and operational alerts across logistics hubs
Want to see how real-time tracking solutions can transform your supply chain? Book a demo today and take control of your logistics like never before!
Also Read: How Digital Signage Improves Warehouse Operations Management
Why Digital Signage is a Must-Have for Supply Chain Tracking and Visibility
Real-time tracking is only effective if the right people have immediate access to crucial information. Digital signage bridges the gap by displaying live supply chain data, shipment statuses, and inventory updates across warehouses, distribution centers, and transport hubs.
Here’s how digital signage enhances real-time supply chain tracking:
- Live shipment tracking: Displays GPS-based updates, keeping warehouse staff and managers informed on expected arrivals and potential delays
- Automated alerts: Instantly communicates disruptions, weather impacts, and route changes to ensure quick response and contingency planning
- Warehouse coordination: Digital screens display real-time inventory levels, reducing errors and streamlining order fulfillment. This is further enhanced with alerts shared by supply chain automation systems
- Employee updates: Notifies teams about shift changes, safety protocols, and urgent logistics updates without relying on emails or calls
- Compliance tracking: Displays regulatory requirements and transport conditions, ensuring adherence to industry standards
How Supply Chain Automation Enhances Tracking and Efficiency
Supply chain automation is no longer just an advantage for businesses—it’s a necessity. Manual tracking and outdated processes slow down operations, increase costs, and create blind spots in the supply chain tracking process.
Studies show that companies using automated supply chain tracking solutions experience a 20–30% increase in efficiency.
Moreover, automation streamlines inventory management, shipment tracking, and warehouse operations, reducing human error and improving real-time decision-making.
Here’s how it enhances supply chain tracking:
- Automated Data Collection: IoT sensors and RFID tags track shipments, reducing reliance on manual input
- AI-Powered Predictive Analytics: Identifies potential disruptions and suggests proactive solutions
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Automates repetitive tasks like order processing and invoicing
- Cloud-Based Tracking Systems: Ensures real-time data synchronization across suppliers, warehouses, and logistics teams
- Digital Signage for Live Updates: Displays real-time shipping data and operational alerts across warehouses and transportation hubs.
With supply chain automation, your business gains end-to-end visibility, faster deliveries, and more reliable supply chain tracking solutions.
Overcoming Challenges in Supply Chain Digital Transformation
The use of technology to improve supply chains leads to many benefits for businesses, out of which real-time tracking, automation, and faster deliveries are the most significant.
However, integrating new digital supply chain tracking solutions comes with its own set of challenges. From data silos to resistance to change, many companies struggle to implement technology like supply chain automation and AI-driven systems effectively.
One major hurdle is legacy systems that don’t sync with modern supply chain management tools. Without seamless integration, businesses face delays, inefficiencies, and lost visibility.
Security is another concern—which puts supply chain tracking data at risk unless properly configured and encrypted.
So, how can businesses overcome these roadblocks?
- Real-Time communication with digital signage: Display updates, process changes, and compliance notifications to keep everyone on the same page
- Invest in scalable solutions: Use supply chain tools and techniques that integrate with existing systems
- Prioritize data security: Implement cloud-based tracking systems with end-to-end encryption
- Train employees for adoption: A smooth transition depends on getting your team comfortable with new supply chain tracking solutions
By addressing these challenges head-on, businesses can fully embrace digital transformation in the supply chain. This leads to faster decision-making, reduced costs, and improved efficiency.
Also Read: How Manufacturing Training Boosts Employee Retention & Satisfaction
Future-Proof Your Supply Chain with L Squared
With the introduction of new technologies in the industry, digital transformation in supply chains isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about staying ahead of your competition. Businesses that integrate real-time tracking, automation, and AI-driven insights see an instant improvement in their data-driven decision-making.
That’s where L Squared comes in.
LSquared’s digital signage solutions drives smarter workflows thanks to its signage technology that can integrate with multiple industry apps and share real-time data points with teams.
With 17+ years of industry experience and trusted by Fortune 500 companies, L Squared is the perfect partner for your digital transformation in supply chain goals.
Ready to optimize your supply chain? Contact L Squared today to take your supply chain operations to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does real-time tracking improve supply chain visibility?
Real-time tracking enhances supply chain visibility by providing live updates on shipments, inventory levels, and transit conditions. It helps businesses monitor logistics operations, anticipate delays, and optimize delivery schedules. Digital signage further improves visibility by displaying real-time shipment data, inventory levels, and potential disruptions across warehouses and logistics hubs, ensuring seamless coordination.
2. How can real-time tracking help in managing supply chain disruptions?
Real-time tracking helps businesses quickly detect and respond to supply chain disruptions by providing instant alerts on delays, weather conditions, or transportation issues. AI-driven insights and IoT sensors predict potential bottlenecks, allowing proactive adjustments. Digital signage plays a crucial role by broadcasting live updates on alternative routes, delays, and rescheduling efforts, keeping all stakeholders informed in real-time.
3. What is a green supply chain?
A green supply chain focuses on sustainability by minimizing waste, reducing carbon footprints, and optimizing resource usage throughout the supply chain. It integrates eco-friendly practices such as fuel-efficient route planning, sustainable packaging, and waste reduction strategies. Digital signage supports green supply chains by displaying eco-efficiency metrics, carbon reduction goals, and sustainability updates to improve compliance and awareness.
4. What tool is used for supply chain management?
Supply chain management relies on various digital tools, including:
- GPS tracking & IoT sensors – For real-time shipment monitoring
- AI-powered analytics – To predict disruptions and optimize operations
- Cloud-based platforms – For centralized data management and seamless coordination
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – For automating repetitive supply chain tasks
- Digital signage systems – To display live tracking updates, warehouse inventory, and operational alerts, ensuring full visibility across logistics operations
5. What is supply chain automation?
Supply chain automation involves using AI, IoT, and machine learning to streamline logistics operations, reduce human errors, and improve efficiency. Automated tracking systems, predictive analytics, and robotic process automation (RPA) help businesses make data-driven decisions. Digital signage enhances supply chain automation by instantly displaying shipment status, inventory levels, and workflow updates, ensuring teams remain aligned without manual intervention.
