An internet of things-based smart warehouse infrastructure: design and application

Abstract

Purpose

Real-time visibility and traceability in warehousing could be accomplished by implementing the internet-of-things (IoT) technology. The purpose of this paper is to develop a roadmap for designing an IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure and, respectively, design and apply the IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure using a developed roadmap. More specifically, this study first identifies critical components to design an IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure. Second, the study at hand identifies essential factors that contribute to the successful implementation of IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative-descriptive method, through a comprehensive review of the relevant studies, was used in this study to develop a roadmap. A prototype system was then designed to simulate a case company’s actual warehouse operations in one of the manufacturing companies in Indonesia.

Findings

A framework was proposed which is viable for designing an IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure. Based on the data collected from a case company, the proposed smart warehouse infrastructure design successfully implemented real-time visibility and traceability and improved overall warehouse efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

While the framework in this research was carried out in one of the developing counties, the study could be used as the basis for future research in a smart warehouse, IoT and related topics.

Originality/value

This research enhances the limited knowledge to establish the IoT infrastructure for a smart warehouse to enable real-time visibility and traceability. This study is also the first to specifically propose a framework for designing an IoT-based smart warehouse infrastructure. The proposed framework can motivate companies in developing countries to deploy efficient and effective smart warehouses using IoT to drive the countries’ economic growth.

Citation

Affia, I. and Aamer, A. (2022), "An internet of things-based smart warehouse infrastructure: design and application", Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 90-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-08-2020-0117