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

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.