Mobile technologies have served as the cornerstone of the logistics industry for many years, and continue to significantly impact how goods are received, stored, picked, packed, transported and delivered., writes Richard Gilliard, CEO, Renovotec.
Customer demands are constantly influencing warehouse operations. As expectations rise for fast, efficient delivery of goods, warehouse businesses are on the lookout for the next big thing in mobile innovation to remain agile and retain a competitive advantage in the fast-moving industry.
Before we examine some of the ‘next big things’ for warehouse mobility, let’s take a brief look at some of the key developments the supply chain has experienced in recent years.
Handheld devices and barcode scanners
Barcode scanning technology has undergone a significant evolution over the past several decades, revolutionising the warehousing industry’s efficiency in inventory tracking and order fulfilment. Ruggedised handheld computers have also evolved with the needs of the market, with built-in advanced scanning capabilities, touchscreen interfaces and improved battery performance. The introduction of RFID tags in combination with a warehouse management system (WMS) has also further enhanced efficiency and accuracy within the four walls, and beyond.
The dominance of Android Enterprise
The Android operating system (OS) remains a popular choice for mobile work processes and enterprise mobile devices.
Zebra Technologies’ Warehouse Vision Study of 1,403 IT and operational decision makers from logistics industries revealed that 83% of organisations report they are currently using or planning to use the Android operating system in the warehouse by 2024. With its modern-touch interface, leaders expect to improve worker efficiency (43%), increase their ability to adapt to new workflow complexities (39%) and stabilise performance amid workforce variability (39%).
A significant part of that popularity comes from the fact Android is an open development platform. This makes it highly customisable and ideal for integration with bespoke warehouse systems or applications. The familiarity of Android’s intuitive user interface (UI) and enhanced user experience (UX) can be seamlessly deployed across mobile computers, tablets, wearable smart devices, and more. This seamless usability ensures that operations flow smoothly, leading to a substantial increase in workforce productivity and morale.
The next big thing for a sensory smart warehouse
Today, new technologies such as AI, robots, automation, and detailed analytics provide the full sensory spectrum to make intelligent decisions for optimum productivity in the warehouse. The most significant developments include:
1. Automated mobile robots (AMRs)
Using a combination of advanced sensors, cameras, and software algorithms, AMRs can understand their surroundings, navigate around permanent and temporary obstructions, plot the most efficient path, and carry out tasks independently.
2. Machine vision
Machine vision represents one of the most exciting Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and industry 4.0 technologies to emerge and revolutionise supply chain operations.
Machine vision replaces the human eye with processes used to enable robots and computers to visually perceive and interpret their surroundings. They use advanced imaging techniques like cameras, sensors, and imaging processing algorithms to mimic the capabilities of human vision and allow them to be used to enhance business processes.
AI-boosted technology
AI-boosted technology can transform the warehouse in countless ways and enhance the cognitive abilities of the full technology stack in the smart warehouse.
By integrating AI and machine learning into mobile solutions, warehouse staff can achieve gains in efficiency and productivity. Handheld devices enable them to process orders in less time than traditional systems.
Mobile technologies and devices are undoubtedly revolutionising the efficiency and productivity of warehouses and are here to stay. However, for mobile technologies to deliver optimal performance, increased return on investment, and resilience, they need to be integrated effectively and work in harmony with cutting-edge technologies and existing systems. Even smaller warehouse distribution centres must embrace the evolution of AI and machine learning. Starting small will quickly yield multiple efficiency benefits for evolving at pace with the industry.
Comments are closed.