The best way to predict the future is to create it. – Abraham Lincoln
Receiving, storing and shipping. That’s all there is to warehousing, in simple terms. The future is about going back to that initial simplicity. Where nothing is wasted, and each step of the process is clear and visible. Casagrand Intell stays ahead of the future by reshaping warehousing to meet consumer expectations of speed and accuracy in e-commerce operations. With e-commerce being the new way of life, particularly post-pandemic, these expectations have inexorably led to the emergence of smart warehousing. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and IoT (Internet of Things) are the future of warehousing technologies. And the future is now.
Six developments that are revolutionising the world of warehousing are automation, AI/ML, IoT, WMS, AR/VR, and sustainability and green warehousing. Here’s what we can look forward to:
Warehouse Automation
Automation is at the heart of smart warehousing. Robots equipped with sensors and AI algorithms are being introduced for goods handling, order picking and inventory management. Robotic systems are replacing manual systems and automating processes that once required many hands and hours. Freeing up man hours for more high-value tasks is the objective.
Benefits:
- Reduces labour costs
- Minimises risk of human error
- Speeds up operations
- Improves efficiency, accuracy and precision
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
What can AI-powered algorithms do? Analyse data collected from sensors, cameras and other automated devices. Whereas ML algos allow us to learn from historical data and make decisions based on it. Both AL and ML technologies are important cogs in an automated environment.
Benefits:
- Optimises inventory management, demand forecasting, and supply chain operations
- More efficient resource allocation, demand prediction, and inventory replenishment
- Aids in anticipation of demand patterns, optimisation of stock levels, and ensures the availability of products when and where they are needed.
Internet of Things (IoT) Connectivity
IoT is crucial in creating a network of real-time data exchange. IoT connects the various devices and systems in a smart warehousing environment. With the use of sensors and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, warehouses can constantly monitor inventory levels, temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions. An instance of practical use is IoT-enabled smart shelves: when stocks are low, replenishment orders are triggered.
Benefits:
- Instant visibility into the supply chain
- Facilitates better decision-making and proactive issue resolution
- Ensures seamless operations
Enhanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Warehouse Management Systems are sophisticated platforms on which rest the entire smart warehousing process. Such modern solutions integrate with various smart technologies and provide advanced functionalities such as predictive analytics, route optimisation, and labor management. They give a macro view as well as enable the analysis of specific tasks.
Benefits:
- Seamless data flow and real-time visibility
- Intelligent allocation of resources
- Easy monitoring of workflows to spot deficiencies
- Faster order processing and fulfillment
- Improved customer satisfaction
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):
Both AR and VR technologies are immersive technologies with applications in training, order picking, and inventory management. Workers with AR headsets can receive real-time information, guiding them through the most difficult task, reducing errors and creating safer environments. VR greatly enhances the role of training by allowing employees to experience a wide range of scenarios through virtual simulations.
Benefits:
- Reduces errors
- Raises productivity
- Enhances efficiency and safety
- Reduces training time and costs
Sustainability and Green Warehousing
Eco-friendly operations are the buzzword, and the focus is on sustainability through smart warehousing. Energy-efficient practices save both the environment and costs and it’s becoming increasingly common to use LED lighting and optimise HVAC systems. Advanced analytics are being developed to help warehouses optimise transportation routes, reduce fuel consumption, and minimise packaging waste.
Benefits:
- Reduces carbon footprints
- Meets evolving customer expectations
Smart warehousing solutions are the future and will also include:
- Automated inventory control systems
- the digital twin concept that will virtually recreate the real supply chain
- 5G
- Automated storage and retrieval systems
- Automated Guided Vehicle
A study by Research and Markets predicts that the smart warehousing market size will reach USD 9400.10 million by 2027 to meet increasingly more evolved supply chain demands. At Casagrand Intell, we are future-ready!