| | December 20188CIOReviewWAREHOUSE SMARTIFICATIONmagine an intelligent, advanced and sophisticated warehouse that intelligently predicts when a truck arrives, automatically alerts on irregularities, automatically takes care of most common problems and aid routine processes. The day is not far until then most warehouse managers have little clue on what is happening this second inside their warehouse despite using some sort of warehouse management software systems (WMS). They heavily depend on manual process of inventory, picking, monitoring, updating WMS etc. These manual processes increase the overall cost of supply chain.To improve the visibility and reduce costs warehouses can be smartified by using the emerging technologies like Internet of things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Robotic systems, Augmented reality and other modern technologies. Below are some of the tools these emerging technologies provide:· Motion detectors ­ These detectors help in making decisions when there is a movement is warehouse like switching on lights when a forklift comes to an isle· Temperature sensors ­ These sensors monitor temperature continuously and alerts when they exceed predefined thresholds· Hands free wearables ­ These augmented devices help warehouse workers while they are performing their routine tasks. For example, these devices can locate the product for picking· Autonomous robots ­ These robots can perform routine warehouse tasks like picking, inventory, receiving etc.· Drones ­ These drones fly through the warehouses and can capture inventory, provide security.· Indoor navigation ­ This intelligent system helps workers to identify best route for their picking process· Forecasting ­ This artificial intelligence helps in warehouse planning like forecasting inbound volumeTo build this smart warehouse we need to look at all the critical components of the warehouse and teach them to become smart. Below are some of the smartified warehouse tasks that can be benefited by the use of the emerging technologies:Smart PickingAs you know, picking process accounts for 55 percent of the total cost of warehouse operation. Most of the warehouses still adopt pick by paper approach which is not only slow but error prone. This process can be smartified by using wearable technologies such as head mounted augmented reality devices that can aid warehouse-picking workers. These head mounted AR systems will free the picker's hands so that they can perform the picking process with ease. These devices are capable of reading RFIDs, QR Codes, integrate with WMS and provide efficient way of picking.Some advanced warehouses use fully autonomous order picking robots. This robotic picking coupled with Artificial Intelligence provide the most efficient picking and optimizes the order fulfilment process. IN MY OPINIONBy Prasanna Kumar Pattam, Director ­ Technology, AgilityIAgility is one of the world's leading providers of integrated logistics. The organization has more than USD 4.6 billion in revenue and more than 22,000 employees in over 500 offices across 100 countries.
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