In a world where supply chain is taking over most industries, integrating Warehouse AI is the next-must-do step. It is a combination of machine learning, future predictions analysis, and WMS (warehouse management systems) that allow warehouses to increase efficiency and be more precise in forecasting, fullfillment of orders and tracking in real-time. This technology merging is changing the way warehouse automation is by providing never-before accuracy.

Warehouse automation has been around for a long time but has seen a cycle of evolution that is huge! “warehouse” is a word that was first used in the 1300s in the UK, or then, Great Britain. Now the pivoting moment for the operations of warehouses was in the 1950s when the first automation storage and retrieval system was launched, becoming the first version of WMS or warehouse management systems. They continued to develop into 1995 when more sophisticated accessories and systems like RFID guns were introduced, enhancing inventory and operational management.

Today, warehouse automation is embedded with advanced technologies that  optimize inventory, packing and picking processes. They have led to collaborative robots known as cobots and autonomous mobile robots that work under humans and it still continues to evolve!.

While AI cannot fully replace humans, crossing their functions and integrating them together can facilitate work, reduce time and errors. AI-powered solutions can navigate aisles, locate items, and perform tasks like picking, sorting, and packing without doing mistakes that humans might do subconsciously. They can also optimze routes and demand frequencies, facilitating decision making.

“I often tell my students not to be misled by the name ‘artificial intelligence’ – there is nothing artificial about it. AI is made by humans, intended to behave by humans, and, ultimately, to impact humans’ lives and human society.”

– Fei-Fei Li, Godmother of AI

This cross-functional collaboration also reduces workplace accidents by planning the safest route around humans within the warehouse and navigating crowded environments without collisions. They can also monitor movements of boxs, inventory and humans, ensuring a short-term future estimation of hazards.

SMEs are currently going for this merge, in order to gain a competitive advantage and at the same time reduce operating costs and even HR costs as AI chatbots can provide immediate support  and answer clients on a customer service level. They can even operate as basic administrative assistants by organizing tasks, booking calendars etc…

Unfortunately, it is not all sun and rainbows. Merging humans and AI has its own set of challenges starting with providing the AI with the proper, high quality, accurate information. This process of data collection proves to be difficult as their systems are based on simpler algoriths than the ones needed to feed the AI. Which leads to another big problem which is the technological infrastructure. When investing in AI, it is necessary for the warehouse to also have proper modern technological systems that can handle the the data processing of the AI.

It is very obvious that AI revolutionizes warehouse operations and boosts efficiency, accuracy, and safety. It is therefore mandatory to embed AI in modern warehouses to overcome limitations and become a key player in the race for branding.

References

DevisionX. (2023, December 13). Top 10 AI Computer Vision Applications used in Supply-Chain and Logistics. – DeVisionX. DeVisionX. https://devisionx.com/top-10-ai-computer-vision-applications-in-supply-chain-logistics/

Chen, R. (2023, June 18). Data and AI form a Dynamic Duo for Futuristic Business Outcomes. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/data-ai-form-dynamic-duo-futuristic-business-outcomes-ramon-chen/

Thomas, S. (2023, September 14). How AI and RPA are transforming the supply chain and logistics industries. Medium. https://medium.com/@social_83941/how-ai-and-rpa-are-transforming-the-supply-chain-and-logistics-industries-1dd0849d5f85

Musaoglu, E. (2024, June 14). Achieve Perfect Order Fulfillment with Warehouse AI. Logiwa WMS. https://www.logiwa.com/blog/perfect-order-fulfillment-with-warehouse-ai

Llc, M. (2024, January 11). The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on warehouse management. ERP Software Blog. https://erpsoftwareblog.com/2023/06/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-on-warehouse-management/