The Ultimate in Logistics Mobility
The logistics industry is rapidly changing as technology advances. Many of the technology solutions coming to market have the potential to improve supply chains at every level; rugged mobile computers, handheld barcode scanners, or smart printers are all excellent examples of current warehouse technology that’s been implemented along the supply chain to increase production efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and lower costs. However, there are also new technologies emerging on the market that have the potential to change the face of logistics, including wearable augmented reality technology.
Download Free Guide: 7 Technologies That Will Change the Warehouse
Google Glass as a Logistics Tool
The household name in wearable technology is Google Glass, which allows users to interact with whatever they view through voice direction. Transport, logistics, and supply chain industry business intelligence leader eft.com identified Google Glass as capable of handling many computing tasks of mobile computers in the warehouse; it can read barcodes, connect with and display information from a database, and even upload information to a database. However, perhaps the most compelling benefit of Google Glass within the warehouse is its ability to be used completely hands-free. Literally freeing the hands of staff and eliminating the need for employees to walk back and forth between their department and a computer improves efficiency by allowing more time and opportunity for them to multitask.
KiSoft Custom Designed for the Warehouse
However, Google Glass isn’t the only, and certainly not the best, option for logistics enterprises seeking to incorporate wearable technology as a means for improving efficiency and reducing costly manual processes. According to Logistics Viewpoints, Knapp AG, “a material handling and logistics software solution provider headquartered in Austria,” has developed augmented reality glasses designed specifically to address warehouse and logistics needs. The company’s KiSoft Vision solution is compatible with Voice Recognition software but has the added feature of visual prompts and confirmation. For example, scanning multiple serial codes is faster with wearable scanning technology than processing information using a handheld barcode scanner.
Wearable technology in the logistics industry allows for quick photo uploads to a database. Most augmented reality solutions have camera features with the ability to add commentary or notes to the photos. Warehouse staff can use this feature to provide visual documentation of products they handle. These photos can then be uploaded to an inventory database, included in client files, or used as data points on a digital warehouse map. This capability simplifies the work of warehouse staff and improves warehouse procedures.
Using Augmented Reality to Solve Issues Unique to Logistics
We have talked about how wearable technology can work with or replace various warehouse technologies using a single device. In addition, augmented reality technology provides unique solutions specifically designed for logistics needs. Logistics Viewpoints mentions that wearable augmented reality glasses are expected to improve pallet building optimization. They will display efficient, effective, and safe ways for workers to stack and assemble pallets. These glasses will also help protect lighter products from being crushed.
Another potential opportunity unique to wearable technology is the option of providing real-time navigation for the wearer within the warehouse. This can be implemented in several ways, including syncing the device with GPS. However, eft.com suggests that the most likely solution is uploading a map of the warehouse to a database the technology can access. The wearer can then “re-orient” themselves on the warehouse map by scanning the barcode of something nearby. This kind of internal route navigation could easily cut down on time wasted in picking, especially within large-scale warehouses like those at Amazon.
Picking is the number one way that wearable technology can improve efficiency within your logistics organization. The augmented reality technology can guide the picker along a navigation route to the product on the pick order. It can show them a picture of the item and allow them to scan the barcode for verification— all hands-free. After picking the product and scanning the barcode, the wearable technology can provide instructions or reminders related to the item.
Industry Leaders On Board
These technological advances may seem a little futuristic, but they are being implemented by industry leaders today. DHL, a major player in the logistics industry, recently tested smart glasses and augmented reality in a warehouse. The test showed that augmented reality can enhance logistics, resulting in a 25% increase in efficiency during the picking process. Many logistics companies are embracing technology to meet customer demands for faster response times and lower prices. If wearable and augmented reality technology consistently shows high process improvement, it could have a major impact on the supply chain.
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