Warehouse logistics is undoubtedly one of the most critical management items in the manufacturing sector, not least because of the number of internal and external variables involved in all kinds of operations, even the seemingly simplest ones. And while some steps have already been taken, both in mechanization and automation, the goal of the smart warehouse still remains one of the great challenges of digital transformation. Precisely because of its complexity, this is an area where the possibility of applying automated decision-making and operational processes has only recently become realistic, thanks to the artificial intelligence and processing capacity achieved in recent years.
Warehouse logistics toward the smart warehouse
In order to make sure that we have the support of artificial intelligence in logistics, certain arrangements are needed that, in theory, are not very different from those needed in any other context. Indeed, at the conceptual level, it is “sufficient” to collect data and have the right computing power and algorithms to analyze it. The seemingly most complex aspect, that ofautomation, is also where the availability of technological solutions is already considerable.
Many warehouses are already automated, fully or partially. However, we know that automation is not automatically synonymous with smart solutions.
The case of goods receipt management
One such case is the management of goods receipt. An automated warehouse is likely to be able to manage the materials in a shipment once they arrive, and perhaps in some cases even update inventories. An intelligent warehouse, thanks to artificial intelligence applications, might be able, for example, to interface with personnel management to establish shifts based on incoming shipments and to communicate with the entire supply chain about the expected availability of finished goods in the coming days or weeks.
Regarding field operations, an intelligent warehouse can make activities more efficient even where full automation is not usable or not appropriate for investment reasons. For example, anyone who has had the opportunity to manage or see managed the mere unloading of goods and their placement knows how complex it is to manage them without bottlenecks or inefficiencies. A smart warehouse, also making use of past experience and training from the most experienced workers, can manage everything from unloading flows to unpacking order, so that each operation is carried out as efficiently as possible, while also supporting staff in practical decisions.
Technologies to support the smart warehouse
We have seen how, in order to hypothesize an intelligent warehouse that can provide real support to operations, it is first necessary to have data. These can be obtained with the usual technologies, for example RFID or barcodes for objects and IIoT for machinery. Thinking about more comprehensive solutions, it is also possible to equip transportation means and mobile equipment with location systems, so that movements and availability can also be entrusted to management.
On the handling side, the first thought goes toward robotics, the most integrated solution, which, however, is not feasible in all contexts, for reasons of scale, economics or type of products handled. Not to mention all the fields where a fully automated supply chain is really impractical.
New types of support for logistics come to the rescue here: wearable technology applied to warehouse management can be a very valuable support in making operations more efficient. Today, for example, it is possible to reliably issue commands by voice, or to have smart glasses that offer the operator suggestions and information without the need to look away or operate on terminals, with a considerable increase in efficiency and especially safety.
An evolving scenario
Using artificial intelligence in warehouse logistics is still a frontier. According to a 2020 MHI report, only 12 percent of companies have already applied such solutions, but more than half of respondents are convinced of their validity. Beyond the strictly technological aspects, which can be overcome through advanced supply chain solutions, there are also other aspects to consider.
Undoubtedly one of the most relevant is the fear that too high levels of automation will take value away from corporate professionalism. An unjustified fear: one of the main themes within the study of artificial intelligence, machine learning and in general the whole world revolving around data management is precisely that of improving human-machine interaction, human-machine interaction. This is because the ultimate goal of high-tech solutions is to support people and enable them to make the most of their time.
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