People often think that warehouses are mundane with regard to operations – that every day looks the same. It might be true that from a glance things are functioning the same, but there are many road blocks and challenges that arise in the warehouse. This has opened up a space for solutions designed to solve packaging production, warehousing and shipping problems.
Today, many of these problems are being solved through Artificial Intelligence or AI. Some examples include labor shortages, market changes, pricing increases, supply shortages, and consumer purchase patterns. The warehouse AI solutions that are being produced allow companies to have a 24/7/365 view of their operations to ensure the most successful operation.
Here are some examples of AI in warehousing and packaging.
Inventory management: Artificial intelligence can be used to make predictions and help with planning how inventory should be managed in a warehouse.
Planning for Future Demand: By using AI, companies can see what their expected demand will be for their products based on a variety of factors. That can help for making sure that there is enough product (but not too much).
Accuracy of packaging production: Human error is unavoidable. For example, when human labor picks and packs shipments, it’s not uncommon for a box to be packed incorrectly. This can add to costs for customer service, returns, replacements, and customer retention. Vision systems use AI to examine a package and make sure that it is packed correctly.
Machine performance: AI allows operators to look at how their automated machines are performing to facilitate maintenance reports and predict any problems that may be ahead. The operator doesn’t have to rely on just what they see – they can get real time reports on how the machine is performing.
Labor allocation: depending on how busy a warehouse is planning to be, companies can see what labor is required for the day (or days ahead). This can also help to see what specialties are needed within the workforce.
