Smart buildings and technology adoption have become so popular in the last few years, with facility managers streamlining operations, better managing inventory, and minimizing labour. From sensors to AI, there are several technologies that can optimize your warehouse operations. Studies show that 74 per cent of people fear that AI will cause unemployment, but instead of replacing labour, technology can make jobs easier for employees, better allocate staff, and improve efficiency.
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Increase safety
Safety is paramount and technology can help elevate your safety standards and make your warehouse safer for your staff. Sensors can allow forklift drivers to avoid collisions, by alerting drivers when they get close to an object or person. As well, AI can also be used to train operators in safety practices by simulating situations that can make them more qualified to complete their jobs at a higher level. For r example, showing videos of ‘narrowly missed accidents’ can help your team become more aware of the risks and ways to avoid dangerous mishaps in the warehouse.
Boost optimization
AI and innovation can also help improve your processes, making your warehouse more efficient and saving you time and money. By better monitoring picking processes, tracking inventory, and gathering data you can become more informed and improve your operations. This technology gets to know your facility, identifying where too much time is being spent on one task or suggesting different storage placement for easier access to your inventory. AI-powered algorithms can also help you create better ways to fill orders and faster travel paths, alleviating some of the stress on your teams and improving efficiency.
Technology like robotics can also help with picking, easily navigating warehouse aisles and reaching places it may be difficult or unsafe for staff to access.
See into the future
Some of the power of AI is its predictive nature, allowing you to plan ahead by identifying patterns and detecting anomalies to predict supply chain issues and customer behaviours. Forecasting can help you better manage your inventory, service your customers, and look ahead for future spending. Predictive picking allows you to manage storage; when you know what will get picked next, you can store your inventory accordingly, saving time and the hassle of rearranging your shelves.
AI can help warehouses function more efficiently, making processes simpler, and improving performance. With the help of humans, AI can help you better manage your warehouse and your business.
