Augmented Reality for Warehouses: Benefits, Uses, and Industrial Applications
The optimization of warehouse workflow is one of the critical factors for every logistics company’s success. Businesses may save millions of dollars by organizing their business procedures effectively.
Typically, logistical challenges develop due to a well-known cause, i.e., human errors which typically happen due to lack of training or proper guidance. However, technology has a huge role in solving warehouse challenges. Warehouse management systems, for example, are used by 85 percent of warehousing and logistics companies in the United States. Many of them have started to opt for augmented reality warehouse handling software to better the different operations of the business.
Augmented reality in a warehouse is a great way to improve planning, incentivize employees, and save money. This post will take you through the benefits of augmented reality in the logistics industry and where you can use AR in warehouses along with industrial applications.
Why is Augmented Reality Great for Warehouses?
AR (Augmented Reality) is a technology that can be accessed via smart glasses like hololens, mobile apps and, in some cases, web browsers using a WebAR (Web-based augmented reality) solution. It works by scanning actual items (merchandise on warehouse shelves) using customized AR apps that utilize smartphone cameras. The program then shows more information about the objects in overlaid information or 3D format, like photos or order information.
Using augmented reality apps for warehouse logistics has four significant interactive advantages. First, consider that you don’t need to wander to get the information you need regarding things, units, places, and so on. Instead, you take a picture of an object or use pick-by-vision technology to look at all of the data in 3D and find items on warehouse shelves. Besides, you get the following benefits;
Saves Time
You are tracking several objects in a short amount of time. Stop wasting time trawling through archives and manually sorting data; this method is obsolete. With AR tracking features, you get a complete picture right in front of your eyes, so there is no need for manual data collection and processing, which saves you time and money.
Don’t Need Costly Hardware Products
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on the most costly and latest products. For example, AR programs can be installed on mobile devices, and very affordable smart glasses.
Eliminates Human Errors
Data entry and editing are inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to human errors. Instead, automation enables the complete database to be included in one mobile application, and all data is captured in the system. It allows employees to run many different tasks and update data in real-time with minimal effort.
As with any new technology, augmented reality in warehouse operations has both opportunities and limitations regarding how it can be used.
How Can You Use Augmented Reality in Warehouses?
Customers nowadays want their orders to arrive as soon as possible. Such high expectations might be challenging to achieve, especially if the execution takes an extended time. It is obviously hard to accomplish as a personnel has to move throughout the warehouse to pick orders. And then, there is manual barcoding making it even more complicated. However, augmented reality warehouse picking has solved the significant problem.
Picking up Orders
Most huge warehouses do more than just store commodities and supplies; they also pick orders. The procedure is centered on delivering a specific product at the requested time to the consumer. These jobs are possible without mistakes in a warehouse because of augmented reality.
The system also provides real-time assistance to employees. For example, an AR warehouse picking app analyses the item’s barcode, and the employee receives order information and navigation directions.
Cooperation and Worker Training
You can offer virtual training for new staff using augmented reality. It would provide a conducive setting for quick onboarding and successful collaboration with seasoned personnel. Employees who are involved in their jobs learn through this interactive style of education, which allows them to practice at their leisure. This method is also safe so that the training period will be over without any harm or damage at the work location. At InfiVR we have provided such augmented reality and virtual reality based applications to a few of the leading warehouse companies, which are being used by their warehouse operators in the US and around the globe.
Increasing the Efficiency of Logistics
AR technology helps with a variety of logistical planning issues. For instance, employees can view a digitized, interactive 3D layout of the warehouse using these devices. In addition, AR allows the user to look at the data for each order and make a move to improve ergonomics.
Furthermore, the technology provides ideal customization as well as easy troubleshooting. For example, a logistics firm may save a lot of time, money, and effort by using it to design and remodel warehouses. If the company does this, each order will be delivered on time, which is very important for the company’s reputation.
Industrial Applications of Augmented Reality in Warehouses
The experience of successful organizations is the best indication of any innovation’s efficiency. So let’s look at the AR industrial applications among three leading business giants — employing augmented reality in warehouse operations.
DHL
In 2017, DHL, one of the most recognizable names in the shipping industry, effectively integrated AR technology into its workflow by adding mobile devices and smart eyewear. In addition, they also employ Vision Picking for warehouse operations and training.
Interactive picking lists, digital warehouse navigation with automatic route selection, and transportation optimization are all included in warehouse optimization. As a result, it led to a considerable increase in its order-picking efficiency.
KPMG
In 2017, major auditing firm KPMG, like DHL, spoke about the need to stay relevant; therefore, they included AR technology into their business. The startup uses smart glasses with augmented reality to help auditors operate more efficiently.
They are no longer wasting time and effort visiting clients’ warehouses to manually look for and count each product since AR allows you to do so digitally. Consequently, they were able to save a lot of time and money.
Audi
To boost logistics, the Audi team has developed its system. The application takes existing data from things in the production line and displays it as a full-size 3D hologram. Doing so helps them detect problems early on, and the application provides rapid and effective fixes. In addition, new data is added by specialists and shared with all staff.
Where Can You Find Warehouse Augmented Reality Solutions?
To boost your company’s profitability and increase efficiency in Warehouse operations & training, you should use a customized solution with a long-term and dependable technological partner. It’s best to choose an AR solutions provider having experience serving leading warehouse companies.
InfiVR has over fifteen years of expertise in offering cutting-edge AR/VR solutions for different industries like warehouses, aviation, automobile, healthcare, defense, oil & gas, and pharmaceutical.
InfiVR is working with few of the leading companies and their warehouse departments providing the augmented reality solution for warehouse operational efficiency. Not just this InfiVR helps in a step ahead by providing virtual reality training for warehouse operators. Providing complete end to end package of AR & VR technologies for warehousing.
So, do not hesitate to contact us if you want us to give your company the most up-to-date technological advancements in warehouse management and training.
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