One of the key ingredients for success of any business involved in logistics is an optimization of warehouse workflow. Effective organization of business processes prevents companies from losing millions.
Usually, logistic issues arise due to a classic reason — the human nature of making mistakes. This is an instance when technology ranks first in problem-solving. For example, 85% of USA warehousing and logistics providers use warehouse management systems. Many of them chose augmented reality warehouse handling software to improve various business processes.
Modern companies seek to improve warehouse operations in every possible way, so automation is essential. The practice of using augmented reality for a warehouse is a solid solution for flawless planning, incentivization, and budget savings. In this article, we will explain the advantages of AR in the logistics business and talk about selecting the best augmented reality app development services. Let’s dig in!
Why AR is Great for Warehouses?
AR (Augmented Reality) is a technology that is accessible through mobile apps and sometimes even web browsers, through a solution called WebAR. It works through special apps, which use device cameras to scan real objects (say, products on a warehouse's shelves). Then, the software analyzes the data and displays additional information about the objects (such as images or order info) in 3D format.
There are four prime benefits of using augmented reality applications for warehouse logistics:
Interactive 3D visualization. Imagine that you don’t need to make any particular movements to receive the required information about products, units, locations, etc. Instead, you simply scan an object or use pick-by-vision technology to view all the data in 3D, as well as to find objects on warehouses shelves.
Fast object-tracking. You can stop wasting time digging through archives and sorting data manually, this approach is out-of-date. With AR tracking features, you get a full picture in front of you, with no more manual data gathering and processing.
Accessible hardware. It isn’t necessary to spend money on the most expensive and newest devices to use the technology. You can install AR applications on mobile devices, but if a company has a budget to expand the capabilities, then they might use smart glasses.
More work automation. Data entry and modification are outdated, time-consuming, and prone to human error. AR contains the entire database in one mobile application, where all information is collected in the system. This allows various processes to be executed as well as data updated in real-time with minimal effort from workers.
As you can say about any technology, augmented reality in warehouse operations has both broad opportunities and barriers in terms of integration into a workflow, but ultimately raises efficiency indicators.
How You Can Use AR in Warehouses?
Nowadays, customers expect to receive their order as quickly as possible. Such expectations can be challenging to meet, especially when the execution requires a lot of time. Moving employees around the warehouse for picking orders is a prime example of this. As well as manual barcode scanning. It can be a real issue but augmented reality warehouse picking has got it covered.
AR order picking
Most large warehouses not only store items and goods but also pick orders. The process is based on getting the definite product at the customer's request at the appropriate time. A warehouse that uses augmented reality for picking achieves error-free execution of these tasks.
This technology assists employees in real-time. For example, an app for AR warehouse picking scans the barcode of the item. Accordingly, an employee receives information about the order and navigation instructions. After the completion of picking, information in the system is updated for further use.
Worker training and cooperation
With AR, you can conduct virtual training for new employees. It will create comfortable conditions for fast onboarding and effective cooperation with experienced employees. The interactive form of education involves employees in work and allows them to practice at any convenient time. In addition, this method is safe, so the training period will pass without injury or damage.
Improving logistic efficiency
AR technology solves various problems of logistic planning. On these devices, employees see a digital, interactive 3D layout of the warehouse. Using this tool, the user sees the data for each order and can make a virtual rearrangement to optimize ergonomics.
In addition, the program itself offers optimal modifications as well as quick troubleshooting. With it, a logistics company can save a lot of time, money, and effort in planning and redeveloping warehouses. Thus, each order will be delivered in time, which is required for a company's strong reputation.
3 Great Examples of AR in Warehouses
The greatest demonstration of any innovation’s efficiency is the experience of successful companies. Let’s have a look at three corporate giants' backgrounds in using augmented reality for warehouse logistics.
DHL
One of the biggest rock stars in the logistics world - DHL successfully implemented AR technology into its workflow back in 2017. The company's employees apply both mobile devices and smart glasses. They also apply the Vision Picking function for warehouse operations and training.
The functionality provides interactive picking lists, digital warehouse navigation with automatic route selection, and transport optimization. As a result, order picking efficiency increased by 25%, which affected the overall productivity of the company.
KPMG
Back in 2017, the global auditing company KPMG, just like DHL, wrote about the necessity of keeping up with the times, so they implemented AR technologies into its practice. The company applies smart glasses equipped with AR for the effective work of auditors.
No more visiting client's warehouses, wasting time and effort on searching and counting each unit manually because AR allows you to do this virtually. As a result, they saved time, human resources, and, consequently, money. With smart glasses, DHL employees can connect to the Internet and add new data to a system.
Audi
The Audi team has introduced its own system to improve logistics processes. The program uses the existing data on objects in the production hall and projects them in the form of a 3D hologram, in full size.
This allows them to diagnose problems at an early stage, plus the program offers quick and optimal solutions. Specialists add new data and share it with all employees.
Logistics planning takes place interactively. The routes are virtually projected at a reduced scale, which allows planning logistics on a hologram and immediately saving the data to the system.
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What is the Average Cost of Setting up AR in a Logistics Warehouse?
The cost of building an AR app for a logistics warehouse is usually high because of the technical complexity. Such projects require specific knowledge, skills, and hardware to get them perfectly done. The price of the most basic app can start at $5,000, and for a multifunctional product you can pay up to $100,000 or more.
The cost of your project will be formed depending on the following factors:
- time spent on development;
- software features;
- the hardware used;
- the number of specialists and their rates.
You can choose the functionality you need according to your budget. In any event, AR-driven investment will pay off with increased performance indicators of your company.
Where Can You Find Augmented Reality Warehouse Solutions?
If you are ready to increase the profitability of your company, you should choose a long-term and reliable technology partner to develop a custom product. The best approach to improve productivity at your locations will be choosing AR warehouse companies that have high experience in this field.
Program-Ace has over 25 years of experience in providing businesses with modern IT solutions that create new ways of profit generation. We have been honored by numerous awards from Forbes, Clutch, the title one of Top 10 Augmented Reality Companies, and more, representing our deep understanding of the development process and goals.
Our team is ready to build a custom AR app for your company that will meet your business needs and goals. Feel free to contact us in order to provide your business with the latest technological progress.
