Dear friends, we are sharing with you interesting information about trends in global logistics! This time we want to tell augmented and virtual realities in the field of supply chain management using AR and VR technologies. First of all, let's clarify what AR and VR are.
VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) offers a fully three-dimensional virtual space. For many years, such solutions have been of interest in the gaming industry or used in narrow niches, for example, in the training of pilots. To date , commercial companies, including logistics service providers, have become interested in virtual reality devices. AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) are interfaces that subjectively complement the human environment with virtual elements, such as in POKEMON GO or in smart glasses showing various holograms and/or pointers.
In warehouses with hundreds of product names, cargo assembly takes a lot of time. The human factor also affects - the more people participate, the higher the probability of error. Augmented reality can optimize logistics. it works on the principle of tooltips: The AR-device reads a special code and issues the necessary instructions to the staff. The AR-helmet automatically scans the codes on the pallets and displays all the information on the screen: cargo parameters, its contents, shipping dates. Unlike excel scheduling and reading RFID tags, AR helmet increases the capacity of the warehouse by 50%.
Virtual reality technology also has the potential to further optimize cargo transportation in such areas as checking the completeness of shipments, delivery in international traffic, driver navigation system and control of the loading of rolling stock.
The loading and unloading area equipped with the VR system allows you to quickly check the completeness of shipments. Currently, this requires manual counting or time-consuming scanning of barcodes with a handheld devices. The VR mobile device uses a combination of scanners and three-dimensional depth sensors to determine the number of pallets or individual boxes (by scanning certain markers on each box) or their volume (using measuring instruments). These measurements are compared with the set values, and the reconciliation result (positive or negative) is displayed on the controller's monitor. This VR system can also scan the elements to detect any damage or malfunctions.
Advantages of implementing such technologies:
- Interactive 3D visualization
-an employee works with a three-dimensional projection of data, which clearly helps to find the right shelf or container.
- Another advantage is considered to be an increase in the accuracy and speed of the operation. The system directs the operator exactly where it is needed, literally highlighting the right storage cell for him/her.
- The last, but no less important useful factor is the new level of digitalization.