New logistics technology
Growing technological innovations are making big waves in all sectors, and logistics and the supply chain may be one of the most affected. Known for its heavy use of manual processes and large amounts of data stored in different ways and in different places, the logistics industry has perhaps the most to gain from implementing new technologies and following the most innovative supply chain and logistics technology trends.
In this new section #newlogisticstechnology we present the various technologies that are used in warehouses and in the logistics sector.
Robot AMR
Robots have now become part of the human workforce in many sectors, such as industry, medicine and automobiles. They are a great help to humans, supporting and assisting them in their work. In this way, man and machine work together in a dynamic and efficient way.
The logistics sector also uses these types of devices, in particular AMR robots, or autonomous mobile robots, are very common. These are able to adapt to most environments, move in confined spaces and climb lifts and ramps autonomously.
Automated trolleys
Work tools in the warehouse are very important because they help workers to improve their performance.
One of the most widely used tools to help workers are self-driving trucks, which use wire-guided navigation, laser-guided (LGV) or marker or Qr code technology to move around autonomously.
There are also trucks equipped with natural navigator solutions that allow the truck to scan and create a 2D view of the warehouse and then determine its position without the need for additional external devices.
Pistol-Grip
Managing a warehouse effectively and dynamically is a fundamental and extremely important activity.
For this reason, some of the tools that come into the picture to help warehousemen are warehouse guns, which go to simplify and speed up numerous operations.
Using these tools for a warehouse allows you to have a real-time overview of all procedures, stocks and incoming and outgoing goods.
The pistol-grips are functional because they have installed the WMS, or Warehouse Management System, which is a fundamental part of the management system of the entire distribution chain.
Drones
Another technology we want to introduce you to within our #newlogisticstechnology column is that of drones. They are small flying devices that can be controlled by humans. They are usually used in leisure time, but they have an application as a tool within logistics.
These devices find various applications in warehouses: they take care of locating hard-to-locate objects, carry out inspection of upper levels of shelves, enter areas of the warehouse that would be impossible to access.
Drones can also be used for deliveries, which is important at a time when 24-hour shipping is the standard.
Transporting goods by air reduces delays in delivery times and would allow for improved performance of last mile deliveries.
However, they are still too young and immature a technology to be fully applied to warehousing and delivery, but they certainly represent a small glimpse into the future.
Smart Labels
Often, it is very complicated to transport packages in such a way that they do not overturn, especially if they contain materials that should not move inside the box.
To overcome this problem, overturning indicator labels have been invented. They offer greater security: once glued to the outside of the box, they make it easy to understand if the package has been overturned.
Once the label has been applied to the packaging, it will be easy to understand if the package has been overturned: if it is red, the package has been tilted by at least 90° during transport.
A serial number ensures the traceability of the shipment and the indicator allows to accept the goods with reservation. This tool allows you to make safe deliveries.