Enabling Real-Time Inventory Visibility with Advanced Systems

Advanced material handling systems have updated warehouse technologies by changing people’s workloads and giving them more time to devote to other parts of their roles, such as maintaining accurate inventory visibility. Knowing the right information about quantities, how fast items sell and the location of those products is essential for keeping operations running smoothly and reducing mistakes. 

Although some advanced material handling products do not have built-in inventory-tracking systems, they can handle much of the heavy lifting that employees formerly did, giving those workers more time in their workdays for inventory management tasks. Here are some of the possibilities.

Supporting Loading-Related Tasks

E-commerce giant Amazon uses many automated technologies in its numerous facilities. One is Proteus, an autonomous mobile robot that lifts up to nearly 900 pounds and moves package-filled carts to loading docks. Then, customers’ orders get loaded onto trucks, preparing them for delivery. This robot works about 20 hours a day across two shifts, although it automatically takes recharging breaks every couple of hours by navigating to the nearest dock. 

Proteus also communicates with Amazon’s warehouse management system, which tracks all inventory locations and workers’ activities. The robot can receive data from the system about incoming trucks, letting it know it is time to start bringing carts full of orders to the vehicle. 

Since the robot links to the warehouse management system, workers can easily access real-time inventory visibility by examining statistics such as the number of orders Proteus handled on a given day. Those trends can tell employees whether the facility is on track to meet goals or if people must step up the pace. 

Converting Forklifts to Automated Versions and Back

Most forklifts are either fully or partially automated or entirely reliant on human operators. However, one new model has both automated and manual modes. Additionally, this machine suits high-reach tasks, making it easier for people to maximize their warehouse space. Such equipment also enhances inventory visibility by allowing operators to verify the quantities of items on higher shelves. 

One unusual but valuable automated feature is the remote-assist capability. If the forklift gets stuck while doing a task in full-automation mode, a support agent will guide the machine out of that situation, collaborating with a local supervisor. Additionally, machine learning enables the forklift to adapt to new circumstances, keeping the equipment relevant in busy warehouses. 

Choosing the right forklift can be essential to achieving good inventory visibility. However, technicians must also understand how to maintain the equipment. Routine inspections should occur every 250 to 300 hours, covering every part of the forklift. However, more extensive actions — such as hand brake adjustments and radiator cleaning — can occur less frequently. Advanced material handling solutions, like modern forklifts, play a critical role in streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.

Accelerating Digital Inventory Capture

Anyone who has ever worked in a warehouse environment likely knows how tedious it is to verify product numbers, and that mental and physical fatigue can make the task more challenging. These realities illustrate why inventory management is well-positioned for automation. 

One company specializing in computer vision technologies for warehouse management offers a high-tech solution that combines advanced algorithms, cameras, and a sensor suite to provide wall-to-wall coverage of a facility’s products. Those involved with the technology claim it can give managers complete inventory coverage with 100% accuracy and minimal labor requirements. 

Customers currently using this solution have reported better productivity and cost savings. They can also curb warehouse inefficiencies that might lead to bottlenecks. Getting better inventory data could encourage users to set goals and measure key performance indicators, both of which should keep companies progressing and competitive. 

Creating Digital Twins for Better Inventory Visibility

Automated mobile robots have become widely utilized advanced material handling solutions, and most of them move products to different places within sprawling warehouses. However, a recently introduced mobile robot works differently by creating a digital resource for inventory managers. More specifically, it scans warehouse shelves and uses the associated data to build digital twins.

Then, workers can review those, looking for issues such as misplaced items, unreadable barcodes, and underutilized space. Additionally, since this solution can scan 10,000 pallets per hour, it eliminates quarterly or yearly cycle counts. Those efficient results give workers more time to spend on duties requiring their problem-solving or creativity skills, while automated products do the more repetitive work. 

Many industrial leaders are already familiar with the benefits of digital twins, particularly if they have used them for non-warehouse applications. For example, many research and development professionals rely on digital twins to determine which product features they should add or remove before creating prototypes. Some leaders interested in adding tech to their processes but still feel mildly hesitant might take comfort in the ability to move forward with an option with some familiar aspects.  

Enhancing Inventory Visibility With Well-Chosen Tech

Whether users want to achieve real-time visibility over all inventory or investigate an issue causing prolonged delays, these examples highlight the importance of selecting advanced material handling technology that can meet modern needs and introduce people to the power of purposeful, advanced innovations.