The AR warehouse – augmented reality in logistics

The AR Warehouse is a great way to solve common problems in warehouse logistics: Inaccurate inventory levels, products that can’t be found, or the question of where to place a product once it’s found. These are all obstacles where employees can make numerous mistakes. Unlike the paper-based management system, Augmented Reality promises speed, accuracy and freedom from errors.

The current problems in warehouse logistics

In most companies, warehouse management is based on an outdated, paper-based system. As this system is already established, the transition to an automated warehouse system appears to be a complex and expensive process.

• Currently, there is a high time cost due to the existing system.
• Due to the current warehousing system, orders are repeatedly put together incorrectly.
• The outdated system requires additional time and money.
• Organizing the high number of returns is not always possible.
• The problems with labeling distract employees and slow them down, causing additional errors.

How to AR use in a warehouse

The AR Warehouse holds different methods. The most popular ones currently include pick-by-vision, pick-by-voice, pick-by-label, and pick-by-light. Alternatively, the Augmented Reality Introduction of Radiofrequency can be considered for smaller warehouses. These systems are currently less expensive than other approaches. Nevertheless, Frontline and xPick are considered particularly forward-looking technology for the AR Warehouse.

Radio frequency picking process

RF picking is basically a paperless warehouse management system. For it to work, a special radio frequency network is required within the warehouse. All information related to an order is stored on the host server and passed on to local terminals. In addition, order pickers are equipped with terminals as wearables. The following functions are possible with this technology:

• Operators remain constantly informed about orders on hand.
• The terminal displays which items are required in which quantities.
• It is possible to scan barcodes or RFID labels.
• Information about the status is transmitted directly to the host server.

The advantage of this technology is that it eliminates the need to carefully study paperwork. Instead, the information is always present and can be transmitted directly. The goal of this picking is to speed up the process and significantly reduce the error rate.

Pick-by-vision technology

The time required in the warehouse is an important key to the efficiency of the process at hand. To ensure that the picking process is as fast as possible, vision technology offers a high level of transparency. This challenge can therefore be met with the AR solution. For this purpose, the four main stages of the AR Warehouse are used:

• With the help of Frontline, video calls can be received directly in the warehouse, for example, if there is a need for clarification.
• The AR smart glasses provide the user with detailed information about the environment and show where the required item is located.
• Once the picker has found the product, he captures and scans it. This makes it easy to identify. At the same time, all the necessary information about where to place it appears on the glasses.
• The system regularly requests certain content, which it shows to the user. This information appears as an integral image in the physical environment, allowing proper coordination in the AR Warehouse.