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Tag: AI

Tailored Automations for Optimising a Warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouses are some of the most important parts of the way that retail organisations operate, with better warehouse logistics keeping companies up to date with their orders and shipping requirements, writes Jack Roberts of Bluestonex (pictured). As artificial intelligence and machine learning become more common, companies are starting to implement more automation in their warehouses to take advantage. Learn more about the role of automation in a warehouse, and how to best tailor automation to your warehouse operations.

What is automation?

The process of automation refers to when artificial intelligence plays a significant role in taking manual tasks away from people in the workplace, instead placing them under the purview of machines that have been designed for the role. Many people think of automation as a purely “robotic” process that uses advanced machinery to complete work, however, most of the automation primarily emphasises software solutions. Lots of tasks that artificial intelligence completes focus on relatively menial and repetitive jobs, as these are much simpler to program.

How does automation apply to a warehouse?

Technology has been an increasingly important part of warehouses for a few years now, with automation starting to apply in a range of different ways. Some of the main processes that are becoming more automated in a warehouse environment include:

Product ordering

Some companies use automation to complete product ordering processes. This includes keeping tabs on the amount of stock available as one of the main metrics that a company has and ordering new stock the moment it lowers to a specific threshold. Product ordering automation is ideal for businesses as it ensures that there are always enough products available for customers. Automating this is less useful for just-in-time systems, with bulk products being ideal.

Stock tracking

Vast warehouses can have stock across a large area, with different products all being in different places. By combining artificial intelligence with a barcode or QR scanning system, automation can keep track of where individual products are in a large warehouse. This removes what would otherwise be an extremely strenuous task for employees, freeing up a lot of time to complete more important tasks for the company.

Manual tasks

Moving away from the implementation of software automation in the workplace, adding robotic hardware such as mobile arms to the warehouse can increase efficiency. Robotic implements can move precisely and repeatedly without showing any signs of fatigue, bringing a greater degree of consistency to the workplace. This also keeps staff members safe from injury, with robotic tools able to lift heavier goods more safely.

Tailoring automation to your warehouse

Automation is all well and good, but it is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, with different companies implementing it in unique ways. Learn more about the steps to take when tailoring automation to your warehouse, and why each of these steps is a fundamental part of preparing your business for the future.

Consider your needs

Start your journey towards automation by considering your needs. A lot of automation focuses on information, such as data governance automation and ensuring greater data health. By understanding the issues that your data faces and some steps to resolve it, you guide your automation to be far more effective. Some companies turn to external consultants at this stage, but a lot of the time you have a better understanding of the issues affecting the company than someone that is only looking at the data.

Understand limitations

Every company has its own limitations to consider when it is looking to implement new technology, with some examples including the budgetary limits that the company is working with and the amount of space a business has. For example, adding robot arms to a space is a fine idea, but it doesn’t work if there isn’t enough physical room. Do a full audit of what might hold your automation back, then balance your dream solution with this better understanding of the boundaries you are working within. It will save you time later in the process when you’re considering solutions.

Set clear goals

Make sure that you have clear goals for your automation. Pay attention to your needs and set clear goals that resolve the gaps in your workflow, with automated systems specifically targeting these. Whether you’re targeting better business partner onboarding beyond the warehouse or simply an improved way of ordering products, knowing your goals ahead of time stops the project from spiralling out of control and eating into the budget you allocated to other areas.

Get started

The best way to tailor your automation is to get started as soon as possible. Automation and AI are fast-moving areas that are providing more cutting-edge advantages as time goes on, so the sooner a company makes the most of this, the better positioned they are for future developments. Augment your warehouse with automation today and start seeing the benefits immediately.

AddSecure Partnership with Cold Chain Federation

Posted on by David Priestman

AddSecure, a European provider of secure IoT connectivity and end-to-end solutions such as temperature-monitoring and connected fleet management solutions, has announced that it has become an associate member of the Cold Chain Federation. The membership is an important milestone for the company as it expands its presence in the UK and further establishes itself as a leading provider of temperature monitoring and connected fleet management solutions.

The Cold Chain Federation is the UK’s leading trade association for businesses involved in the storage, distribution, and transportation of temperature-controlled goods. As an associate member, AddSecure will have access to a wealth of industry knowledge, expertise, and networking opportunities.

AddSecure’s temperature-monitoring and connected fleet management solutions have already made a significant impact in the temperature-controlled logistics industry. With its advanced technology, the company has helped temperature-controlled businesses ensure the safety and quality of temperature-sensitive goods throughout the supply chain.

“We are delighted to become an associate member of the Cold Chain Federation,” said Paul Lawrence, MD of AddSecure UK. “The Federation’s commitment to promoting best practices in the cold chain logistics industry aligns with our own mission to provide the most advanced and effective solutions to our customers. We look forward to working closely with the Federation and its members to drive innovation and improve the safety and efficiency of the cold supply chain logistics sector.”

AddSecure’s membership in the Cold Chain Federation is a significant milestone for the company, as it expands its presence in the UK and further establishes itself as a leading provider of temperature-monitoring and connected fleet management solutions.

AddSecure is a leading European provider of secure IoT connectivity and end-to-end solutions. The company helps customers optimize their operations, drive business value, and secure vital functions. Headquarters is in Stockholm. Main market served is Europe, with customers worldwide.

Samsara Launches Sustainable Fleet Management Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Samsara Inc. (NYSE: IOT), the pioneer of the Connected Operations™ Cloud, today introduced its Sustainable Fleet Management solution. This evolution of Samsara’s existing fuel efficiency and electric vehicle (EV) offerings is designed to empower customers with additional data-driven insights so they can reduce emissions, jumpstart electrification, and meet their sustainability goals.

Policymakers around the world are launching zero-emission vehicle programs and setting emissions reduction targets that directly impact commercial fleets across a number of industries. Additionally, fuel costs and growing social and investor demands for more sustainable operations are influencing leaders to better track and report on their progress toward these milestones and in some cases, accelerate fleet electrification. This complex transition will require long-term planning, foresight, and data-driven decisions. Not to mention, every organization will have its own unique challenges depending on its size and business objectives.

“Electric vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce environmental impact knowing that transportation is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions across the globe. With the right technology infrastructure, it is possible in various operations to do this without compromising your supply chain,” explained Tim Campbell, Managing Director and Commercial Vehicle Decarbonization Consultant at Campbells Consultancy. “Commercial fleet electrification has yet to reach an inflection point but with increased regulatory incentives and reporting requirements, preparedness for this operational shift remains critical.”

Samsara’s Sustainable Fleet Management solution is designed to support customers along every step of their journey toward more sustainable operations. New and enhanced features announced today include:
• Fuel & Energy Hub, acting as the one-stop shop for mixed fuel fleets – including Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), EV, and hybrid vehicles – to ensure their drivers and assets perform optimally to support sustainability goals. With this new dashboard, operations leaders can visualize an entire fleet’s performance while gathering actionable insights into fuel economy, cost, and consumption to direct change with confidence and precision. Fuel & Energy Hub is now available in open beta.
• Sustainability Report, allowing customers to visualize their fleet emissions and monitor output across sites and vehicles to pinpoint improvement areas. This report also provides insight into current and predicted fleet emissions over time, so customers can set more accurate targets and track progress against their sustainability goals. Sustainability Report is now available in open beta.
• Charge Control, combatting driver range anxiety by managing real-time EV charging at scale and easily identifying charging issues. Now, customers can create custom charging profiles by groups or by individual vehicles and receive notifications for irregularities. Charge Control will be available in open beta this summer.
• EV Suitability Report, providing customers with a tailored list of ICE vehicles within their fleet that are most suitable for EV transition. As an evolution of Samsara’s existing Fleet Electrification Report, this new report now includes assessment for all vehicle types and allows customers to configure electrification criteria for advanced recommendations. EV Suitability Report is now generally available.

Samsara customers can now leverage these features alongside the platform’s existing Fuel & Energy Report, Driver Efficiency Report, Idling Events Report, Fleet Benchmarks Report, and more.

“At M Group Services, we’re committed to achieving a 50% reduction in direct carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero before 2050,” said Shaun Stephenson, Interim Managing Director at M Group Services Plant & Fleet Solutions. “Samsara helps us achieve those goals, giving us the data and tools we need to shift to more eco-friendly energy sources and empowering our drivers to be more aware of their impact on the environment.”

Today, Samsara also released its annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report titled “Building a safer and more sustainable world.” This report details its progress to date and the principles that guide the company’s ESG commitments, including transparency and accountability, data-driven solutions, and empowering its people and communities.

“To provide an accurate assessment of their ESG momentum, organizations need a simple way to analyse data points across their entire operations. We’re hearing this more often from our customers as they look for technology partners to track and report progress toward these goals,” said Jeff Hausman, Chief Product Officer at Samsara. “With this new solution, we’re able to provide our customers with fuel economy, vehicle utilization, and emissions insights that will help them better understand their opportunity for improvement, and take action.”

AI Video Telematics Innovation for Road Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

VisionTrack (stand 5E80) is continuing to deliver ground-breaking road safety benefits with the launch of an AI detection camera at the Commercial Vehicle Show, Birmingham 2023. The VT650-AI will eliminate HGV blind spots around the vehicle and enable complete 360-degree visibility to better protect vulnerable road users (VRUs). It is part of the company’s growing range of AI-powered video telematics solutions that provides the most comprehensive risk detection and intervention (RDI) currently available.

“Traditional proximity sensors warn of a nearby road user, but typically alerts can be triggered by street furniture such as lamp posts, bollards, road signs and bins, which risks the driver becoming complacent and taking less notice of alarms,” explains Richard Kent, President of Global Sales at VisionTrack. “The best way to avoid this alert fatigue is to take advantage of intelligent and high precision AI cameras that keep the driver engaged with accurate and useful information.”

The intelligent and high-precision AI VRU detection camera is suitable for an HGV’s front, side or rear using deep learning technology to detect pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and people on scooters, while disregarding street furniture. With configurable safety zones, all angles can be covered, providing the precise location of nearby VRUs in relation to the vehicle. Footage is automatically displayed on an in-cab monitor, and supplemented with an audible, spoken warning.

“We are creating a unique AI-powered video telematics ecosystem – using the latest edge-and cloud-based innovations – to provide unrivalled, real-time driver engagement, alongside the most accurate, timely and insightful risk monitoring and analysis. This integrated technology offering is designed to mitigate the impact of road, driver and fleet risk,” adds Kent.

Earlier this year, VisionTrack launched NARA, an AI-powered post-analysis solution that is transforming how collisions, near misses and driving events are analysed, monitored and reviewed by automatically analysing footage without the need for human involvement. The device agnostic, cloud-based software is changing how vehicle camera footage is assessed and helping road transport operators to save time, costs and most importantly lives.

Cognex Launches High-Speed AI Vision System

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Cognex Corporation, a leader in industrial machine vision, has released the In-Sight 3800 Vision System. Designed for high-speed production lines, In-Sight 3800 offers an extensive vision toolset, powerful imaging capabilities, and flexible software to deliver a fully integrated solution for a wide range of inspection applications.

“The In-Sight 3800 offers twice the processing speeds of previous systems, performing tasks like a quality inspection in as little as one-third of a blink of the eye,” said Lavanya Manohar, Vice President of Vision Products. “This added power allows users to maximise throughput and accommodate faster lines while delivering the high accuracy that they have come to expect from the In-Sight product line.”

This new system is embedded with a comprehensive set of vision tools that includes Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based edge learning technology and traditional rule-based algorithms. Easy-to-use edge learning tools solve tasks with high variability and are set up in minutes with just a handful of training images. The industry-proven rule-based tools are well-suited to solve deterministic tasks with specific parameters.

Impressive Vision Results

“When we selected Cognex, we were under the assumption that the processing time of the In-Sight 3800 would be 30% faster than the current In-Sight 7900 vision system being used,” said Nicolas Chomel, Technology Development Director at SIDEL, a leading provider of equipment, services and complete solutions for packaging consumer products. “However, during qualification tests, the In-Sight 3800 proved to be 50% faster in our application.”

In-Sight 3800 is powered by In-Sight Vision Suite software, a common platform across all In-Sight products, which offers both EasyBuilder and Spreadsheet development environments. The intuitive, point-and-click EasyBuilder interface guides users step-by-step through the development process, making it ideal for simple or common applications, while the robust spreadsheet interface enables finetuning of job parameters for advanced or highly customized applications.

“Flexible development options allow users to easily modify their application for new or changing requirements,” said Manohar. “In doing so, In-Sight 3800 offers a scalable solution for addressing both current, and future, factory automation needs.”

Network’s Future Accelerates with Innovation Partner

Posted on by David Priestman

The world of logistics might not seem an obvious fit for AI, but Leicestershire based Pall-Ex is embracing this powerful technology to help deliver a more efficient and improved level of customer service.

Partnering with The Algorithm People, a transport optimisation specialist delivering a suite of products and services using powerful algorithms based upon artificial intelligence, Pall-Ex will be able to offer best in class tracking for customers.

Following an extensive tender process, Pall-Ex chose The Algorithm People’s Optimize package to help deliver its NexusETA project. This is the latest addition to its Nexus freight tracking software which will have the capability to calculate the estimated time of freight arrival and provide a delivery time window to its customers and the goods recipients. Optimize is designed to provide optimisation, decarbonisation and innovation to fleet operators. Its technology roadmap will enable Pall-Ex Group to not only deliver the first phase of NexusETA, but also support its future vision and objectives.

Dave Dunhill, Chief Technology Officer at Pall-Ex Group, commented: “NexusETA is a significant project that will deliver a magnitude of benefits to our partners, members and customers. I am delighted we are partnering with The Algorithm People as they can provide the innovative technology required to deliver this project. In addition, we were impressed by their appetite to succeed and be a part of the Pall-Ex Group technology journey.”

Colin Ferguson, CEO at The Algorithm People, added: “We are proud to be supporting Pall-Ex Group in delivering its vision for the next significant addition to the Nexus platform. Our algorithms will help to provide an innovative solution for the business, bringing major benefits to customers with a more specific indicator of when their goods are due to arrive.”

Pall-Ex Group has a 24-hour operation which requires detailed and accurate planning tools. The addition of NexusETA will help the business to make communication with its customers smoother benefitting its entire network base.

Inform Software Opens Portugal Office

Posted on by David Priestman

INFORM announces the opening of a new office in Portugal. With this step, the German-based optimization specialist not only aims to drive the expansion of its software solutions in the Portuguese market, but also to use the new location as a working hub to recruit international IT professionals.

With the new office in Lisbon, Portugal, the software company is expanding its presence on the Iberian Peninsula to meet the growing demand for software solutions to optimize business processes. The focus is on risk management and fraud prevention based on artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time recognition for financial institutions and the telecommunications industry. It also offers solutions for the aviation, logistics and workforce management industries, which are among the company’s core business areas in Portugal.

INFORM will also leverage the new office in Lisbon to recruit international IT professionals at the location. The newly recruited employees will then be integrated remotely into the international teams and project work at the company’s headquarters in Aachen, Germany. In addition, employees will have the opportunity to work at other INFORM Group locations for several weeks a year. INFORM thus continues on its path of offering its employees maximum flexibility for their work.

The announcement was made on March 23rd at the opening event in Lisbon, which was attended by Dr. Andreas Meyer, CEO of INFORM GmbH, and João Faísca, CEO of INFORM Portugal, among others. “We are excited to open our new office in Portugal”, said Faísca. “Our goal is to create a center for innovation and talent to attract people to work in Portugal and on international projects. At the same time, we want to demonstrate the company’s focus on the potential of the Portuguese market in the various sectors in which it operates.”

Telematics for Truck Racing Championship

Posted on by David Priestman

VisionTrack is extending its longstanding partnership with the British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC) for a further year. As official video telematics provider, the company will deliver an advanced vehicle camera solution for all competing trucks in Division 1 and Division 2 of the BTRC. Teaming up with Truck Sport UK, VisionTrack will support race activity management throughout the seven-round event, as well as providing high-quality footage for broadcast and media opportunities.

VisionTrack will be using a three-channel system, utilising forward-facing, rear-view and in-cab cameras, so race officials can access a substream feed that downloads footage within seconds to speed-up in-race investigations. This will work alongside livestream video from each truck that assists with the management of on/off track race compliance, while HD video will also be available during and post-race for livestream broadcasting, media clips and a TV highlights programme.

Mark Turner, Sporting Manager of British Automobile Racing Club Limited commented: “The British Automobile Racing Club and British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC) are delighted to continue our valued partnership with VisionTrack. As the motorsport industry continues to evolve, providing officials with the information that they need to make the right decisions is paramount. We have worked hand-in-hand with VisionTrack to give officials a system that puts them in control of what footage they want and allows them to quickly assess on track incidents.”

Dean Leonard, Vice President of Technical Services at VisionTrack said: “We are excited to be the official video telematics provider for the British Truck Racing Championship for the third year running. Our advanced camera solution is again helping Truck Sport UK to maintain the highest levels of race safety, while providing action-packed content that will attract new fans to this exciting motorsport. I will again be on-hand throughout the competition to support the judicial team within race control and ensure they can access the video and data they require.”

VisionTrack is a leading global provider of AI video telematics and connected fleet data. The company’s advanced vehicle camera solutions are underpinned by a device-agnostic, multi-award-winning IoT platform, Autonomise.ai. The company’s unique approach is helping tackle some of the most complex challenges faced by the fleet, road transport and insurance sectors, providing the operational insight, business intelligence and enriched vehicle data needed to make strategic mobility decisions.

Powerfleet to Acquire Movingdots

Posted on by David Priestman

Powerfleet, Inc. (Nasdaq: PWFL), a global leader of Internet of Things (IoT) software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions that optimize the performance of mobile assets and resources to unify business operations, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Movingdots, a leading provider of insurance telematics and sustainable mobility solutions based in Bremen, Germany, and a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading re-insurers, Swiss Re.

Movingdots, in partnership with Swiss Re’s Automotive and Mobility unit, has spent nearly a decade designing and perfecting data science algorithms with primary insurers to provide risk-based drive style analytics for fleets and personal auto risk. Backed with actuarial insights, Movingdots enables data-driven insurance propositions for insurers, car manufacturers, and mobility platform players worldwide. By focusing on customers’ safety and security needs, and by providing transparent and comprehensive monitoring, Movingdots combines insurance analytics with artificial intelligence (AI) technology to derive an individual risk assessment. Movingdots has been looking for the right strategic growth partner to deliver these precisely architected insurance solutions to the global market in a sustainable, profitable, and scalable way.

“I look forward to welcoming Movingdots’ exceptional team and great customers to Powerfleet,” said Steve Towe, Chief Executive Officer at Powerfleet. “World-class insurance telematics solutions as well as ESG reporting are core to Movingdots’ business and are highly aligned and complementary to Powerfleet’s strategic focus on safety and sustainability. We look forward to the partnership as we bring these industry-leading solutions to an expanded market through Powerfleet’s customer base and global go-to-market channels.”

Hendrik Todte, Managing Director at Movingdots, added: “We pride ourselves on the accuracy and reliability of our data and solutions. Achieving safer and more sustainable mobility requires engineering excellence and I am proud of the dedicated team we have built in Europe. We look forward to joining forces with Powerfleet to embrace opportunities in the corporate and commercial fleet space and to deliver innovation in mobility through cutting edge technology.”

Compelling benefits from the acquisition that are expected to support Powerfleet’s organic growth include:

• Insurance-approved solutions: Movingdots is currently owned by Swiss Re, one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance, and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer. The insurance risk insights from Swiss Re have contributed to the creation of Movingdots’ end-to-end telematics app solution, Coloride. This adds credibility to the suite Powerfleet will offer its customers and partners.
• Enhanced Powerfleet Unity platform: Powerfleet launched its new fleet intelligence platform, Unity, at the end of 2022. Unity unites people, assets, and IoT device data together on a single platform to transform the way its customers do business. Unity is made up of six data-powered solutions, including safety and sustainability. Movingdots’ focus on delivering innovative automotive and mobility safety solutions and ESG reporting will enhance Powerfleet’s SaaS enterprise applications.
• Increased global reach and total addressable market: Movingdots’ footprint and customer base will strengthen Powerfleet’s global reach and ability to penetrate EMEA markets with wider international leadership and expanded solution offerings.
• Investment in talent: Movingdots has built a hub of excellence in Germany and beyond. Movingdots employees will strengthen Powerfleet’s current tenured and talented team, all striving to deliver on the promise of People Powered IoT.

“We are excited that we have found Powerfleet, a strong buyer for Movingdots, who has the scale and footprint to further grow the business,” said Andrea Keller, Head Automotive and Mobility, Reinsurance Solutions, at Swiss Re. “We are looking forward to continuing with Powerfleet and Movingdots in partnership.”

The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. Following the completion of the acquisition, all Movingdots customers will continue to receive exceptional service from the Movingdots team.

 

Warehouse Digital Twins with Artificial Intelligence

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Synkrato, the next-generation logistics platform with Digital Twin, Mobility, Digital Labelling, and AI-Driven Logistics (slotting), announced a major update to their Digital Twin and slotting solutions. The update allows users to connect a warehouse digital twin to the slotting engine and perform slotting and re-slotting using digital twins.

“We believe the key to supply chain resilience and innovation is to simplify transformative technologies. Companies are looking for solutions that streamline operations without requiring a high level of IT skills, said Amin Sikander, Synkrato president. “Managing slotting algorithms in a spreadsheet is a labour-intensive, error-prone process, especially with a lot of inventory coming in and going out. By connecting Synkrato Digital Twin to the adaptive slotting algorithm, businesses gain real-time warehouse efficiency through a user-friendly interface.”
Maximum warehouse capacity utilization and reduced travel time

After users create a digital twin, the latest version of Synkrato automatically provides recommendations on where to find, store, and relocate inventory within a warehouse. According to Sikander, “warehouse space and labour availability are both becoming scarce in some areas of the United States. The shortage of warehouses, rising rent, and capacity constraints have firms searching for ways to get the most out of their existing industrial space. Additionally, low inventory visibility and poor pick-up paths require extra labor to prepare orders at a time when finding warehouse operators is challenging. This software update helps companies optimize their available resources.”

Synkrato’s dynamic digital twin sends data to slotting, like inventory location, distances, sales history, personnel, and stock levels, in real time. The slotting algorithm then uses this data to provide ongoing slot recommendations for all incoming and outgoing orders in real time. This integration simplifies slotting and supports an agile strategy by removing bottlenecks, recommending optimal pick paths, and streamlining put-away.

“Imagine a warehouse with a single staging area and three inventory storage zones. The price to move inventory to the staging area is proportional to the distance, so the closest distance has the lowest movement cost. Synkrato provides recommendations on where to store products based on sales history, forecast, and staging distance to reduce costs and order-preparation time, all from the digital twin interface,” said Jason Mancuso, Synkrato product director.

Synkrato is showcasing its Digital Twin and AI-Driven Logistics solutions at ProMat 2023 in Chicago. Synkrato was also selected as a Best IT Innovation award finalist, an award presented by MHI at ProMat to recognize innovative supply chain products. Attendees can visit Synkrato at booth #N6256 to see a live demonstration.

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