INTELLIGENT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
With supply chain disruptions , warehouse managers are turning to digital technology finds Zebra
Z ebra Technologies has found that warehousing operators are getting serious about a range of artificial intelligence technologies , as industry disruption looms large , according to the Zebra 2023 Making Modern Warehousing a Reality : Supply Chain Resiliency and Agility research paper .
The findings come following a year of inflationary pressures and ongoing labour challenges , and black swan events in the form of the Panama Canal drought and disruption in the Red Sea . These events have resulted in shipping delays rerouting , and increased costs all of which impact global supply chains .
Andre Luecht , Global Strategy Lead , Warehouse , Transportation and Logistics , Zebra Technologies
The research indicates in the next five years , most global warehousing decisionmakers plan to invest in machine learning , 94 %, predictive analytics , 92 %, machine vision , 86 %, and computer vision , 85 %. These advanced AI technologies provide automation , analytics , and digital decisionmaking capabilities across the supply chain and warehouse floor .
Warehouse decision-makers are accelerating technology investment plans to overcome supply chain challenges around labour optimisation , streamlining workflow processes , inventory inaccuracy , and the move to cloud-based systems .
“ Warehouse decision-makers are embracing AI supply chain and warehouse modernisation solutions in the face of what feels like never-ending disruptions and black swan events ,” said Andre Luecht , Global Strategy Lead , Warehouse , Transportation and Logistics , Zebra Technologies .
“ Cloud-based systems , AI , analytics , and digital twins are giving warehouse vendors the visibility , flexibility , and resiliency they need in today ’ s world , where supply chains are global , complex , and disrupted . But these solutions should not be seen in a silo or as a silver bullet . It is better to implement when appropriate , as part of a visible and flexible ecosystem .”
Zebra ’ s research also highlights the growing demand and urgency for sensor technology in 2024 among global decision-makers , including passive radio frequency identification , RFID tags and sensors , 81 %, active tag real-time location technology , 68 %, mobile sensors on forklifts , 68 %, and temperature monitoring and smart labels , 67 %.
The nature of disruptions and black swan events can be difficult to control , but we should be working toward being able to better predict , anticipate , mitigate , and respond before these things happen , to minimise and eliminate negative impacts on supply chain and warehouse operations .
Zebra Technologies also unveiled its new ultra-rugged mobile computer , the MC9400 Series . Equipped with public and private 5G , data only and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity , the MC9400 Series is designed to enhance workflow efficiency and device security across the retail , warehouse , manufacturing , and transportation and logistics industries .
The MC9400 Series is an evolution of Zebra ’ s ultra-rugged mobile computers , it is the first of its MC9000 family of devices to offer 5G , data only and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity , the fastest connection speed available today . The MC9400 provides a cost-effective , wireless solution imperative to efficient operations in challenging industrial environments – inside and outdoors – including cold storage . •
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