Top IoT Warehouse Management Innovations of 2022
In 2022, IoT innovations will be more commonplace in warehousing and distribution with new technologies like intelligent robots, autonomous forklifts, and smart pallets. Check out more in our article
The Internet of Things (IoT) has not only stepped out of science fiction and into reality, but it is also approaching maturity, and many sectors are benefiting from the advancements in IoT capabilities. In a broad sense, the IoT encompasses all technologies connected to the internet, therefore, the landscape of the IoT is made up of connected devices that have the opportunity to ‘talk’ to each other through an internet connection. This technology is changing the face of warehouse management. Below, we discuss the top IoT warehouse management innovations impacting the sector in 2022.
Smart glasses optimize inventory picking
Wearables have already made waves in the consumer market, devices such as smart-watches are commonplace in everyday lives. They may also become commonplace in warehouses.
A US start-up, Ox, has developed smart glasses equipped with augmented reality and machine learning technology. The glasses can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of picking inventory via their batching and pickwalk optimization technology. The glasses also include inbuilt scanners that remove the need for bulky hand-held scanners and a real-time messaging platform for coworkers.
Keeping a closer eye on inventory and personnel with IoT beacon technology
ScratchNest is an Indian start-up that has designed a compact IoT tracking beacon that is compatible with smartphones or tablets, facilitating the easier and more reliable location tracking of both inventory and personnel. Such technology is important for improving inventory accuracy and enhancing worker efficiency.
Sensor technology optimizes and automates environmental conditions
Numerous companies have emerged that offer sensor-driven innovations for smart control of environmental conditions. In general, these innovations use sensor technology to collect environmental data (temperature, moisture, lighting, etc.), this data is then analyzed, often with machine learning algorithms, to establish key information – whether the environmental condition needs to be altered. The IoT can then be implemented further to action these changes, for example, connected light bulbs can be triggered to adjust their intensity or connected HVAC systems can increase or decrease the temperature, for example. This application of the IoT can significantly reduce the overheads of running warehouses.
Improving security and safety with smart cameras
Smart cameras coupled with the IoT have a lot to offer warehouse management. First, they can improve security. ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras, such as AutoVu™, automatically read the plates of incoming and outgoing trucks. This data can be leveraged for access control purposes to increase security by only permitting authorized vehicles to ensure the site.
Video analytics apps are also being used to improve worker safety by automatically recognizing when employees are not adhering to safety measures, such as wearing protective eyewear, hard hats, safety shoes, and protective belts.
Finally, Bosch has recently launched video-based fire detection. The innovation uses intelligent video analytics technology to identify the earliest visual signs of smoke and flames. Upon detection, the system triggers an alarm
A competitive edge for SMEs?
IoT technology provides an opportunity for SMEs to gain a competitive edge. Given that many IoT technologies are relatively affordable to adopt and do not require infrastructure overhauls, they are accessible to smaller businesses. In 2022 and beyond we will likely see the wider adoption of IoT technology in warehouse management, including in SMEs.
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