How to Use Augmented Reality in Logistics

Every logistics company’s performance is determined by its capacity to offer prompt, accurate delivery services that can result in a satisfying customer experience. Players in the logistics business must therefore have a solid digital infrastructure, such as augmented reality, to succeed. By adding more useful computer-generated information to an environment or object, augmented reality (AR) technology enlarges it. Images, text, video, and other types of content can all be used to convey information.

AR can be easily incorporated into your shipping company’s current workflow. Through this integration, load optimization will also rise while package handling will be improved.

In this article, we’ll look at how AR works, what augmented reality is used for, and how both logistics companies and the logistics information warehouse (LIW) take advantage of AR.

Augmented Reality offers a distinctive user interface that improves how individuals interact with their surroundings. Four fundamental techniques are used to create an augmented reality, also known as an altered reality, which adds additional information layers to an object.
The processes are:

• Scene capture: this first process captures a part of the environment via an in-built camera of a mobile device or head-mounted display (HMD).
• Scene identification: in the next process, an AR system scans the captured environment to determine if there is s need to include predefined content. The process is identified either by visual markers or tracking tools such as GPS, laser, sensors, infrared, etc.
• Scene processing: the third process is where the AR systems request content contention addition from a connected database.
• Scene visualization: the process is where an AR system generates an image that combines a captured object or environment and virtually added information.

Let’s now dive into how transportation businesses and the logistic information warehouse can use altered reality to take maximum advantage of its capabilities.

• Completeness Checks:
  Augmented reality is used to ensure efficient pickups. A device with AR capabilities can quickly check the load if it’s complete by scanning cargo barcodes. However, this checking process requires manual barcode scanning for the less advanced AR devices. Alternatively, wearable AR devices enable you to determine the volume of freight items using special scanners and sensors. AR systems are also used to detect damages by scanning the cargo and preventing errors.
• Cargo Loading:
  AR is used to streamline the process of truck loading. This can be achieved by effectively replacing the printed cargo lists and load instructions. For example, it can indicate a loader the pallet can take next, where the pallet can be found, and where it should be placed in the loading truck or container.
  Think of it as a space calculator that can augment subjective human estimation. Furthermore, AR systems can quickly point you to the exact location of a specific item in the truck.
• International Trade:
  With the exponential increase in international trade, altered reality technology is a must-have for global shipping and logistics. Given the broad market, international operation complexities are high. Likewise, the various international trade regulations and requirements of AR are being utilized by several logistics companies.
• Easing of Traffic Jam:
  Traffic jams are a nightmare for most logistics companies. It often affects the smooth running of several economic processes that depend primarily on the quick flow of goods. An estimated 1% of Europe’s yearly gross domestic product loss is caused by problematic traffic. Thus there is a need to improve punctuality. Companies can use AR driver assistance applications to present information to the cargo driver in real-time.
• Assembly and Repair:
  Besides transportation, some logistics companies provide additional services like assembly and repair of parts. Such skill requires in-depth staff training. And the slightest error during assembling such components can be costly.
• Customer Services:
  Customer satisfaction translates into more business. AR is also used to improve the level of customer service in the logistics industry. When transport companies can optimize the packing and loading of freight, they will offer lower service prices to customers. Therefore, thanks to AR devices, logistics companies can give their customers better control over the price systems, and, as a result, customer trust and loyalty grow.
• Last-Mile Delivery:
  For most transportation businesses, the last mile delivery is considered an expensive and inefficient step in logistics. The core process requires individualized strategies to work in the most energy-consuming environment, the urban space. This space comprises mostly the e-commerce market where there is a constant need for fast and free delivery.

Conclusion:
Several essential characteristics of augmented reality in logistics can greatly increase your company’s productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall business optimization.
Optimizing warehouse processes like freight picking, packing, and loading is made simpler using AR technology. Additionally, increasing employee training to offer additional services can lower costs and boost revenue for your logistics company. Without a doubt, change can improve how supply chains are managed in various logistics organizations by enhancing their efficiency as opposed to changing their structure.

📝 Sources:
https://www.globaltranz.com/

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