FEATURE Machine vision
Computer vision keeps track of warehouse operations
Mathijs Baron, International Sales & Business Development, and Lorenzo D’Arsiè, Computer Vision Product Manager, both at Prime Vision, explore how image-based tracking can positively affect warehouse operations
S
mart scene understanding is the ability to visualise the exact location of an item within a warehouse at any time. For this,
cameras must capture all goods passing through the facility.
Reading labels on inbound goods ready for sorting can be achieved with optical character recognition (OCR) for recording stock keeping units (SKUs), purchase order (PO) numbers, best-before dates and more. Similar technology can be used at picking stations to validate a successful sorting process, and imaging barcodes to check order completeness. Cameras installed on the ceiling or areas where actions take place provide complete coverage of items in the warehouse. These cameras are smart enabling the tracking of objects between them. All imagery can then be stored in a central location and combined with other parcel data for total traceability. All of it is achieved safely and securely and in compliance with GDPR and privacy rules. With this setup, operators can get a complete picture of every single item and order journeying through the warehouse, Image-based tracking reduces manual actions and reasoning in processes like data input or sorting, with the overall aim of minimising human error. However, provide proof of sorting. This level of validation allows operators to identify where problems have occurred during the process. A centrally stored database of images, such as that provided by Prime Vision’s Smart Store solution, means every action is documented, so records can be accessed to spot mistakes. Operators can identify sorting errors or where an item has become damaged. This can help reduce the number of customer claims by verifying the authenticity of complaints with video evidence. However, a system shouldn’t just
36 July/August 2024 | Automation
be reactive, it must provide real-time feedback to prevent sorting mistakes before an item leaves the warehouse. If an error occurs, an alert should be quickly double check the current location of the item against where the vision system knows it should be. In this way, mistakes are quickly resolved, well before an order is loaded onto the wrong conveyor or delivery truck, saving time and cost.
A better view
The function and technological capabilities of an image-based tracking system application’s requirements. A recent shows this. Prime Vision was asked to improve
a process where products are selected shipment. Historically, this step had been prone to human errors, resulting in mispacked items or incorrect quantities. This translated to delays, additional costs and customer dissatisfaction. However, Prime Vision had cutting-edge technology ready to transform this process by carrying out a double check. Prime Vision’s ‘Proof of Pick & Pack’ is a game-changing warehouse technology that uses a combination of cameras and voice recognition systems to ensure the accuracy of the picking and packing processes. In this system, forklift trucks or pickers are equipped with cameras that capture images and videos of the selected products during the picking phase. These images and videos are then cross-referenced with a comprehensive reference database containing tens of thousands of product records. The Proof of Pick & Pack system was a game-changer for warehouse operations By combining cutting-edge camera technology with a vast reference database
Smart scene understanding allows to visualise the exact location of an item within a warehouse, at any time
age-old problem of mispacked items and incorrect quantities.
Seeing into the future
As the logistics industry continues to evolve, embracing innovative technologies like Proof of Pick & Pack is essential for staying ahead of the curve and delivering exceptional service to customers. More employees, too.
Computer vision and machine learning technologies are developing rapidly, and Prime Vision works with academia to harness the latest research and deliver new, innovative image-tracking solutions. By collaborating with the wider computer vision community, the business develops state-of-the-art, customisable systems to Validation is critical in any logistics
process, but modern image-based tracking goes a step further, enabling operators to take a more proactive approach to
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