ROBOTICS AI AND ROBOTS HELP
RETAIN WAREHOUSE STAFF Until recently, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots into the workplace was perceived as a threat to jobs. However, in the logistics sector, quite the opposite is happening. In the face of ongoing labour shortages and staff retention issues, these technologies are enriching people’s lives by opening new, more meaningful roles. Contrary to the expected narrative, man and machine are now forging collaborative, beneficial relationships that will come to define the warehouse of the future. Dirk van Lammeren, CCO at Prime Vision, explores how its automation technologies are improving warehouse staff retention, and what is coming next.
n a recent global survey of over 2,000 global supply chain professionals, it was found that 84 per cent of organisations had issues with retaining staff. This is because traditionally, warehouse work has been strenuous, monotonous and unfulfilling. Walking kilometres every day carrying parcels or standing at conveyers mindlessly sorting parcels into chutes does not appeal to many. This lack of enthusiasm, combined with unique market conditions like aging populations and the aftershocks of the pandemic have made finding and retaining employees difficult. The manifestation of this is that many large logistics companies now have dedicated retention officers either appointed or reporting directly to the board. Having to continually retrain new employees due to high turnover is expensive and time consuming – so many of the big players are trying to make warehouse work more attractive. Programs to improve benefits and pay go a long way, but now companies are investing in new
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technologies to improve staff retention. The key aim? Make working in a warehouse fun.
TECHNOLOGY CHANGES OUR ATTITUDES About three to four years ago, positioning automation as a solution to this conundrum would’ve been met with scepticism. People were inherently wary of AI and robotics as they were considered technologies to replace workers rather than assist them. However, in the context of a labour shortage and efforts to make warehouse work more engaging, attitudes are changing. Research has illustrated this. When staff were asked if they excited about the possibilities of AI and robotics, 75 per cent and 72 per cent responded positively to each respective technology. Why is this the case? After seeing the benefits in their day-to-day working lives, employees are supportive. These technologies are making warehouse work more engaging and meaningful – increasing the chances of people showing up to work the next day. As a specialist in
both AI and robotics, Prime Vision has experienced this revolution first hand.
AI HELPS PEOPLE DIVERSIFY Despite all the recent noise, AI has been around in one form or another since the 1960s. Terms like predictive models or big data illustrate the gradual evolution. Now, increases in computing power have made AI more proactive, predictive and helpful. This has opened more strategic job roles in warehouse logistics. AI can now determine what packages are coming, the item diversity, predicted volumes, market trends, key destinations and the resulting effect on sorting operations. Many are using digital twins that accurately model real-world operations to experiment and plan for future scenarios. This has two key benefits. First, warehouse personnel can now get involved in more fulfilling work using cutting-edge tools. Second, the contingencies generated from this modelling ensure that seasonal or peak demand can be met effectively and sustainably. Both serve to improve working conditions for employees.
PLAY HARD, WORK HARD Using AI to track parcels moving through a warehouse also helps workers on the ground. Prime Vision’s Flow Projector takes package
38 Autumn 2024 UKManufacturing
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