There’s been plenty of discussion around connectivity within warehouses via IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Fork Lift Trucks, autonomous robots, conveyor systems, are all pumping out data – to each other or the people upstairs – which should make processes more efficient, if done right.
The idea that the warehouse itself may be connected to its wider town is a fairly new one, at least in the UK. Last month it was announced that Milton Keynes – a small UK Smart City – would be using drones to create a digital twin of the city.
Flights over Milton Keynes will map the area in detail, creating a digital twin which can then be used to inform highways surveys and accident response, among other things. Milton Keynes is not only a city which has built a strong reputation as a world leader in future technologies, it’s a city where logistics operators struggle to obtain warehouse square metres. It’s a popular spot, with easy access to London, so there’s little left.
When we caught up with Dr Abhijeet Ghadge, an expert in Supply Chain Management who specialises in digital transformation, he introduced the idea that a digital twin of a city can be connected to a digital twin of a warehouse as part of a digital eco-system. One which could work out the optimal location for the next facility, for example.
The warehouse of the future
According to Ghadge, the most important thing to have when ‘The Warehouse of the Future’ finally lands, is data. So right now, data collection is key. It’s happening in the UK, but not enough, he explains.
Dr Ghadge urges warehouse operators to focus on data collection now. “Install the right IoT devices like sensors, cameras, scanners to capture real-time data across the warehouse operations. These systems,” he explains, “will capture the information in a real time, dynamic process.”
He advises operators to integrate the IoT data with other systems like WMS, ERP to get a holistic view. “Don’t just rely on basic tools, use advanced analytics and AI-driven platforms.”
Storing data securely in a cloud platform to enable integration and visibility is also key according to Ghadge. In fact, he has some specific steps he wants operators to take. He says they should start small, identify the critical data needed to make decisions, and gradually expand the IoT infrastructure.
We also discussed that it’s key to educate and involve warehouse managers and employees on how the new technologies will make their jobs easier, not replace them.
Digital eco-system
Ghadge thinks that capturing the data which a digital twin of MK could provide, from the traffic management and road networks which connect warehouses, for example, could improve supply chain efficiency. This is data which could optimise inbound and outbound logistics operations.
“I think this whole project in general… is going to be significantly helpful in terms of improving the efficiency of the delivery of those products to the warehouses and vice versa. Logistics operations are going to be significantly impacted with the use of a digital twin within the warehouse operations itself.”
Digital twins of warehouses are already playing an important part in supply chain infrastructure. It will be interesting to see how their integration with digital cities and towns – particularly in Milton Keynes – could transform warehousing.
Source: Ti Insight
Author: Kirsty Adams
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