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Artificial Intelligence
(AI)
in warehouse management.
Video showing robots in supply chain
management.
For E-commerce website smart software
focuses on solving the supply chain issues of retail merchandisers
using complex AI computer programs. AI is used for efficient supply
chain management, but it is not mimicking human brain or anything
like that. Consider case study of an AI system that can deliver to
packers at the rate of one every
6 seconds. No human
system possibly can do that, from millions of items stacked in
warehouse.
The
AI system gives instructions to robots to effectively do the job. For
example GAP, diapers.com, Staples, Office Depot, etc.
The Artificial Intelligence
system applies the concepts of distributed intelligence to order fulfillment
and inventory management using new material handling systems and order
fulfillment software. Inspired by ant colonies capable of performing large
and complex tasks with limited central control, the system allows inventory
to organize itself, adapting to conditions as they change. The resulting
solution combines store, move, and sort functions into one simple system
that can deliver any item to any operator at any time.
The system involves hundreds
of mobile robots, all of which move shelving around inside warehouses,
making the entire pick-and-pack process easier, faster, and more accurate.
Whether the challenge is picking same-day orders or delivering boxes of
products to retail stores, IT can help improve the distribution process with
its automated warehouse system.
Each robot communicates
wirelessly with the ERP Server computer network in a warehouse to get
direction when needed, but, for the most part, these little, orange metal
men are on their own. No humans actually have to remember where the item is
located. Entire operation is done by robots. Investment could be in the
range of two to twenty million dollars.
Interestingly Amazon uses humans for picking
and packing, however, AI system helps humans to locate the item, as shown in
the video clip above.
Due to the large
number of considerations involved in many decisions, computer-based decision
support systems (DSS) have been developed to assist decision makers. PowerPoint
presentation to introduce the topic of AI or expert system or DSS.
