Warehouses are no longer just places to store goods, but key links in the supply chain, requiring higher intelligence and automation capabilities.
With the rapid development of e-commerce and the increasing complexity of the global supply chain, traditional warehouse management solutions can no longer meet the needs of modern logistics. Warehouses are no longer just places to store goods, but key links in the supply chain, requiring higher intelligence and automation capabilities. This article looks at how AIoT drives intelligent warehouse management, based on an
article submission to a&s Taiwan Magazine by Ciean Po International, whose smart warehouse management solution has been deployed at a large-scale logistics center.
How AIoT enables smart warehousing
AIoT, as its name suggests, combines the advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). It can collect, analyze and respond to various data in a warehouse environment in real time. In this regard, Ciean Po’s smart warehouse solution makes warehouse management smarter and more efficient with the following AIoT features:
LoRaWAN wireless transmission: LoRaWAN is suitable for large warehouse environments. It has a maximum transmission distance of up to 2 kilometers (signals can penetrate at least three RC partition walls), requires no need for wiring and additional power supply, and greatly reduces the construction cost and time;
AIoT management platform: It integrates a variety of sensors as well as CCTV cameras to provide real-time data analysis and visual reports, allowing personnel to quickly understand the status of warehousing operations;
Real-time warning mechanism: When abnormal conditions occur, notifications can be made through LINE groups, text messages or emails;
Data-image integration: Operators can click on the dashboard to activate video playback to quickly understand and respond to incidents.
Four major application scenarios
Environmental monitoring: In critical use cases such as cold chain logistics, changes in temperature, humidity and air quality may cause product deterioration. In Ciean Po’s solution, the storage environment is monitored in real time through temperature and humidity sensors, CO2 detectors and PM2.5/PM10 sensors, and the security of data transmission is guaranteed through the HTTPS protocol. In addition, the system integrates with the Nx Witness VMS to seamlessly combine environmental data with image monitoring.
Shelf management: Shelves in large warehouses may tilt or even collapse due to overload or accidental collision. Through three-axis tilt sensors (which need to be fixed on the top of the shelf to improve monitoring accuracy), the solution can continuously monitor the stability of the shelf and issue an alarm when an abnormality occurs. At the same time, the AIoT dashboard provides visual data to help operators optimize storage space configuration and reduce space waste.
Equipment monitoring: Important equipment in the warehouse (such as conveyor belts, sorting machines, forklifts, among others) needs to be monitored for operating status in real time. The AIoT platform can not only monitor the equipment remotely, but also help operators predict impending failure by reviewing historical data. The system also supports data-image integration. Operators can click on the dashboard to playback the video to quickly troubleshoot problems.
Security management: Security is a key element in warehouse operations. In Ciean Po’s solution, magnetic sensors are used to monitor the status of doors and windows to prevent unauthorized entry. In addition, the solution integrates with smart cameras which can detect suspicious behavior through AI analytics and trigger alarms accordingly to further enhance the security of the warehouse area.
Three major benefits
Ciean Po’s logistics center use case sees the installation of more than 1,000 sensors covering the entire warehouse area; the sensors transmit data to the AIoT platform via LoRaWAN and are seamlessly integrated with the existing warehouse management system. The sensing equipment can support remote updates and maintenance, reducing the frequency of manual inspections. The AIoT platform also provides data analysis functions to help optimize warehouse management and energy use.
Through the introduction of AIoT technology, the logistics center has successfully realized intelligent warehouse management, which not only improves management efficiency, but also reduces operating costs and safety risks:
Improved management efficiency: Automatic collection of environmental data reduces manual inspection hours by 50 percent; real-time monitoring of equipment status reduces the risk of equipment failure and downtime;
Reduced operating costs: Intelligent energy management optimizes power usage and reduces energy expenditure by 15 percent; operation data analysis optimizes personnel scheduling and improves overall operating efficiency;
Enhanced safety: The shelf monitoring system avoids shelf collapsing and reduces safety hazards; the access control system ensures warehouse safety and prevents unauthorized entry and exit.
Infinite possibilities of smart warehousing
AIoT is reshaping the future of warehouse management. From environmental monitoring to equipment maintenance, from safety management to data analysis, smart warehousing has become an indispensable part of modern logistics. The implementation of Ciean Po’s solution not only provides a successful case study for the industry, but also points to the future of smart logistics.