Warehousing and Distribution operations are becoming increasingly more critical in integrated supply chains. As part of its portfolio of technology innovations, Maersk is exploring AI-empowered, warehouse design slotting digital solutions. A successful 2021 sees the opportunity to invest further in more technologies for the company.
In large scale fulfilment operations, slotting is essential to maximise the overall efficiency of warehouse operations by maximizing space utilisation, increasing productivity and reducing inventory handling. The constant optimisation of inventory layout within warehouses improves workflows, order preparation processing times and the company’s operational strategy.
Utilising AI, developing algorithms, predictive analytics, simulations and data-driven analytics added to business model innovations allows the continuous improvement of supply chain processes. This visibility enables its customers to compete with a faster time-to-market proposition. AI solutions embedded with deep expertise in machine learning, optimisation, simulation, and data-driven analytics also upskills decision-making.
Since November 2021 in California, Maersk’s cross-functional innovation team collaborated with IAI Labs Technology to create a customised digital application for the slotting solution process in omni-channel fulfilment centres. The new technology being prototyped enables software analysis to improve the accuracy and efficiency of results and enhance the storage location distribution of items for warehouse utilisation.
The solution is well-ahead in the proof-of-concept process and is tracking with a 97% accuracy rate which will significantly improve decision-making through digitalisation.
This project is a fantastic opportunity for Maersk to validate the value its solutions. The feedback from industry experts is valuable to the company’s growth. It helps fast-track engagement with Maersk and explore new opportunities to scale. More testing and research is planned for phase two of the project in Q1 2022.
Source: Maersk
