Billions of packages and parcels are sorted and delivered around the world each year. Back in the day, packages used to be in transit for weeks. Today, customers expect delivery within days, if not hours.

Every day warehouses are pushed to their limits to cope with the increasing demand, and the logistic landscape is continually evolving to bring new solutions. In recent years, IoT has been successfully implemented in warehouses, making businesses more efficient than ever. 

In this article, we will discuss the warehouse of the future. After reading, you may find that the future is sooner than we expected.  

The Challenge of the Future

Distribution, warehousing and fulfillment operations are undergoing a massive transformation, forced upon businesses due to increasing demand, speeding the purchasing process. 

According to research by Statista, approximately 262 billion parcels will be shipped in 2026 (Double the volume of today).

Industry operators must continually modernize to confront ever-increasing volumes, quicker delivery requirements, and a shortage of qualified workers. Enterprises are revolutionizing their warehouses by focusing on automation for handling, storing, and preparing orders, reserving staff for support and management. 

1. For industry leaders there will be four major challenges to face: Warehouse automation implementation

2. The commitment to make logistic spaces safer

3. Attention to environmental impact

4. Real-time quality management systems 

1.  Workflow Optimization: Workers, AMRs & AI

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) will address multiple problems related to warehouse activities. As workers become more difficult to recruit, AMRs can complement staff's handheld or wearable equipment. In addition, AMRs enable operators to work with higher efficiency, reducing physical requirements. 

Warehouses will keep innovating by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). IoT devices and data platforms will empower AI to guarantee all warehouse operations. On the other hand, AR will serve as further support to workers' daily jobs. Imagine for a moment walking through the warehouse aisle wearing a heads-up display with AR software. AR will guide you to the items' location or eventual problems requiring staff’s attention. Once you arrive, you will be prompted with all the information you need to resolve the issue or carry out your daily job. 

Artificial intelligence and autonomous mobile robotic solutions can operate side-by-side with workers, increasing productivity and reducing human mistakes. 

2.  Safer Working Spaces

Leveraging the IoT solutions makes it possible to create the "smart warehouse." Besides boosting efficiency, smart devices serve to provide a safer working environment. 

Safety protocols include workers running regular maintenance checks, cleaning, and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE). IoT can improve the quality of the working spaces by managing air conditions, temperature, and lighting. 

3.  Eco-friendly Environment

At the same time, innovation in warehouses will benefit our planet. Warehouse automation will be able to support the recycling process. Instead of using petroleum to power your warehouse, more energy-efficient ways are at our disposal. Renewable energy sources (e.g., solar energy) will join IoT solutions to save more energy. 

4.  Real-time Quality Management Systems

Greater investment in IT and operational functions in the warehouse is expected in the coming years. Relevant information will be managed by radio-frequency identification (RFID), smart sensors, and GPS. Such solutions will enable the manager to have real-time reports of inventory and operations. 

Furthermore, the warehouse will increase its "mobility." Desktop workstations are a thing of the past. Mobile devices have already been implemented for daily operations. In the near future, all data will be easily accessed on the go. Mobile devices can bring new functions such as cloud integration, imaging (pictures & videos), tracking, video-conferencing, tracking, voice and face recognition.

As we said at the beginning, the future may be sooner than we expected. The UROVO RT40 Industrial Mobile Computer is a one-stop solution for warehouse operation management. Powered by Android 10, the device is equipped with an Octa-core CPU and built-in dual PA. The UROVO RT40 is designed for super long-range scanning of 15 meters (supports 1D/2D barcode and screen barcodes). 

Thinking about our customer needs, we have implemented a 5200 mAh large-capacity battery for extended use. The UROVO RT40 supports quick recharging, and is suitable for all kinds of environment conditions.

UROVO was founded in 2006 and today has more than ten subsidiaries with a business network covering more than 100 countries. Our mobile computers - like the RT40 - have the potential to become the default personal assistant for warehouse operators around the world, supporting them during their daily work.

Conclusion

Warehouse owners are turning to technology to face critical future challenges. Decision-makers plan to keep modernizing their business, and focusing on their most valuable assets, their workers.

UROVO Technology is one of the pioneers for industry mobile application solutions. Our focus is on developing, manufacturing, and selling smart data terminals, smart payment terminals, and special printers. These mobile devises are opening new frontiers and transforming warehouse operations.

Contact us to explore new collaboration possibilities!