Automation of inventory management is a recent phenomenon but one that will continue, and computer vision, combined with barcode reading, will play a major role in its future development. David Downey's explanations, Director of Business Development at Scandit.
Different automation devices exist, such as retail robots or autonomous mobile robots (AMR – Autonomous Mobile Robot) and autonomous guided vehicles (AGV – Automated Guided Vehicule). These allow the preparation of orders, entry into stock and scanning of stocks in an automated manner. But automation also includes other tools such as drones in warehouses or automated sorting and recovery systems which are also used today.. All of these devices use cameras to guide and scan barcodes.
Two trends are now easily identifiable in warehouses, distribution centers and retail : automation, which really takes off, and the convergence of solutions. The use of cameras and digital vision allows innovation in inventory management, and this trend is expected to strengthen during this new year.
Object recognition and out of stock
Besides reading barcodes, automated devices equipped with a camera can combine with other technologies to measure or recognize objects and check for possible stock shortages. Data can thus be transmitted to WMS/ERP systems, who manage the flow of information and stocks. So, management can be alerted quickly in the event of a situation requiring intervention. Cameras and processors are widely available on the market. One or more high quality cameras, associated with a suitable processing platform (NVIDIA Jetson, Asus Tinker or other SBC) enable barcode readers and other AI-based digital vision software to work in parallel and share images to another device or server.
Accelerate system performance
Scanning software identifies barcodes in a video stream or on individual images, decrypts them and provides the collected data to the software application. So, many codes can be located and processed in the same image to speed up system performance. These features go well beyond what is possible with technology that only scans one code at a time.. An automated video system with barcode scanning can provide a solution for shelf management, compliance of planograms in hypermarkets, inventory control or pallet location in the warehouse. Automating inventory checks makes it possible to carry out several checks per day, so that the management system is always up to date. This ensures that stock is properly replenished so that products are always available for customer needs..
Camera convergence and data sharing
Many types of AMR and AGV circulate in shopping centers and logistics centers. In these same establishments, vehicles such as forklifts and cleaning vehicles also circulate with or without human personnel on board.. If we allow these other vehicles to also be equipped with cameras, they can also be used to collect data. Sometimes called “sensor fusion”, camera sharing, sensors and processors promotes convergence. Forklifts can therefore carry out inventory scans or maintenance robots can identify stock shortages.. In the same logic, Inventory control robots can transform into mobile kiosks to inform customers and locate the products they are looking for. Drones can, as far as they are concerned, provide security services, land management and inventory location.
As part of deeper convergence, these systems would be integrated with data from other sources, such as fixed cameras. On their side, AMRs could, in addition to performing “simple” scans, be used on-shelf automated collection and filling.
Solutions through continuous innovation
In 2021, digital vision, of which barcode reading is an essential component, will continue to drive automation and convergence of solutions. Simultaneous reading of multiple barcodes, scanning made possible even in dark environments or with damaged labels... Computer vision specialists continually innovate to offer the market cutting-edge solutions with a high return on investment. And this is what allows their customers to gain in efficiency and competitiveness thanks to more automation and better logistics management. – an undeniable asset for the year to come.
