Augmented Reality in Warehousing: Using AR to Improve Order Picking and Inventory Management
In recent years, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize various industries. One such industry that stands to benefit greatly from AR is warehousing. By integrating AR into warehouse operations, businesses can enhance order picking processes, improve inventory management, and ultimately increase efficiency and productivity. AR bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse operations.
Understanding Augmented Reality:
Before delving into its applications in warehousing, it is essential to understand what augmented reality entails. Augmented reality refers to the integration of digital information or virtual objects into the real-world environment, enhancing the user’s perception and interaction with their surroundings. Unlike virtual reality, which creates an entirely immersive experience, AR overlays digital elements onto the physical world.
Applications of Augmented Reality in Warehousing:
1. Order Picking:
Order picking is a critical process in warehousing that involves selecting items from storage locations to fulfill customer orders. Traditionally, this process relies on paper-based instructions or handheld devices, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. By leveraging AR technology, warehouse workers can receive real-time visual cues and instructions directly overlaid onto their field of view.
AR-enabled smart glasses or headsets equipped with cameras and sensors can recognize barcodes or QR codes on products and guide workers to the correct storage locations. This eliminates the need for manual scanning or searching through shelves, reducing errors and increasing picking speed. Additionally, AR can provide workers with information such as item descriptions, quantities, and optimal routes within the warehouse, further streamlining the order picking process.
2. Inventory Management:
Accurate inventory management is crucial for efficient warehouse operations. AR can play a significant role in improving inventory accuracy by providing real-time visibility into stock levels and locations. With AR-enabled devices, warehouse personnel can quickly scan barcodes or RFID tags on products and instantly access relevant information, such as stock availability, storage locations, and expiration dates.
AR can also assist in inventory reconciliation by comparing physical stock with digital records. By overlaying virtual markers on physical items, discrepancies between the two can be easily identified, enabling prompt corrective actions. This real-time visibility and accuracy in inventory management help reduce stockouts, prevent overstocking, and optimize warehouse space utilization.
3. Training and Onboarding:
Another valuable application of AR in warehousing is training and onboarding new employees. Traditional training methods often involve lengthy classroom sessions or shadowing experienced workers, which can be time-consuming and may lead to inconsistencies in knowledge transfer. AR-based training allows new employees to learn on the job while receiving real-time guidance and instructions.
AR can simulate various scenarios, such as order picking processes or equipment operation, providing a hands-on learning experience without the risk of errors or accidents. By overlaying step-by-step instructions or virtual mentors onto the worker’s field of view, AR facilitates faster learning and reduces the time required for new employees to become proficient in their roles.
The Challenges in Traditional Order Picking and Inventory Management
Before delving into the benefits of AR, it is essential to understand the challenges faced in traditional order picking and inventory management methods:
1. Human Error:
Manual order picking and inventory management are prone to human errors, such as picking the wrong item, misplacing inventory, or inaccurate stock counts.
2. Time-Consuming Training:
Training new warehouse employees for order picking and inventory management can be time-consuming, as they need to learn the layout of the warehouse and the specific locations of items.
3. Inefficiencies:
Inefficient order picking routes and inventory organization can lead to wasted time and effort, affecting overall warehouse productivity.
4. Lack of Real-Time Data:
Warehouse workers often lack immediate access to real-time information on stock levels, item locations, and order status, leading to delays and mistakes.

How Augmented Reality Transforms Warehousing
Integrating AR technology into the warehousing process offers several transformative benefits that address the challenges mentioned above:
1. Enhanced Order Picking Accuracy:
AR-powered smart glasses or headsets can guide warehouse workers through optimized picking routes. Digital overlays provide visual cues, such as arrows and highlighted paths, directing workers to the precise location of the required items. This minimizes the chances of human error and reduces the number of incorrect picks.
2. Streamlined Training Process:
With AR, the onboarding process for new warehouse employees becomes more efficient. The technology can guide them step-by-step during their initial days, helping them quickly familiarize themselves with the warehouse layout and the locations of items.
3. Improved Efficiency:
AR optimizes the order picking process by suggesting the most efficient routes to pick multiple items in a single pass. Workers can view real-time inventory information on their AR devices, enabling them to make informed decisions while picking orders.
4. Real-Time Inventory Management:
AR empowers warehouse managers to access real-time inventory data effortlessly. By simply looking at the shelves, they can view stock levels and receive notifications when stock is running low, allowing for timely reordering and reducing the risk of stockouts.
5. Hands-Free Operation:
AR technology allows warehouse workers to work hands-free, as all the necessary information is displayed in their field of view. This enhances safety and productivity as workers can concentrate on the task at hand without juggling between devices or paperwork.
6. Quality Control and Inspections:
AR can facilitate quality control by overlaying digital guidelines and specifications onto products, helping workers ensure that items meet the required standards before shipping.
7. Remote Expert Support:
AR enables remote collaboration with experts. Warehouse workers can share their AR view with off-site specialists, who can provide guidance and support, further reducing errors and downtime.
Augmented Reality is revolutionizing the warehousing industry by enhancing order picking and inventory management processes. The integration of AR technology in warehouses has resulted in increased efficiency, improved accuracy, streamlined training, and better utilization of real-time data. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative applications that will transform the warehousing landscape further. Embracing AR in warehousing is not only a strategic advantage for companies but also a significant step towards the future of logistics and supply chain management.
AR and CoreIMS:
CoreIMS is a comprehensive Warehouse Management System designed to optimize all aspects of warehouse operations. It provides features and functionalities to manage inventory, orders, receiving, picking, shipping, and more. By combining Augmented Reality with the CoreIMS Warehouse Management System, warehouses can unlock a range of benefits and efficiencies such as:
- Real-Time Data and AR Overlays: CoreIMS provides real-time inventory data, which can be overlaid on AR devices, allowing workers to access critical information instantly. This integration improves accuracy and speeds up decision-making during order picking and inventory management.
- Efficient Order Picking Routes: CoreIMS optimizes order picking based on real-time inventory data, and AR visually guides workers along the most efficient picking routes. This collaboration ensures that order fulfillment is streamlined and accurate.
- Seamless Communication and Collaboration: With AR and CoreIMS, warehouse workers can easily communicate with each other and with off-site specialists, streamlining problem-solving and receiving expert support in real-time.
- Training and Onboarding: AR, in conjunction with CoreIMS, facilitates faster and more effective training for new warehouse employees. The combination of digital visual cues and real-time data simplifies the learning process and reduces the time required for onboarding.
- Enhanced Visibility and Control: The combination of AR and CoreIMS provides warehouse managers with enhanced visibility and control over their operations. They can monitor inventory levels, order statuses, and overall performance in real-time, enabling quick and data-driven decision-making.
In conclusion, the integration of Augmented Reality and the CoreIMS Warehouse Management System offers a powerful solution for modern warehouses looking to optimize their operations. The combination of real-time data, digital overlays, and efficient warehouse management features empowers workers, enhances accuracy, and increases overall productivity. As the technology continues to evolve, the synergy between AR and CoreIMS will likely lead to even more innovative and transformative applications in the warehousing domain.
AR-Powered warehousing made simple with CoreIMS: Boost productivity and streamline operations today by requesting a quote here.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@corepartners.com.