How AI is Affecting the Manufacturing and Distribution Industry
Unless you’ve spent the last six months living in a spaceship that’s orbiting the planet, you’ve probably heard of Open AI or ChatGPT.
If not, just ask your teenage son how he wrote his last book report.
In a nutshell, scientists are creating artificial intelligence at such an increased and impressive rate that everyone from educational experts to lawyers and computer engineers is stunned at what might be possible. Some are even calling for developers to slow down.
For those of us working in the distribution and manufacturing industry, these advancements are no surprise. For years, engineers and computer scientists have been seeking ways to streamline production methods or optimize assembly-line processes through automation and machine learning.
Still, while this is “old news” for companies like Quintec, these advances are worth paying attention to.
The latest developments in AI are likely to have a significant effect on warehouse systems, controls, and storage, as well as countless other supply chain processes.
What Can AI Do?
AI has the potential to streamline your business methods (storage, communication, transportation, assembly, packaging, tracking, etc.) and optimize all the moving parts in your supply chain.
It will…
Enhance Efficiency: AI increases the speed and accuracy of warehouse and distribution operations. AI-powered robots and drones transport products around the facility and between locations more quickly and efficiently than by employing multiple human workers. Meanwhile, AI will learn algorithms which, over time, boost inventory accuracy and hasten fulfillment processes. The reduction in wasted energy and effort minimizes delays and adds profit margin to your bottom line.
Improve Accuracy: AI delivers information and goods with incredible precision. All distribution centers rely on operations such as inventory management, quality control systems, and order picking (just to name a few) to be successful. AI reduces the common errors humans make with such tasks, increasing customer satisfaction while saving you time and money.
Anticipate Needs (or Maintenance): AI predicts when equipment or machinery is likely to fail or has become insufficient, allowing for proactive maintenance and repairs to be carried out before a breakdown occurs. AI’s unique awareness of its own capabilities and limitations minimizes downtime and prevents long-term disruptions to your system.
Provide Feedback: AI grants real-time, data-driven feedback into the performance of warehouse and distribution controls, allowing managers and workers to identify areas for improvement. Having immediate access to this data makes decision-making easier and more accurate while also improving workflow, reducing expenditures, and improving overall efficiency.
There are several industries that have been surprised or “caught off-guard” by the rapid development of AI, but the distribution and manufacturing industry is not among them. Quintec has been using AI for years and continues to leverage automation and machine learning toward building safer and more efficient work environments.
We know that AI will continue to transform warehouse and distribution centers into more cost-effective business models, so what would keep someone from using it?
Usually, it’s a lack of understanding how it works and how to implement it.
That’s where we come in!
Quintec knows the challenges associated with integrating the latest technologies into pre-existing systems, but we also know how significant the benefits are, which is why we work with our clients to design and integrate improved, automated systems into their warehouses, distribution centers, or industrial facilities.
If you’re already exploring how AI can be used to improve your factory, manufacturing, or supply chain operations, let our experts answer your questions!
