AI & Machine Automation

Smart Warehousing

Future consumers will expect made-to-order products shipped quickly.

As previously mentioned, cognitive computing, robotics, IoT connectivity, and other innovative technologies will come together to form comprehensive fulfillment solutions to meet this demand via smart warehousing.

The shift from today’s slow processes to tomorrow’s faster, smarter practices will hinge on several innovations.

These innovations include the introduction of:

• predictive maintenance (instead of waiting for something to break, systems will anticipate and address accordingly)

• cobots (robots that will work in conjunction with humans),

• IoT standardization (allowing for effective network connection)

• integration of print-to-order manufacturing.

As robots begin to take on more tasks, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will become more prominent in the world of machine automation.

One company that is currently utilizing smart warehousing is the e-commerce giant Alibaba. Their automated warehouse robot can carry up to 500 kg and coordinate package placements around the warehouse floor.

We are seeing the integration of robotic process automation (RPA) and cognitive computing services starting to revolutionize fulfillment. Imagine what innovation they’ll introduce in the next ten years!

On-Demand Warehousing

Another innovation that will likely take hold is on-demand warehousing.

One example is Flexe, a company helping e-commerce merchants save on storage costs and provide next-day delivery virtually anywhere in the U.S. by utilizing unused warehouse space.

Just like Airbnb, companies will rent out warehouse space optimized by the latest tech.

This will provide greater efficiency and the opportunity to expand without having to rely on the old model of acquiring and maintaining massive, inefficient facilities.

Shipping and Logistics Efficiency: Blockchain Technology

Although Bitcoin failed in the eyes of crypto currency; the technology it’s built on blockchain is primed to disrupt everything, including the packaging industry.

Logistics costs in the United States come in at $1.5 trillion per year, and while growth continues, two significant issues are plaguing the industry: systematic inefficiency and fraud.

Fortunately, we are witnessing the beginning of massive disruption through Blockchain technology.

How will this happen exactly?

By offering a decentralized digital ledger, blockchain will eliminate the need for intermediary shipping fees, paperwork, and other inefficient/vulnerable/wasteful practices.

This will streamline the shipping processes while providing a level of tracking, security, transparency, counterfeit protection, and cost-effectiveness we’ve never seen before.

UPS, for instance, has already started to invest in smart logistics via blockchain technology.

One startup the package-delivery giant has invested in is ShipChain, which is creating a decentralized transport & logistics platform set to revolutionize the entire shipping process.

The future is coming fast, and those who embrace blockchain now will be part of the logistics revolution.

This offers opportunity for effective collaboration and alleviates the complexity of not only the packaging industry, but any industry in question.

All parties involved from shippers and carriers to brokers, vendors, and consumers will soon witness and be directly affected by the rise of this transformative tech.