____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AI
Warehouses are under sustained pressure to modernize. Labor shortages persist, operating costs continue to rise, and customers expect faster, more reliable delivery with little tolerance for disruption. In response, artificial intelligence( AI) has become a central theme in supply chain strategy, often positioned as the route to greater efficiency and resilience.
Yet, despite this momentum, progress on the warehouse floor remains uneven. Many operations still rely on spreadsheets, manual processes, and the judgement of a small number of experienced individuals to keep goods moving. AI is widely discussed, but its practical impact is often limited.
The issue is not a lack of ambition or awareness, but rather that technology only delivers value when it is built on data that reflects how warehouses actually operate – and when that intelligence is accessible in ways people can easily understand.
From automation to anticipation
When applied with discipline, AI is already improving core warehouse operations. Automation in picking has reduced error rates and shortened fulfilment times, while route optimization tools help transport teams cut fuel usage, avoid congestion, and improve delivery performance. Continuous inventory monitoring also reduces the need for manual admin and highlights discrepancies earlier.
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