The Benefits of Augmented Reality Services in Supply Chain Management

In today’s expeditious world, companies are finding agile ways to improve supply chains because these are much more complex. Many industries are using AR technologies, including supply chain management, to reduce errors and speed up deliveries for engaged customers. For now, augmented reality adds information, images, and data through smartphones, tablets, and VR handsets. Here we will know the benefits of augmented reality services. AR in the supply chain is known as a game changer for companies. The services of AR development reshape the digital world. 

What is Supply Chain Management?

Before we know how augmented reality companies work, let us know about the supply chain management. It is the process of transferring goods from one place to another, from raw materials to final products that customers finally get. Supply chain management includes many steps:

• Manufacturing

• Warehousing

• Packaging

• Transportation

• Delivery

• Tracking and customer services

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality is a most required technology that builds virtual items. These items are visible and can be connected with in the real-life world. AR development is an engaging, immersive process. AR is advancing day by day, which enhances practical knowledge. Augmented reality services offer virtual items that connect seamlessly with the real world through AR glasses, smartphones, and tablets. They are enhancing user engagement and learning through interactive platforms. Developers create the images, animations, or 3D models. For example, augmented reality is if you want to purchase any furniture or electronic items from the shopping app. The app instructs you to point the camera at a plain surface. As you place the camera on point, the desired item will show on the plain surface.

Benefits of Augmented Reality Services in Supply Chain Management

Here are the benefits of augmented reality services in supply chain management that improve the process.

1. Faster and More Accurate Picking in Warehouses

The most challenging task for warehousing is order picking. The challenges that are faced by companies face are finding and collecting accurate customer orders. If these things are done manually takes a lot of time and sometimes has errors. AR development Services help to resolve these things.

• Employees wear AR glasses to find the exact location of the item

• AR instruction guides them directly to the shelf

• The information about the items appears on the screen, which reduces the time of checking labels and papers

• It reduces time and errors and gives satisfaction to the customers

2. Real-Time Inventory Tracking

Keeping track of the inventory helps to avoid stockouts and overstock. AR helps in real-time inventory tracking. It improves inventory control and smart decision-making.

• Employees can scan shelves with the help of AR devices

• System updates the real-time inventory

• AR shows low stock or overstock, which helps to fulfill the need

3. Better Training for New Employees

Physical training of warehouse staff and supply chain workers takes too much time and resources. Training through watching videos and a manual is the traditional method. But nowadays, AR in the supply chain helps.

• To provide hands-on training by showing real instructions

• New employees can take training by doing it without any other person's help

• Safety tips also pop up during the task that reduce injury

4.  Improved Quality Control

Quality control is an important aspect for any service. Checking damaged products, wrong labels, and incorrect packaging is part of quality control. Augmented reality companies help to improve the quality control that results:

• AR devices can help to scan and compare items 

• Defective items show easily through the devices

• Employees can correct mistakes before shipping any items.

5. Easier Maintenance of Equipment

The supply chain depends on machines like lifting machines and packaging machines. They need regular maintenance to be used for a long time. AR helps.

• To show step-by-step repair instructions

• They help the technician to view inside parts through the 3D models

• Provide a complete guide for repairing

  
  

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What does AR mean in Logistics? 

AR refers to logistics that overlay the information, such as directions, data, and 3D models, by using smart glasses, tablets, or phones. AR in logistics helps employees to see important information, such as tasks and data, without using pen and paper or checking on a computer. This improves speed, accuracy, and decision-making ability. 

Common uses of AR in logistics

• Warehouse navigation shows the exact place to find it

• Inventory management to scan and update the stock

• Trained new employees with step-by-step instructions

• Help in tracking the route and package verification

  
  

  

  
  

AR in Supply Chain Management Examples

Here are some real-world examples of AR used in supply chain management.

1. DHL-AR for Warehouse Picking

DHL is using smart glasses in its warehouse. It helps their workers to find the exact shelf or the location of the item and display the item's details. AR helps to reduce errors and improve picking efficiency by up to 25%.

• Smart glasses are used 

• Reduced human error

• Improves safety

• Take less time

2. Boeing - AR for Assembly and Quality Checks

Boeing uses AR glasses to guide workers to wire assembly by showing 3D wiring diagrams. It helps to speed up complex assembly tasks in a short time.

• 25% reduction in assembly time

• Improves productivity

• Higher accuracy in complexity

3. Amazon - AR for Space Planning

Amazon is using AR for storage arrangements. AR helps to project virtual storage before moving shelves physically. It saves time and resources during setup and extension of the warehouse.

• Saves time and cost

• Improve the utilization of space

• Reduces workflow disruption

4. BMW - AR for Logistics Training

BMW used AR headsets and trained their employees through AR headsets. It affects real scenarios, like loading and packing. They help to reduce the tenure of the training and improve operations.

• Engaging employee training

• Reduces the need for a supervisor

• Reduce errors during training sessions

5. GE Healthcare - AR for Equipment Maintenance

The technicians of GE Healthcare use AR glasses for instructions that are provided to employees when repairing logistics. It increases repair speed and gives zero errors.

• Faster and more accurate 

• Reduces technician errors

• boosts productivity

Conclusion

The benefits of augmented reality services in the supply chain are clear and beneficial. AR development services help to improve the speed, give zero errors, train new employees, and work on machine maintenance. It also helps to satisfy customers and engage them. Some challenges are also related to using AR, such as high initial investments, technology compatibility issues, dependence on strong internet connectivity, etc. The AR companies that start using AR will stay in competition. As technology grows, AR will become the most important tool in every supply chain.