Most manufacturers rely on a consistent flow of their supply chains to ensure that they have enough materials to build their products. While the cost of raw materials has surged in recent years, companies have been forced to reduce their overall production costs in other ways, specifically by cutting down their waste. On the other hand, warehouse managers require tools to perfect their supply chains by getting their orders correct and reducing the delivery time taken for a product to reach the consumer. To help achieve such goals, one trending technological tool that can be utilised is augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). While they refer to two different technologies, many organisations incorporate both as they are widely compatible. While companies that invest in such technologies will be able to optimise their supply chains, they inadvertently contribute towards helping their country achieve its sustainability goals by reducing its carbon footprint. This article will explain how both technologies are improving operations in the supply chain.
What Are AR and VR Technologies?
AR and VR are a tool that enhances a user’s experience by displaying visual, auditory and other sensory information in the real world. However, the critical difference between the two lies in what is accessible. For instance, in AR, users will find virtual information or simulations in their real-world environment. Hence, a person using AR in their immediate surroundings will find virtual components present right where they are, which augments their reality. Anyone with a smartphone can typically access this technology.
In contrast, a person using VR will find themselves in a complete virtual world with no semblance of their surroundings. This means a person could be in a virtual world in a completely different country or a fictional place, making them feel like they are really in that place. In other words, VR allows people to experience simulated experiences. This requires users to have an eye-covering headset and headphones. While initially, both technologies were predominantly used in the entertainment industry, they are now used in retail and the military, driving breakthroughs in healthcare and businesses. They are used in different stages, including during construction and design, maintenance and repairs, training and education, and are widely used as a marketing tool.
Five Ways AR/VR Is Helping the Businesses in the Competitive Industrial World
According to Statista, revenue for AR and VR is projected to grow at an annual growth rate of 15.60 per cent between 2022 and 2027. This means, by 2027, the projected market volume for AR and VR will be USD 52.05 billion with approximately 2,593.1 million users. Here are five ways AR and VR can help businesses improve their supply chain:
Managers Can Be in Multiple Supply Chains at the Same Time
Large manufacturers or warehouse operators will have multiple facilities spread across the globe. Since supply chains require physical deliveries to take place, any natural or man-made disaster can completely halt supply chain operations. Managers can nevertheless have predictive models through AR and VR technologies to ensure a contingency plan is in place. They can easily stay on top of the progress of each warehouse and check on each supply chain to confirm that everyone is doing their work as required. Hence, instead of having to be there in person, AR and VR allow vital persons to be present virtually.
Managers Can Be in Multiple Supply Chains at the Same Time
Large manufacturers or warehouse operators will have multiple facilities spread across the globe. Since supply chains require physical deliveries to take place, any natural or man-made disaster can completely halt supply chain operations. Managers can nevertheless have predictive models through AR and VR technologies to ensure a contingency plan is in place. They can easily stay on top of the progress of each warehouse and check on each supply chain to confirm that everyone is doing their work as required. Hence, instead of having to be there in person, AR and VR allow vital persons to be present virtually.
Improve Order Picking up Process
Warehouse managers will find AR to be a vital asset as it helps employees improve the order-picking process. Where robotic technologies have not been infused into warehouse operations, managers can invest in smart glasses, an AR tool which requires teams to wear them, allowing them to carry out the pickup process much faster with no errors. This is compared to the traditional method, which requires users to write down the orders and manually scan through the order and fit it in the cart. Since AR wear has become an accurate guide, employees require very little onboarding training. Hence, in a fast-paced environment where employees are on the go, anyone can easily carry out the specified task without errors.
Provides a Stress-Free Experience When Out for Delivery
VR plays a key role in reducing the stress involved when delivering a product by streamlining the supply chain. It does this by ensuring the product reaches the desired end-user on time. Drivers transporting materials can easily assess which route is the best for travelling, taking into account any sudden incidents or weather conditions that can delay products from being delivered on time. All this information can be put on the windshield of a vehicle instead of a handheld device, thereby adhering to safe driving regulations. Where there is cargo that is temperature sensitive, VR helps in keeping track of such orders by providing all information to one smart screen. It also helps ensure the correct order is given by instantly providing details of each package, including its fragility, weight and other factors the moment a person touches the package.
Guaranteed Customer Satisfaction
Customers expect their deliveries to be made on time and securely. In this regard, ensuring that the items are delivered to the right person is pivotal. As companies make bulk orders for which an advancement or full payment is made, any mix-up in the end consumer could lead to financial waste. The traditional practice followed when delivering an item is simply collecting a signature. With VR, however, managers can now introduce an added layer of security for their clients. For this to be implemented, the customer’s picture must be scanned into and stored in the company’s databases. Once the order is delivered, VR will use facial recognition to ensure the package is given to the right person during handover.
Never Run Out of Inventory
Supply chains handle an enormous amount of deliveries. Trying to manually update the system every time a product is sent out may mean that inaccurate data is stored. By adopting AR, however, managers can keep track of their inventory and ensure to place orders when it is running out of stock. With the help of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), managers can further monitor consumer demand and market changes for their products, ensuring enough inventory is available in advance.
Cerexio: A Technology Vendor That Has the Right Tools for an Immersive Experience
Cerexio equips AR, VR and a range of other advanced technologies that allow users to have an immersive experience through its multiple technology solution suites. It provides new-age simulated visibilities, providing greater efficiency in your supply chains and keeping all parties happy. The modernistic solutions of Cerexio allow managers and decision-makers to monitor and make critical decisions with data in their supply chain. Collect actionable data, gain hidden insights, conduct interactive training sessions, find creative ways to win the attention of your targetted audience, guarantee security and product quality and enjoy a whole lot of other benefits with Cerexio’s one-of-a-kind technology suites.
Connect with us to advance your customised hi-tech solutions with these capabilities and learn about the other industry 4.0 technologies infused within our suites.
Step Into a Simulated Reality
Although AR/VR are two different technologies, they provide an immersive and simulated experience. Each has a unique role in increasing the visibility of supply chains and improving a business’s overall operations. It offers flexible opportunities for managers to monitor the progress of their factories in other countries, thereby reducing the need to travel by air and ensuring enough inventory is available to meet the changing demands of the public. Reduce overall supply chain waste and maximise productivity, labour utilisation and profits with a digital solution that houses AR/VR capabilities.
