The role of AI cameras in logistics centres

Over the past few years, with some interesting changes in warehouse security camera systems, artificial intelligence has brought us, warehouses have become safer and more efficient than ever before. The aim of this article is to discuss how an AI security camera system might benefit the warehousing and logistics industry.

What are AI camera systems?

An AI camera system employs sophisticated software to improve the functionality of traditional video surveillance. These AI camera systems can easily evaluate live or recorded video footage after which the software does different automated tasks as per the analysed information. Those tasks incorporate object detection, facial recognition, motion sensing activity tracking etc.

When we talk about video analytics for logistics, AI surveillance cameras are more adept at spotting potential security threats faster than conventional video cameras. For instance, an AI surveillance camera can identify a particular individual or vehicle right away if such an object appears within its field of view.

Benefits of AI logistics and warehouse security cameras

There are various advantages of using an AI-powered warehouse security camera system in the logistics space, some of which include:

1. Prevent workplace accidents

Globally, workplace safety is a major concern, especially in places where workplace accidents can cause serious physical harm or even death. By identifying signs before incidents occur AI cameras - located around the warehouse space - can help greatly in curbing this.

The AI surveillance cameras for instance can analyse real-time video data using computer vision algorithms from cameras placed anywhere in the warehouse. These algorithms can help identify potential hazards such as obstructed paths, fall risks caused by spills or heights and inform staff on what needs to be done.

Previously, traditional video surveillance only captured past information; one could understand an event by looking at what happened before the current time. However, AI-powered connected video systems allow you to monitor activities inside a logistics centre at that very moment. Such solutions are helpful in predicting potential hazards before they happen as on-duty employees or even the AI system can alert workers concerning an impending danger instantly.

While manual safety checks done periodically can also immensely reduce warehouse accidents, areas with traffic congestion, dangerous materials or machines, when placed under the watchful eyes of AI cameras, can be a better 24*7 alert option.

AI camera systems are also helpful in reviewing workflow so that your teams remain safe. The system can analyse existing incidents to establish patterns that pose dangers to employees around specific areas. These alerts allow businesses to pre-empt accidents by redesigning layouts or instigating other safety measures before an accident happens.

2. Reduce product shrinkage

Product shrinkage emerging from warehouse theft or defect can cost firms billions annually. 

Now while products like AIVIS - AI-based video analytics solution - enables real-time monitoring of workers, which is contributing towards improved warehouse security by following their movements and finding out when they are in danger like when around an active machine or carrying heavy loads, the use case is far more expansive. These solutions can also catch evidence of theft having occurred or track the condition of the product. This watchfulness enables the AI camera to send signals of call for action in cases of loss prevention.

3. Enhancing operational processes

AI camera systems can also increase productivity within the warehouse or logistics centre through process automation. For example, with an AI video surveillance system, businesses can easily trace the movement of goods from receipt to dispatch within the warehouse. This captured operational data allows for optimisation of inventory management, which then decreases the lead time involved in finding items, making the whole process faster.

What this means is that utilising AI video analytics from cameras and other sensors to recognise worker behaviours such as productive times during the day, areas where the majority of their time is spent, and peak hours for breaks can go a long way in bringing about positive change for companies through improvement with regards productivity.

Businesses are therefore able to monitor stock levels by following real time movements of goods using AI camera systems thus avoiding shortage risks while at the same time enhancing efficiency across the board. Demand readiness can be planned by warehouses leading to inventory optimisation hence waste reduction.

By using these systems, businesses can reduce labour costs and improve profitability via automated manual tasks. With surveillance powered by AI, they can move personnel away from more important roles like sales or product development.

Parting notes

With AI technology progressing further, more innovative applications of AI camera systems are expected to be introduced into the warehouse industry. A number of businesses whose key operations run around logistics management are excited about improvements in their overall operational processes and worker safety.

But a few key things to note here are that while businesses get excited about the prospect of bettering their overall efficiency, they should also think about partnering with the right solution provider. One that is easy to incorporate in the existing systems and is scalable enough to meet business’s changing needs. 

Another element is cloud integration. Cloud connectivity is a key factor for AI camera systems to operate successfully, especially in industrial vehicles. The solution can enable warehouse managers to have a microscopic level view into how every incident folded, through captured images, video, and location data and also identify opportunities to improve safety such as driver training. An additional benefit of cloud integration would be on the front of managers, with them being able to track a wide variety of other key efficiency and safety metrics in great detail, including real-time alerts, forklift usage, and operators' behaviour, along with making it easy to automate vehicle inspections.

By taking care of these two critical elements, businesses will be able to ensure an efficient management of their solutions at the back of an AI-powered visual solution.