Picking with smart glasses - pick-by-vision in warehouse management

Pick-by-light and pick-by-voice picking technologies have changed the way we work in the warehouse. With the use of 'Google Glass' data glasses and pick-by-vision, another technological innovation is just around the corner. Until now, however, there has been a lack of applications to connect the data glasses to company software. The Würzburg-based companies Salt Solutions and Itizzimo have now realised an application that combines image-supported picking and warehouse management.

Augmented reality must be mentioned in the same breath as the image-supported picking method pick-by-vision, as the technology is based on precisely this principle. The term augmented reality (AR) describes the expansion of perceptible reality by displaying information that is otherwise not available via the five human senses. For users of Google Glass data glasses, this means that they receive additional data in their field of vision or via voice commands that would not be available to them without the corresponding hardware. This technology opens up new usage scenarios along the industrial supply chain: the areas of application can include navigational functions, but also the display of extended instructions for the user. For example, the use of wearable computing can make additional and often expensive hardware superfluous in order picking.

Development in the shadow of the Würzburg vineyards

However, one particular hurdle had to be overcome in order to utilise the North American Internet company's hardware in an industrial environment: A connection to the central IT systems to process work orders, book stock and thus keep all data up to date was not available. In Würzburg, two IT companies dedicated themselves to this task and realised what they claim is the first application with data glasses that is integrated into the SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) warehouse management system. Itizzimo contributed its expertise in the field of AR in the SAP environment, while the logistics know-how came from the specialists for system integration and IT solutions at Salt Solutions. In the solution that the two providers were able to realise together, the AR glasses serve as a multifunctional device for the warehouse employee. The data glasses communicate seamlessly with the warehouse management system with the help of the Salt add-on 'Webservice Connector for Itizzimo Business Glasses'. The smart glasses are connected to the company system via WLAN, allowing the user to receive orders for the picking process in real time. These are displayed in the user's extended field of vision.

Identification via camera: hands remain free

Previously, data terminals were used for such picking processes, which the employee had to hold in their hand during the process. The example of 'warehouse management' illustrates a key advantage of the new solution: unlike existing technologies, no additional device is required to scan materials or goods. When picking, the employee simply points the glasses at a QR or barcode and automatically registers the goods or packaging material. This leaves both hands free for tasks in the warehouse, which is an ergonomic improvement over other technologies. At the same time, the speed at which orders are completed increases, allowing warehouse workers to work more efficiently. The approach also promises financial benefits, as the costs for scanners, which are more expensive to purchase than Google Glass, can be saved.

Information on warehouse location and workflow

The employee is not only shown the orders in the extended field of vision: if the employee is standing in front of the correct storage location, this is indicated by a coloured marking. Loading aids with the goods are also marked accordingly. Additional information also indicates whether the goods are fragile, whether hazardous substances regulations must be observed or whether other details need to be taken into account. Serial number recording can also be integrated into the picking process via the scanning function of the smart glasses. The employee thus receives clear work instructions from the warehouse management system. Confirmation functions ensure that the progress of an order is precisely documented and reported back to the company system in real time. The employee is thus guided through the process step by step from the first instruction to the completion of the picking process.

Choice between manual and system-supported processes

If the employee does not find the intended goods on a shelf, they can, for example, perform exception handling using a keyboard that is connected to the data glasses via Bluetooth. The same applies to other scenarios in which data does not match stock levels. Depending on the work mode - manual or system-guided - the employee starts the next picking process. In manual mode, the next picking process can be started by visually scanning the barcode of a handling unit. In system-guided mode, on the other hand, the warehouse management system suggests the next picking order. As a result, the process enables high picking quality. The number of picking errors is reduced by displaying and subsequently confirming the work orders, and the value-added share in the AR-supported processes is increased.

From the showroom to industrial application

A showroom with SAP EWM was realised at Salt Solutions in Würzburg for demonstration and learning purposes. Warehouse-relevant processes - including material flow control and conveyor technology - are simulated here. Picking processes from a shelving rack can now also be carried out here using Pick-by-Vision. In this way, interested parties can experience the technology of the two co-operation partners. Both companies see the potential to implement their solution in a pilot project in the near future. While the pros and cons of Google Glass are still being hotly debated in the consumer market, there are clear application scenarios in the business environment. Two requirements must be met in order to realise these: On the one hand, it is up to IT companies to develop customised interfaces and help the products to reach market maturity. On the other hand, it is up to the industry to show courage and rely on a technology at an early stage that can change work processes in the company.

To be seen and experienced live at LogiMAT at SALT Solutions in Hall 7, Stand D35, LogiMAT 2015
www.salt-solutions.de/logimat.html

The author Christian Erb is project manager for warehouse management with SAP EWM at SALT Solutions.

christian.erb@salt-solutions.de

SALT Solutions GmbH
Schuererstraße 5a
D-97080 Würzburg
Phone: +49 931 46086 0
Fax: +49 931 46086 2409
info@salt-solutions.de
www.salt-solutions.de