Green logistics

The sector of logistics has also committed with the compromise of finding solutions to take care of the planet and reduce our impact. One of these alternatives for future transportation is Green Logistics which is based on transforming the logistics systems and processes using innovation in order to develop a strategy more respectful with the environment. The main objective of this philosophy is improving the efficiency of the transport and reducing the impact on the environment but also obtaining an economic rentability for the businesses.

Regarding the transportation, Green Logistics tries to cut down the sources of pollution, coming these emissions from vehicles so new advances in the automotive sector as well as the incorporation of electric vehicles will reduce pollution levels. In addition, load and route optimization, such as reducing travel distance, could help to the amount of CO2 emissions.

Green logistics connects the environmental issue with logistic activities; thus it is obvious that other parts of logistics are involved. In the terms of packaging, eco-friendly packages could be used in deliveries and reusable materials could be returned when the transportation is all completed.

However, Green Logistics has also some disadvantages to keep in mind as it explains this article: https://transportgeography.org/?page_id=6497

Order picking with smart glasses

Studying the warehousing slides for the exam, I realised that some of the equipment used in warehousing is long-standing. For that reason, looking for latest technologies and how to include them in the warehouse I found the existence of the smart glasses.

Smart glasses, also known as vision picking, enable employees of the warehouse to work having their hands free in order to do their operations easier. This is not the only advantage of these glasses, in fact, productivity can improve around 15 percent on average, and it is not necessary any infrastructure to use them.

But, how do these smart glasses work? Employees see in their glasses a visual display with the picking instructions including information about the progress, location, quantity or the next pick. Virtual reality also shows where the items should be located freeing workers from reading papers or devices so they can work more comfortably. In addition to be a faster, more accurate and efficient system than traditional methods, the usability of the smart glasses is simple and intuitive so onboarding and training times can be reduced.

One example of the implementation of vision picking in warehousing operations is the DHL warehouse in the Netherlands, as it is explained in the video.

In this link you can find more information about the internet of things world and the smart warehouse including the smart glasses: https://www.datexcorp.com/iot-and-the-smart-warehouse/