Does Logistics Matter? Answering YES to the question in our latest podcast episode are Judy Gordon, Head of Partnerships for AI-enabled inventory monitoring at GatherAI and Simon Fleming, Director of Pre-Sales and Innovation at Peak Technologies. Live from Soestdijk Palace Judy, Simon and Martijn dive deep into how artificial intelligence, automation, and data are reshaping warehouse operations.
From Barcode Scanners to Machine Vision
For decades, warehouse tech was stuck in scan-and-go mode. Barcodes and handheld scanners got the job done, but it was labour-intensive.. Today, it’s all about AI-enhanced machine vision. Instead of just reading a barcode, AI now “sees” the world: it can recognise damaged pallets, misaligned boxes, or count items with a glance.
“Cycle counting is boring,” Judy says, and she’s right. But what if a drone could do it for you?
Drones are now flying through warehouses, doing cycle counts faster and more accurately than any human. Employees love it, not just because it’s cool tech, but because it frees them up to focus on higher-value tasks. One cycle counter even said it was “a gift from God” because they no longer had to ride the cherry picker up into the racks.
RFID + AI = Real-Time Intelligence
Another technology that is creating efficiencies in the warehouse is RFID. RFID has long been “the next big thing” in warehousing, but according to Simon, its moment has finally arrived. It’s not replacing machine vision, but enhancing it. Through RFID tags, products and assets can be tracked through the warehouse.
The Rise of the Digital Product Passport
Starting in 2027, EU regulations will require products to carry a digital passport that tracks information on materials, manufacturing origins, ownership history, and recyclability. It’s sustainability in action, and AI is key to making it possible.
Consumers will be able to scan an item and decide whether to buy it based on its environmental impact. As Simon puts it: “You’re voting with your feet.”
Technology is the key enabler for data-driven supply chains.
What’s Next? Predictive Warehousing…
The most exciting part? We’re just getting started.
Soon, cameras and sensors will be everywhere, on forklifts, dock doors, and wearable gear, providing real-time feedback that enables real-time decision-making. AI will help spot errors before they happen and optimise warehouse flows on the fly.
Do you want to hear more about how data and AI will transform and enhance supply chain and logistics processes? Listen to Episode 56 of the Does Logistics Matter? Podcast via the player below, or in your favourite podcast app.
The header image for this blog was created by AI, based on the content of this episode.
