Saurabh Kumar offers compelling insights into the future of warehousing, envisioning autonomous ‘dark’ facilities driven by IoT and AI for real-time visibility and self-optimisation, promising unparalleled supply chain efficiency.
Dark warehouses, powered by AI, are the future of efficient supply chains
In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern supply chains, the concept of the ‘Innovative Warehouse’ is no longer a futuristic fantasy but a present-day imperative. Saurabh Kumar, CEO – Retail Business, Kaleesuwari Group, sheds light on how businesses are redefining warehousing to navigate and thrive amidst constant disruptions. “There is always a business rationale associated with the concept of Innovative Warehouse,” states Saurabh. The demands of today’s cut-throat competition necessitate cost-efficient, time-sensitive, and responsive supply chains, with warehousing as a critical component. The days of manual retrievals and fixed-location storage are numbered. The future, according to Saurabh, will see pallets becoming smart, real-time 3D location sharing, auto-reconciliations, IoT devices transmitting the physical state of goods, and autonomous movers for storage and retrieval. He envisions a future of “dark warehouses” – highly efficient, smart in-and-out buildings.
Technological impact
When it comes to technological impact, Saurabh points to IoT and robotics as having the most measurable effect on warehouse efficiency. He emphasises that it’s not just the technologies themselves but the integration of hardware with AI-based intelligent solutions that is truly redefining efficiency limits.
Automation misconceptions
However, the journey to automation is not without its pitfalls, often clouded by misconceptions. Saurabh debunks common beliefs such as “Automation will reduce manpower cost,” labelling it a myopic view that overlooks the broader business context. He also cautions against the idea that “automation will solve most of my problems,” stressing that without proper integration and thorough consideration, significant investments can become idle or underutilised. Another key misconception is the “automation payback period/RoI bias”, where decisions based solely on fiscal parameters can lead to long-term issues due to a lack of overall strategic foresight.
Workforce integration
A crucial aspect of technological integration is workforce readiness. Saurabh highlights that fear, anxiety, and trust often hinder successful adoption. He stresses the importance of explicit communication, clearly outlined benefits, and sensitive handling of job changes, security, and retraining implications. “New technology advancements will seldom succeed if thrust upon!” he asserts, underscoring the necessity of genuine workforce buy-in.
Real-time insights
Saurabh shared a compelling example from a previous assignment where a new generation 3D track-and-trace-based solution using LoRaWAN technology was piloted. This system, with smart tags and strategically placed gateways, created a three-dimensional smart space allowing pallets to emit situational data, significantly improving visibility and responsiveness. This innovation, he notes, was well-received and held significant potential for all players in the cargo ecosystem.
Intelligent warehousing
The shift towards ‘dark warehouses’ also necessitates a re-evaluation of traditional operational paradigms, moving beyond fixed locations and manual retrievals to embrace real-time 3D location sharing, auto-reconciliations, and IoT-driven insights into goods’ physical states. This intelligent transformation of warehousing, powered by AI, promises to redefine efficiency and responsiveness, ensuring that supply chains remain agile and competitive in a constantly evolving global market.
