Supply Chain Specialists Plan to Expand Use of Smart Glasses in Freight Picking Operations

WORLDWIDE – Following on from an extensive global trial DHL Supply Chain has announced that it intends to expand its 'Vision Picking' solution in more warehouses around the globe, which the company says will 'establish a new standard in order picking for the industry'. The freight operator says smart glasses provide visual displays of order picking instructions, along with information on where items are located and where they need to be placed on a cart, freeing pickers hands of paper instructions and allowing them to work more efficiently and comfortably.

The international trials showed an average improvement of productivity by 15% and higher accuracy rates. The system also halved training times. Markus Voss, Chief Information Officer & Chief Operating Officer, DHL Supply Chain, said:

"Digitalisation is not just a vision or program for us at DHL Supply Chain, it's a reality for us and our customers, and is adding value to our operations on the ground. Customers have been very happy about the productivity gains and are equally excited about using innovative technology at their warehouses.

“We are very satisfied and happy that the pilot phase went so well and that we can now say augmented reality technology is one of our standard offerings at DHL Supply Chain. As one of the first logistics companies using the technology, we have truly established a new way of order picking in the industry."

Following the success of its Vision Picking program, DHL is looking into additional applications for augmented and virtual reality such as trainings, maintenance, dimension calculations and more.