US' Verses deploys smart logistics solution across NRI's centres

This deployment builds upon the success of a multi-site Wayfinder pilot programme and is an important step in NRI’s growth strategy to provide comprehensive logistics services for their omnichannel partners and the ongoing commercialisation and expansion of Verses technologies in the global supply chain sector. This announcement comes at a time when supply chain disruptions continue to occur globally, forcing many companies to examine and optimise all aspects of their operations, Verses said in a press release.

According to the article ‘Gartner Predicts the Future of Supply Chain Technology’ published by Gartner on April 20, 2022, it is predicted that, over the next three years, 25 per cent of supply chain decisions will be made across intelligent edge ecosystems, and more than 50 per cent of supply chain organisations will use machine learning to augment decision-making capability regarding scenario planning and modelling, and market intelligence and forecasting.

To meet this moment, NRI is adopting Wayfinder, our AI-enabled spatial (3D) picking and routing application designed to work with edge device ecosystems in an effort to improve the picking experience for its mobile warehouse workers, better utilise distribution centre capacity, reduce training time, and accelerate fulfilment throughput at each facility.

Built on the Verses COSM AI Operating System and powered by Verses adaptive intelligence technology, Wayfinder leverages a spatial digital twin model of the distribution centre to direct workers in real-time to the exact location of each pick in 3D space. This spatial model can also be used to coordinate human activity alongside autonomous robots and drones for optimising various tasks in the warehouse.

“Wayfinder improves efficiency by reducing the cognitive effort that warehouse workers experience when utilising text-based applications to look for products within the distribution centre. By shifting the work to the Wayfinder application and enabling AI to optimise the tasks and route each worker to the next pick location, we’re proud to deliver not only cost savings, but also improved worker productivity and satisfaction, both of which are critically important at a time when the supply chain industry struggles to meet the demands of today’s modern consumer,” Gabriel René, co-founder and chief executive officer of Verses, said.

"Simply stated, we believe Verses Wayfinder is a game changer, not only for us, but for the industry as a whole, which is why we are excited about our long-term relationship. Throughout our pilot, the Wayfinder application added significant and immediate value to our day-to-day operations, directing warehouse workers in the most efficient pathways to improve individual picking performance by nearly 40 per cent. Bottom line – we believe Wayfinder is driving competitive advantage and we look forward to realising additional warehouse talent and cost benefits in the coming years,” Peter McKenna, chief executive officer of NRI, said.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (GK)