Summary of Innovation
Optimal Slotting is a SKU slotting solution that leverages Artificial Intelligence and advanced visualization technology. The system’s comprehensive list of capabilities include:
• Powerful, user-friendly algorithm to optimize SKU slotting
• A 3D digital twin of the warehouse to understand historical performance and review potential changes
• Augmented Reality interface to physically navigate the warehouse and see relevant analytics overlayed on actual picking positions
• 2D layouts to review a comprehensive list of picking metrics
• A unique capability to show picker congestion patterns in the warehouse aisles using heat maps
• The ability to save and compare multiple scenarios with a multitude of simulation metrics across thousands or even millions of future picks.
A leading feature in this solution is leveraging the vast amounts of data used for SKU slotting to provide comprehensive insights through an AI-powered chat interface so managers and analysts can ask natural language questions and receive prompt, accurate answers. For example:
Warehouse manager: “Do I need to hire more pickers?”
Optimal Slotting AI: “Based on historical demand, forecasted demand, optimized slotting, picker absenteeism, and picker productivity, picking demand for the next two months can be met with the current pickers except on Thursdays when one additional picker is required. The additional picker productivity is expected to be 80% of median picker productivity, which is consistent with new hires. After two months, two additional pickers will be required due to increased demand for a period of nine weeks.”
As shown in the video link below, the answer includes words highlighted with hyperlinks where the user can review the data used by the model to determine its response. The system is able to provide this depth of answer by using a specially trained GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) that has access to all data in the system and that can also be connected to external sources.
While Optimal Slotting’s tools excel at answering user’s questions, the system also has an AI-powered autonomous capability to pro-actively identify opportunities and report them without requiring a user asking any questions. For example, high-impact SKU slotting changes can be identified automatically on a daily basis to minimize total costs.
Innovation Statement
Traditional SKU slotting is complex, time-consuming, and often requires the support of specialized personnel. Optimal Slotting leverages Artificial Intelligence and revolutionary visualization capabilities to deliver on-demand slotting designed to provide all the depth expected by data scientists while ensuring it remains accessible to managers and supervisors who might not have specialized training in data analysis. Optimal Slotting enables organizations to optimize the slotting of their warehouses quickly, frequently, and at a low cost by a wide range of personnel.
Applicability
Optimal Slotting ensures shipping demands are met while at the same time delivering up to 20% labor savings by drastically lowering picker travel times, minimizing restocking, and reducing out of stocks.
| Posted Date | 1/22/24 |
| Contact | Ed Aviles |
| Contact Email | ed.aviles[at]optimaldiscovery.com |
| Category | Best IT Innovation |