The smart glass, of which Google Glass is the main example, is slowly gaining ground within the logistics sector. A growing number of companies are already using the smart glasses in their warehouses.
The applicability of the glasses is currently being tested by various parties, but it is clear that smart glasses can provide more efficient operations within the warehouse. For example, the glasses can be used in cross-docking, order picking, parcel delivery, inventory management, maintenance, inspection and returns management. Below, we list some of the advantages, but also potential pitfalls, of the smart glass for you.
Rapid deployment of new staff
The glasses allow all the tasks a warehouse worker needs to carry out to be visualised step by step right before their eyes. This means every employee knows exactly what is expected of them. New or temporary staff can therefore be deployed more quickly and effectively. Please note: it takes a little time for staff to become fully familiar with the smart glasses. So make sure you provide clear instructions.
Fewer errors
The Dutch e-fulfilment company Active Ants tested Google Glass for a week in its logistics department. This revealed that the error rate within the logistics process fell by twelve per cent. This is because the tasks appear one by one on the glasses. This means tasks cannot be mixed up or forgotten. With a traditional order-picking list, all tasks are listed one below the other, making it much more likely that one will be missed or skipped.
Hands-free
Another major advantage is that employees keep their hands free by wearing smart glasses. They no longer need to print out picking lists and carry them around whilst picking orders. The same experiment by Active Ants showed that this led to a 15 per cent increase in productivity. This is also because tasks are sent directly to the glasses. Printing, signing off and binding are therefore no longer necessary.
Drawbacks
On the other hand, however, smart glasses are generally very expensive. A pair of Google Glass currently costs around 1,200 euros. The market for smart glasses is currently developing rapidly. A new model is released roughly every three months. Perhaps this will also lead to a slight drop in price.
Another disadvantage of the Google Glass is its battery life. With intensive use, the battery lasts only about two hours. Recharging it, or grabbing a new battery causes an interruption in work.
In addition, little is still known about the safety of wearing a smart glass. For example, how safe is it to wear a smart glass while driving an order picker? As with a normal smartphone, it can cause quite a few distractions. It is therefore important to properly educate your employees about the potential dangers posed by the glasses.
Curious about how smart glasses work?
This video shows how Google Glass works within a fulfilment centre.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
