I work with industry leader of Supply chain software. We have software to integrate with the most sophisticated tools helping people in warehouse and supplying good to the end user. But that’s not what I am excited about. Industry is focusing on making work easy for warehouse guys so reduces number of warehouse guys required by ‘managing’ their operations and remembering which item is where.
But there is huge potential to grow when ‘automation’ is included in warehouse. Right now, there are ways people automate the delivery of container into right truck with intelligent conveyer belt. The revolution will come when the picking of an item and putting it into the container will be automated. It’s possible at this time by using robotic hands. Even more can be done with integrating this whole system with vending machine or automated teller machine which can revolutionize the way people shop. This is not thing which will take 10 years to come. Everything exists and only thing that needs to be done is right kind of integration and make a general purpose vending machines.
Go to a general purpose vending machines, insert your credit card, select the items that you want, accept the item, get the bill, pay it, go home. Easy! huh?
I am not aware if anyone is trying for this. But I can foresee it coming as that is the next thing which I can see clearly.
9 comments:
Ok, After reading the blog, I think you tried to automate every damn thing?? This in turn will eliminate any requirement of man power?? Am i right on this..
Up to what kind of commodities is this automation is applicable??
This line "Go to a general purpose vending machines, insert your credit card, select the items that you want, accept the item, get the bill, pay it, go home"
If i take an example, X wants to buy a new phone. He goes to the machine where all kinda of models are available. And then above line follows.
Does this scenario fits??
Yes, Why not? I can choose the phone with specification. I can chat with any executive on phone/IM.
It's matter of convenience. If you want to buy high end mobile then you may be lil more cautious and want to see a person against you than you should go to showroom and do a traditional (i.e. present way) shopping.
But say you want to buy a packet of biscuit, or anything like that, I will prefer any vending machine because of their speed and availability.. exactly like ATMs
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/jul08/6380
Robots do the work.
Not fully, but mostly automated.
Agreed on the convenience matter, but then entire automation is not desirable even though its achievable.
If it's really efficient, economical in long term and better inventory accuracy wise also then I, personally, would like to make my grocery store fully automated.
Where people are too choosy, like in Garment stores, or mobile as you gave example, current structure should perform better.
All the merits and demerits should be taken care off :). Not everything suits to everybody. Some people still like to have old traditional ways.
And automation is applicable to certain products. Just figure it out!!!
Agreement signed :)
So when i can see the first prototype :)
I am just an oracle like you.
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