Leading telecommunications operator Proximus has teamed up with a drone design specialist and a company specialising in air filter production to revolutionise warehouse management.
The Walloon project aims to maximise 5G technology's potential by deploying drones in the vast warehouse of Deltrian International, an air filter manufacturing company, and reshape the way in which inventory is handled.
Deltrian International, with an annual growth rate of approximately 20% for two decades, boasts a staggering €80 million in turnover. To keep pace with this remarkable growth trajectory, the company recently invested millions in constructing a new 8,500 m2 warehouse.
However, the challenge lies not just in expanding the physical space but in optimising its use efficiently. Presently, conducting inventory checks necessitates a five-day operational halt, occurring twice a year and involving the dedication of five employees for ten days. This interruption, in a business that ships goods worth €100,000 daily, translates into substantial losses.
Cutting-edge solution
To address this dilemma, Deltrian International is poised to introduce a cutting-edge solution: a drone connected to the burgeoning 5G network. This autonomous drone will take flight during the night, meticulously scanning the entire facility.
The data gathered will yield invaluable insights into the state of inventory, including underutilised spaces, item locations, and storage capacity utilisation rates. This information, crucial for a company specialising in equipment supply, will enable Deltrian International to optimise its stock management, potentially achieving warehouse capacity utilisation rates exceeding 90%.
Currently, a substantial 26% gap exists between reported stock levels and physical inventory, and a mere 67% of available space is used. With recurring drone data, Deltrian International expects significant improvements, substantially closing the gap and maximising storage space usage. This enhanced efficiency will reduce operational disruptions and generate substantial savings.
The drone, currently in its final stages of production, is scheduled to become operational next year. Deltrian International will implement a QR code system on its products to facilitate drone-assisted inventory checks.
Furthermore, the initiative opens doors for Proximus to extend this concept to other businesses. Initial discussions are already underway with four logistics specialists who are eager to witness a demonstration. Proximus envisions this innovation as suitable for companies of varying sizes, as long as they maintain a minimum stock level.
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Intriguingly, the drone's capabilities extend beyond stock management. Possibilities include integrating a thermal imaging camera to detect abnormal heat levels, mitigating fire risks in potentially volatile environments. Additionally, the drone can identify open or damaged packaging, contributing to product quality control. Proximus is also exploring a concept whereby the drone can autonomously recharge by connecting to a robot.
The collaborative effort between Proximus, a drone specialist, and Deltrian International exemplifies the transformative potential of emerging technologies. As the drone takes to the skies within the confines of the Fleurus warehouse, it ushers in a new era of efficient and data-driven stock management, promising increased productivity and substantial cost savings.
With the power of 5G and drones, this partnership serves as a beacon of innovation and optimisation for businesses seeking to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
