Innovation is pushing almost all business areas forward these days, and the logistics and transport industry is no exception. However, innovative solutions that could make logistics business processes in supply chains much more efficient or help to make the right decisions more quickly are still only being applied in the infrastructure of logistics leaders. So I would like to share with you the second part of my 5-part series of articles looking at how augmented reality technologies can help you prepare for global trade compliance, manage traffic flows more efficiently, ensure fast loading and a successful final stage of delivery.

Augmented reality tools for global trade compliance

The world has long been global. This in itself leads to a high growth in international trade and with it the challenges for logistics companies in terms of import/export requirements in different regions. How can augmented reality solutions ease the administrative burden of global trade?

For example, before a shipment or cargo is dispatched, an augmented reality system could ensure that the shipment complies with import/export rules and that the shipment documents are properly completed. The augmented reality device can scan documents or consignments for keywords and automatically suggest changes or corrections to the relevant code classifications. More importantly, after the shipment has been dispatched, augmented reality technologies could be a lifesaver by dramatically reducing the storage time at the ports for translating the text of the documents: this text would be translated into the local language in real time.

Traffic process management

Traffic congestion often impedes the smooth running of many logistics processes, which are crucial for the smooth flow of physical shipments. Traffic congestion is estimated to cost Europe around 1% of its gross domestic product. As congestion increases, new solutions are needed to improve punctuality.

In the future, we are likely to see more and more dynamic traffic management with real-time traffic data to optimise the delivery of parcels on the road or by plane. AR technology assistance applications for drivers (in the form of smart glasses or by integrating these technologies into the front screen of the car) would display real-time information in the driver’s field of vision. In fact, AR systems would complement existing navigation systems and allow the driver to see the information he needs without taking his eyes off the road. They could also provide drivers with important information about their vehicle or cargo (e.g. checking the temperature of cargo).

Cargo loading

Today’s air, water and road freight transport process uses digital data and planning software, but often has problems with the content, weight, size, destination and further processing of each shipment. And these problems often make the loading process itself a bottleneck. AR technologies could therefore improve this, with AR devices replacing printed load lists and loading instructions.

At the loading station, the forklift truck would be able to receive real-time information and instructions on which pallet to pick up next and which vehicle it should be loaded into. The AR device would display loading instructions with arrows or bold elements indicating the correct target areas of the vehicle. This information can be generated during software planning or on the spot by ad-hoc object recognition. It would also allow real-time replenishment of consignments, as opposed to paper lists, which is very often the case in logistics during the loading process.

The final stage of delivery

Another crucial application of augmented reality (AR) technologies is the final stage of delivery. The growing use of e-commerce stores has led to a savage growth in shipments and, as the last stage in the logistics supply chain, it is also often the most expensive. Therefore, optimising the last stage of delivery to reduce delivery costs and increase profits is a promising application area for AR devices.