When discussing design in logistics, the first thing that comes to mind is the revolution caused by the advent of ISO containers. The creation in 1957 of the soda can with a flat rather than conical lid led to noticeable savings in transportation and storage. As a last resort – flat IKEA packaging.
In the 21st century, innovation has moved to the digital environment. We present to you a selection of current cases of how design practices are applied in the logistics industry.
The role of artificial intelligence in design
But before that, we want to talk briefly about the contribution that artificial intelligence has made to modern design.
For example, if earlier we could not imagine that we would control technology using our voice, now it has become a familiar part of our lives. The role of AI is also growing in the field of design.
Many see AI as a danger, thinking it would eliminate jobs for designers. Others, who see him just as an assistant who will handle all mundane duties and let designers reach their full creative potential, are more upbeat about his position.
Reasons why product design with AI makes a designer’s life easier:
- Keeps projects current with emerging trends so that designers may concentrate on the larger picture. AI takes care of a lot of the grunt work, freeing up designers’ time and energy for greater creative expression.
- Instead of spending hours analyzing reams of data trying to find ways to improve a design, you can use AI to understand the problem and nudge the designer in the right direction.
- Optimizes the workflow by analyzing huge amounts of data and suggesting solutions from which the designer can then select the most suitable ones.
- Because AI doesn’t get tired or need coffee breaks, designers don’t have to waste precious time babysitting their program and making sure no errors occur.
Improving warehouse processes
For example, Bitlog, a developer of warehouse and transport management systems from Sweden, asked designers to develop an iOS application and UX/UI design.
The designers’ task in this project was to develop interfaces for two mobile applications – a warehouse management system (WMS) and a transport management system (TMS).
Creating a professional interface is the most difficult type of UX task. Warehouse operations involve operations, each of which involves dozens of coordinated actions performed by different employees: managers and workers. Automation systems must include all of these operations and also take into account unforeseen circumstances.
A warehouse management system (WMS) is designed for two user roles: manager and warehouse worker. The Transportation Management System (TMS) also supports two key scenarios (manager and driver) and additionally includes a statistics module that will be used by management employees.
To solve a complex problem, the developers used Lean UX methodology. To put it simply, it is an iterative process that includes testing solutions and collecting feedback from the product owner.
As a result, designers were able to wrap complex logistics processes into intuitive interfaces.
Improving employee efficiency
Alaska Airlines, a long-haul airline from the United States, set a task for its developers in the form of increasing the efficiency of crew ground tasks. What did this look like in practice?
The prerequisite for the emergence of such a hub was the increase in the number of mobile devices used by airline personnel. It was necessary to create a single centralized hub where the aviator could quickly receive help. An important requirement is that it is easily accessible and does not require prior training.
The digital component of the project is a web portal and mobile application. These applications supported the functions of the technical center and helped employees make appointments, get quick answers, and solve some problems.
Process automation
Veterans Logistics Group (VetsLG) is a transport company from the USA. The company has 20 years of experience, two hectares of warehouse space in Los Angeles, and 30 thousand contract carriers throughout North America. Despite this experience, VetsLG did not have the software to work with numerous partners and transparently track cargo transportation.
The designers’ goal was to provide up-to-date information on each shipment to all participants in the process and improve operational efficiency.
After completing the task, the system now has the following capabilities:
- 24/7 tracking and dashboard updated in real-time;
- electronic document management;
- using geolocation to plan transportation taking into account information about traffic jams, to search for gas stations and repair shops;
- photographic confirmation of cargo delivery.
This article is posted by the editorial staff of Reusable Packaging News. To find out more about submissions, please visit our submissions page. For article feedback or advertising information, please contact leblanc.richard@gmail.com.
