By 2027, half of companies with warehouse operations will leverage AI-enabled vision systems to replace traditional scanning-based cycle-counting processes, according to Gartner.

AI-enabled vision systems are novel hyper-automation options that combine industrial 3D cameras, computer vision software and AI pattern-recognition technologies. They leverage high-resolution vision systems combined with AI’s pattern-recognition capabilities and machine learning (ML) to change how many processes previously dependent on manual human inputs are performed.

“Companies are looking beyond the traditional as pressures mount to continuously improve operational process performance,” said Carly West, senior director analyst at Gartner, speaking at last week’s Gartner Supply Chain Symposium in Barcelona. “AI-enabled vision systems will propagate quickly in warehouse operations as the value proposition is so evident, not only for inventory management, but also monitoring that can identify safety issues and ergonomic problems for workers in real time.”

Gartner survey data of 506 supply chain professional with input into management and operations processes from December 2023 indicated that 20% of respondents had already adopted AI-enabled vision systems. West said the momentum was expected to continue as the costs and performance of cameras were rapidly improving, along with the pattern-recognition capabilities of the AI models as products become more packaged and robust.

For supply chain leaders who are considering the deployment of AI-enabled vision systems, Gartner says in the near term, there will not be a singular vendor or product that fits all possible use cases. However, the value proposition of these can potentially justify experimenting with multiple alternatives at low risk and low cost.

It says companies should start with simple processes, such as cycle counting or worker safety monitoring, that are tailor made for an AI-enabled vision system. They should leverage lessons from early initiatives to help identify additional use cases in the future.

More mature companies that have good manual processes such as labour management established should begin to assess more advanced options such as process ergonomic monitoring.

Gartner clients can read more in Top Trends in Supply Chain Technology for 2024 (www.gartner.com/document/5090631). Nonclients can read more in Digital Supply Chain and Technology Transformation (www.gartner.com/en/supply-chain/topics/supply-chain-digital-transformation).