Nokia is launching an autonomous inventory monitoring service (Aims) with Graybar, a distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products in North America.

Nokia Aims can improve the accuracy and efficiency of cycle counting for warehouse operators by using autonomous drones. The drones safely navigate through a warehouse, scanning inventory on shelves, then share up-to-date results and analytics with warehouse managers.

This technology is the result of years of Nokia Bell Labs research, and the fusion of AI-enabled drone-based hardware, camera-based indoor localisation, data analytics and computer vision. It can be used to improve service levels for warehouse operators, distributors, third-party logistics, OEMs, retailers and grocers.

Graybar has signed a commercial deal with Nokia using Aims to enhance its existing inventory management capabilities with this technology. Increasing the accuracy and efficiency of its inventory management programme can improve productivity and customer satisfaction.

“We are excited to launch Nokia Aims with Graybar, a leading innovator in the distribution industry,” said Paul Heitlinger, general manager for Nokia Aims. “Traditional warehouse inventory counting is manual, inefficient and prone to human error. Aims helps customers such as Graybar improve overall efficiency with an expected 30 to 40 per cent RoI.”

Mark Hirst, vice president for technology at Graybar, added: “At Graybar, supply chain innovation is vital to our long-term success. We believe Nokia Aims will help us increase the accuracy and efficiency of our inventory monitoring, which will enhance the customer experience and improve our operational performance. Very few technologies can simultaneously boost performance while reducing costs, but we believe Aims can deliver both.”

Graybar has also purchased Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) to help improve the connectivity in its warehouses. The first DAC installation will be at Graybar’s St Louis service centre, with possible expansion to additional warehouses in the future.

For more about Aims, see www.nokia.com/industries/manufacturing-and-logistics/aims.

Ohio-based Graybar (www.graybar.com) is a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America. It distributes electrical, communications and data networking products, and specialises in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 325 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network, automate and secure their facilities.