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Although a staple in modern warehousing and logistics, pallets (or pallet-like objects) have been used to move and store objects since the days of Ancient Egypt. Over the years, pallet designs have evolved to include stronger materials like plastic and various alloys, but artificial intelligence (AI) may be one of the biggest leaps in pallet manufacturing the world has ever seen.
AI for pallet businesses has proven to be a huge asset, and as AI technology continues to evolve, it’s believed that these resources will become invaluable in pallet manufacturing, processing, and logistics. Many pallet manufacturers have taken steps in recent decades to introduce automation into their workflows, but with the availability of AI, automated systems can be made even more powerful.
AI is used in a number of different ways in pallet manufacturing, and for the most part, the goals of AI are to improve accuracy and productivity. This is particularly true when dealing with time-consuming tasks requiring precision. Automating manufacturing processes frees up manpower that can be utilized elsewhere for more important tasks.
AI also serves as a complementary technology for existing systems. In some cases, upgrading to AI may only require a software or firmware update. However, pallet manufacturing facilities may need to replace equipment or retrofit existing systems.
If you’re thinking about implementing this technology at your facility, below are some key uses of AI for pallet businesses:
Through the use of AI neural networks, predictive maintenance can be planned and even carried out automatically. A neural network is a collection of machine learning algorithms that function like a human brain.
These networks work with input patterns, and based on these patterns, they can “learn” how something operates. Pallet manufacturing systems that require routine maintenance tend to require service on a scheduled basis, and neural networks can learn this schedule to predict maintenance concerns before they happen.
Data analytics plays a big part in large pallet manufacturing operations, but even if you run a smaller manufacturing facility, data is still vital to collect, store, and analyze. AI can be used in data analytics to examine processes and point out inefficiencies. This can help management identify losses with greater accuracy to find waste faster.
Customizing or personalizing pallets for different customers may also be possible based on information that doesn’t include specs. For instance, if a customer requests a line of pallets to handle a specific task but does not have the exact dimensions or material requirements, this information can be fed into an AI system, which will be analyzed against training data. This training data may be based on thousands of pallet designs, allowing AI to generate a solution for the customer without the need for the exact specs of the job.
While pallet companies use various AI-powered tools differently, there are a number of potential benefits to relying on these technologies. Below are some benefits of AI for pallet businesses to consider if you’re planning to upgrade to new technologies in the near future:
AI can reduce costs for pallet companies in a number of ways, and there may be hidden savings waiting to be found. For example, using computer vision, you may use AI in the pallet manufacturing process to analyze each pallet. This machine learning technology can “see” each pallet and detect minute differences in shape and surface contour.
Through machine learning and computer vision, AI software alerts pallet manufacturers to structural problems in manufacturing before defective pallets can make it to market. This reduces costs by reducing the number of returns made by customers, but it also helps to protect a pallet company’s reputation in the industry. Reputational harm can have long-lasting negative effects on revenue, but introducing AI and ensuring quality products reduces this threat. Your company’s reputation remains intact, allowing it to enjoy strong customer relationships.
AI also plays a crucial role in inventory management for pallet companies. Large warehousing and logistics operations often have to keep up with hundreds or thousands of pallets at a time. While this can be achieved using traditional warehouse management software, AI adds an additional benefit by helping warehouse managers make informed real-time decisions that can positively benefit supply chain operations.
By incorporating AI for pallet businesses, you have an extra brain constantly analyzing inventory levels and shipment changes, allowing your management to direct traffic more efficiently. In an automated system that uses AI, some decisions can even be made on the fly by the system itself, with management only providing oversight. This allows pallet companies to adjust to changing conditions automatically to avoid slowdowns and bottlenecks when a manufacturing process needs to change its pace.
AI has also proven to be a fantastic, efficient resource when marketing pallet company websites. Aside from creating content, AI can also audit websites to provide recommendations, conduct competitor analyses, and aid in implementing SEO strategies.
It should be noted, however, that AI for pallet companies and their online properties is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You will still want to use AI tools with experts who understand how to get the most out of these resources if you want to see results. Human oversight is critical when using AI as the technology isn’t perfect and must be used with the purpose of seeing positive effects on revenue generation.
At Pallet Company Marketing, our SEO experts for pallet businesses stay on top of the latest trends in AI, e-commerce, digital technology, and more. Contact us today to learn how our team can take your pallet business to the next level.
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