MELVINDALE, Mich., Feb. 17, 2020—Evans Distribution Systems, a provider of third-party logistics and supply chain solutions, invested in a machine vision automation system with artificial intelligence to optimize its warehouse packing line.
The ADLINK Edge™ Smart Pallet solution improves accuracy and efficiency using two GigE cameras, an Edge AI Gateway computer and ADLINK Edge™ software. The system uses machine vision to record and classify contents in packages as they move through the line as a quality check and uses rule-based analytics to identify inconsistencies to the packing list. Essentially, it’s an automated quality assessment system.
“One of the most skilled jobs on the line is the quality assurance technician. They need to quickly observe if the orders are packed correctly or incorrectly. This machine is more than 99% accurate, allowing us to utilize those skills in other areas of the packing line,” says Steve Ruch, vice president of warehousing at Evans.
How It Works
The system utilizes two cameras—one that peers down into the box contents and the other that reads a barcode, or unique identifier, containing the packing list. As the package moves through the quality check-point, two images are recorded and a classification model identifies the object. The model training system known as VMLINK, teaches the computer to identify objects in hundreds of different positions, lighting scenes, and other variances. The repetition of this modeling is critical to performance and accuracy. From there, the image pixels are converted into data and fed through a software system that is connected to Evans’ warehouse management system (WMS). The data is matched to the packing list and if the contents are inconsistent, a label is printed on the box to signal a packing error.
There is a lot of potential in machine vision and artificial intelligence in a warehouse environment. “The goal is to enhance our current operations with a nondisruptive technology. The conveyor still works in the same way; only now we can allocate resources in a more efficient way on another part of the line,” Ruch says.
As Evans enters its first season using the new system, warehouse managers will be tracking KPIs closely to truly understand the return on investment. This investment is a small step toward a larger organizational goal: To provide the highest quality service to Evans’ customers using people and innovation to enhance the end-to-end supply chain.
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About Evans Distribution Systems
Evans Distribution Systems, headquartered in southeast Michigan, was founded in 1929 as the Central Detroit Warehouse Company. It has evolved into a full-service, third-party logistics provider offering warehousing, transportation, fulfillment, value added and staffing solutions to the automotive, manufacturing, food and beverage, consumer goods, and chemical industries. Evans currently employs more than 600 associates and operates over two million square feet of space in Michigan and across the U.S. Find more information on our website, www.evansdist.com. Read the latest supply chain insights at Evans’ blog, or follow the company on Facebook and Twitter.
About ADLINK Technology
ADLINK is a global leader in edge computing. Our mission is to affect positive change in society and industry by connecting people, places and things with AI. Our offerings include robust boards, real-time data acquisition solutions and application enablement for AIoT. We serve vertical markets including manufacturing, communications, healthcare, military, energy, infotainment and transportation.
For interviews or hi-res photos to accompany this story, please contact marketing@evansdist.com.