A powerful video analytics and AI solution, resulting from a trusted partnership between Axis and SiB Solutions, has helped Nowaste Logistics improve operations and boost profitability.
As convenience and speed makes online shopping an increasingly attractive option for the consumer, logistics operators are under increasing pressure to process orders and dispatch goods quickly and efficiently. Yet, a sharp rise in the number of missing items complaints has put an additional burden on logistics teams. Often, refunds are issued to settle disputes in the absence of hard evidence relating to an order. This not only negatively affects profits, but also has an impact on staff and managers' time.
This is where surveillance technology can help. Network video systems are increasingly being used in innovative ways to optimise business efficiency, in addition to enhancing safety and security. Digital transformation, and the underpinning innovations in cloud platforms, video analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), has enabled data from multiple sources, to be combined, enabling companies to operate in a more intelligent way. This in-turn improves profitability. A prime example is the system currently being used by Nowaste Logistics, which has come about as a result of a partnership between Axis and SiB Solutions, an intelligent video and AI services provider.
An innovative video solution for smarter logistics
Nowaste Logistics is one of countless logistics businesses that has been struggling with incoming enquiries and claims regarding orders. As its legacy solution had no tracking capabilities, an alternative was quickly required to allow teams to gain greater understanding of how goods were being packed and processed, and to understand how issues were arising. In partnership with Axis and SiB Solutions, a system was designed that would combine hardware and software data sources to provide intelligent AI insights, resulting in an innovative logistics solution to aid loss prevention. The solution has already significantly improved error KPIs by 50% and efficiencies in dealing with customer claims.
Dragisa Jovanovic, Project leader, Nowaste Logistics, said of the new solution: “By deploying this intelligent video service, we now get an immediate insight regarding how an order was handled. It’s like having a time machine. We search for any order, item or pallet reference to travel back in time and see exactly what happened. This has allowed us to spend 70% less time dealing with questions related to orders due to improved visual insights and evidence. Thanks to the use of AI with video analytics, it is absolutely possible to have flawless logistics.”
Video evidence + data analytics protects profits
Utilising network video products from Axis, alongside SiB Solutions’ AI software, has resulted in a state-of-the-art business intelligence solution that allows Nowaste Logistics to link video of their picking and packing processes to specific pieces of data. This can help to protect business profits by delivering much needed proof of order fulfilment and distribution.
Staffan Persson, Co-founder, SiB Solutions, explained: “Axis has the technology we need to enable our data analytics solutions. Together, we don’t just put out fires in the warehouse; we remove the match. AI functionality allows businesses to stop errors proactively. It enables them to search for an error, find it, and learn from it. It can also help protect warehouses from daily false claims. In this instance, not only has our partnership with Axis helped Nowaste Logistics to significantly reduce time spent dealing with queries, but it has also improved error KPIs by 50%, enabling them to operate more efficiently.”
Intelligent logistics leading to ongoing growth
At a time of expansion for Nowaste Logistics, it was considered high-risk to continue to invest time and money dealing with complaints and launching investigations, usually with little success. Now, the business can invest in delivering improved customer value instead. After the success of the new AI video analysis solution at its central site, the company plans to roll out identical systems to its new warehouses, as well as adding AI capabilities to its intelligent video service portfolio.
Testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and close collaboration, Axis and SiB Solutions have helped Nowaste Logistics to vastly improve its operations, ensuring full transparency of its processes and the tracking of all orders across its sites to ensure a better service to its customers. The success of this project has inspired Axis to continue exploring new ways of utilising AI and data analytics to continue to deliver truly unique services, helping businesses across all industries and sectors.