See also: Pick-by-Vision with Augmented Reality to Solve the Problem of Inaccurate Inventory in the Warehouse

According to a report by DHL, warehousing operations like packing, storage, and put-aways form around 20% of all logistics expenses.

The task of picking orders forms about 60% of all warehousing operations. So DHL decided to cut its expenses significantly by setting the picking process on the new level using augmented reality.

In 2017, DHL launched its Vision Picking pilot project that brought AR smart glasses-based vision picking to warehouse operations.

These AR smart devices provide employees with a digital picking list and show them the best routes so as to cut their travel time by instant and accurate path planning.

Through barcode scanning, smart glasses allow employees to understand whether they are at the necessary location and help them efficiently locate necessary items on shelves.

The experiment with the implementation of augmented reality resulted in the 25% growth of the total picking efficiency along with increased productivity and reduced error rate.

The initiative also allowed DHL to cut the time needed for both employee training and onboarding by 50%.

Since Vision picking proved its efficacy, DHL decided to turn the AR pilot program into the permanent approach of the further company’s improvement vector. The transporter is exploring new ways of how to apply augmented reality in employee training, transportation optimization, last-mile delivery, etc.