AI meets warehousing: Announcing our first set of GenAI and ML-powered WMS capabilities

We are excited to announce that we are infusing artificial intelligence (AI) into Infor WMS to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision-making processes in warehouse operations.

Why this launch matters

Generative AI (GenAI) and machine learning (ML) in warehouse management are becoming increasingly important for several reasons:

• Error reduction: By minimizing human errors, these technologies ensure greater accuracy in inventory management.
• Inventory precision: Advanced algorithms fine-tune inventory control, ensuring optimal stock levels and reducing excess.
• Cost efficiency: Automated processes and efficient resource use result in significant cost savings.
• Swift fulfillment: Enhanced accuracy and speed in order processing lead to exceptionally swift and accurate order fulfillment.
• Elevated customer satisfaction: The combined benefits of GenAI and ML elevate customer satisfaction to new heights through reliable and timely service.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), AI-assisted workers are 40% more productive than their non-AI-assisted counterparts. Logistics & Manufacturing IT Magazine predicts that by 2026, 60% of warehouses are expected to have adopted some form of automation, including robotics and AI-driven systems, to increase efficiency and reduce costs. 

Why Infor WMS

Infor WMS offers a unique opportunity to modernize your operations without compromising functionality, complexity, or cost. It is built on the Infor OS platform, which enables customers to leverage AI capabilities, real-time data insights, process automation, and seamless integration with other enterprise applications. And now, with the integration of GenAI and ML, your warehouses will get a clearer path to a more innovative, scalable, and reliable future with the following benefits:

• Enhanced efficiency: Streamline operations by automating routine tasks, reducing manual intervention, and minimizing human error.
• Cost reduction: Lower operational costs through optimized resource allocation and improved inventory management.
• Improved decision-making: Leverage data-driven insights to make informed decisions that enhance overall warehouse performance.

What’s new

Infor is launching its first set of seven ML- and GenAI-powered WMS capabilities to address key operational challenges in warehouse management:

1. Undersized location—Anomaly detection (ML): One of the critical challenges in warehouse management is ensuring that pick locations are appropriately sized for fast-moving items. This new capability improves slotting efficiency and optimizes labor replenishment for inventory managers and shipping supervisors, ensuring that high-demand items are always readily accessible.
2. Product location recommendations (ML): The system groups items that are frequently shipped together, such as shampoo and conditioner. This reduces the time needed for picking and allows for effective substitution of items when necessary. The result is a streamlined picking process that enhances labor efficiency and resource utilization.
3. Advanced cartonization (ML): This feature leverages ML to optimize the packing of shipping items into fewer, right-sized cartons. This minimizes unused volume in packed cartons, reducing packaging materials and lowering transportation costs. Additionally, this capability supports sustainability goals by reducing waste, making it a win-win for both the business and the environment.
4. Product volume forecasting (ML): Our product volume forecasting capability uses ML to help supply chain VPs and warehouse managers anticipate labor and space requirements without needing to manually aggregate data from different systems. By identifying trends and predicting future volume needs, the system enables better preparation and configuration of warehouse facilities. This proactive approach ensures that warehouses are always ready to meet demand, avoiding costly disruptions and inefficiencies.
5. 3PL billing revenue forecasting (ML): For third-party logistics (3PL) providers, accurate revenue forecasting is vital for budget and growth planning. This new ML-driven feature gives sales and finance leaders a powerful tool to forecast revenue more effectively. This capability provides valuable insights that support strategic decision-making, helping 3PL providers to plan budgets accurately and identify growth opportunities.
6. Facility review report (GenAI): Understanding the performance of warehouses across an enterprise can be complex. The facility review report, powered by GenAI, simplifies this process by presenting performance data in straightforward language. Warehouse managers can use this report to track efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to improve operations.
7. Shift startup script (GenAI): Efficient shift management is critical for maintaining productivity in a warehouse. The shift startup script provides shift supervisors with all the necessary information they need on a single screen. This includes workload, order quantity, order lines, and any disabled equipment. By having all relevant information at their fingertips, Shift Supervisors can manage their teams more effectively, ensuring smooth and efficient shift operations.

These seven capabilities are just the start of AI solutions for warehousing. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and optimize your warehouse operations with the power of machine learning and generative AI.

Ready to dial up your warehouse with the power of AI?

Contact our sales team today to learn how these new capabilities can help you optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and drive sustainability in your warehousing operations.