How AI-based Video Solutions are Creating Smarter Supply Chains

Supply chains are the systems of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in supplying a product or service to a consumer. The proliferation of AI-based video solutions has impacted supply chains in industries all across the globe. Analysts have reported consistent growth in this space, with no end in sight, projecting revenues upwards of $8 billion through 2026. As technology continues to advance, it’s important to understand the impact it already has on supply chain management practices, as well as the ways that it can continue to reshape the global industry. 

Top 10 Countries and Cities by Number of CCTV Cameras

AI-based Video Solutions Ensure Driver and Road Safety 

AI-enabled advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), driver monitoring systems (DMS), and cabin monitoring systems have become critical in today’s fleet management practices. AI-based video telematics can assist ADAS with automatic warnings, both to the driver or the fleet manager for incidents such as collisions, lane departure, and object/pedestrian hazard warnings. In addition, AI camera applications in the cabin along with driver monitoring systems can improve cabin and driver safety, generate alerts for drowsy/distracted drivers, reduce insurance costs, and ultimately help resolve vehicle-involved incidents in a more timely fashion. 

While in transit, the use of AI-enabled analytics makes it possible for fleet managers to analyze truck utilization patterns and get a view of loading/unloading activity. This information allows supply chain managers to better understand the overall productivity of their fleet and make changes whenever necessary. Additional capabilities like facial recognition and driver wellness can be more efficiently monitored to ensure greater control and optimization throughout the supply chain.

AI-based Video Solutions for Workplace Compliance 

AI-based cameras can also help keep workers safe. During 2020, supply chains had to quickly adapt to myriads of changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, further emphasizing the need for safe workplace practices. AI models embedded in CCTV cameras can monitor social distancing practices and provide mass fever detection in warehouses and other workplaces. Real-time fever detection can reduce work stoppages and delays and improve employee safety and trust—creating several competitive advantages. AI can also detect and prevent other workplace hazards and take real-time action, like instant corrective warnings to significantly improve safety and reduce accidents. 

Inventory Management with AI-based Video Solutions

AI-embedded closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras offer increased visibility and control for a fully connected supply chain. These enhanced cameras automatically gather data in real-time through live video feeds. The AI-based systems then add decision-making capabilities to these devices, which are then able to analyze data, recognize critical and/or abnormal events, and send automated alerts. These crucial insights minimize risk and help to avoid undesirable scenarios, leading to better outcomes and more efficient management of supply chains.

AI-enabled cameras and video analytics are driving efficiencies across inventory management, as CCTV cameras backed with AI video analytics can instantly track and detect any kind of suspicious activity and send alerts in real-time. 

Looking to the Future 

Evolving technologies aim to constantly improve and streamline supply chain management,allowing organizations to increase efficiency without the need for additional resources. Accelerated by the pandemic, AI is being infused into many aspects of the supply chain to meet the increased demand of e-commerce and last-mile deliveries for customers world-wide. From autonomous forecasting and planning to customer communication management, AI will be capable of optimizing the data each organization collects to effectively improve the supply chain from end-to-end. 
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