3D technology can transform the stocker's routine by eliminating manual product searches. With depth sensors and virtual models of the shelf, it is possible to locate the exact position of each item in seconds, reducing errors and downtime. For example: when restocking beverages, the system detects empty gaps on the shelf and guides the worker with millimeter precision.
Programs and sensors for real-time shelf mapping 🛠️
To implement this, sensors such as Intel RealSense or Microsoft Kinect are used to capture the shelf's geometry. Autodesk ReCap software processes the point clouds to generate a digital twin of the shelf. Then, programs like Unity or Blender allow overlaying virtual labels with the location of each product. Integration with ERP systems like SAP or Odoo updates the map every time an item is removed or placed.
The 3D stocker who never forgets where they left the cans 🥫
If the stocker had a 3D assistant, they would stop looking like a character from a suspense movie searching for the can of tomatoes in an endless aisle. With current technology, you could wear augmented reality glasses that mark the exact route, like a supermarket GPS. Of course, then there will be no excuse to say the customer hid the last pack of cookies behind the canned goods.