Only some people know how vital night vision is in our lives. It is integrated into various fields of activity and opens up new opportunities for humanity. Night vision also becomes indispensable in such a complex process as logistics. It makes it possible to make the most of the dark time of day, thereby improving the management of commodity, financial, and information flows. In our short guide, find out exactly how night vision is used in modern logistics.

Features of modern logistics

In the modern world, great attention is paid to various logistics processes. This is explained by close trade ties between companies from neighboring countries and entire states located on opposite ends of our planet. Because of this, in some cases, the costs of storage, delivery, packaging, reloading, and maintaining the level of logistics service amount to 30%-40% of the final cost of a particular product. Naturally, minimizing various financial losses drives the desire to organize logistics properly. To achieve such goals, specialists involved in logistics processes must consider several essential features.

Key features of modern logistics:

1. Implementation of IT systems. Modern logistics is so complex that managing using various management systems is almost only possible. Their gradual implementation will take a lot of time, but this is an inevitable step towards improving all logistics processes. Today, there are many projects related to IT systems. Some have already been implemented (for example, tracking order status), while others are testing. In addition, every year, many exciting and promising ideas appear that can be implemented in the future.
2. Increasing the level of logistics services. Over the past 10-15 years, logistics companies have been striving to improve the level of service. This has led to the fact that today, everyone is trying, through various manipulations, to speed up the process of delivering goods and do it so that the client is satisfied. For these purposes, multiple moves are being invented, ranging from modern methods of cargo transportation to the possibility of ordering targeted delivery. Not all of them give the desired effect, but only those who do nothing make no mistakes.
3. The desire to reduce logistics costs. This feature has been important throughout the existence of mankind. However, today, it has become vital. The desire to reduce logistics costs is driven by fierce competition. Because of this, manufacturers are forced to reduce the cost of their products to a minimum, thereby reducing their profits. The company will quickly become bankrupt if high logistics costs are added to this. To prevent this, experts are looking for ways to reduce financial losses associated with various logistics processes. This happens to companies at all levels, and they have no reason to stop in this matter yet.
4. Straightening routes. Another essential feature of modern logistics is the construction of the shortest delivery routes. This may only sometimes be convenient, but shortening the route can reduce costs. For example, until recently, international transportation was carried out from a specific city in one country to a particular locality in another, where a large logistics center was located. Then, the goods were distributed by region and sent to all points. Very often, delivery is carried out to a specific region or even locality, bypassing a previously actively involved logistics center.
5. Robotization. Modern logistics is going through a period of general robotization. This process is quite active and affects different areas. Thanks to the use of robotic mechanisms, the quality and speed of some work is improved. Also, for people controlling robots, many complex tasks that until recently were considered science fiction become feasible. A gradual increase in the number of robotic equipment makes it possible to increase the volume of transported and processed cargo. This makes it possible to open up new supply chains for goods and expand collaboration between companies.

Night vision in warehouse logistics

Warehouse logistics is considered one of the most relevant areas. It deals with receiving, processing, storing, and shipping goods. It would be helpful to have night vision in each of the listed tasks. It is only an auxiliary equipment, but it still brings many benefits.

Most often, night vision technologies are one of the essential robotics options that are used in the field of warehouse logistics. Various robotic mechanisms work more efficiently than humans and cope better with tasks in the largest warehouses in the world. Some provide a daily flow of cargo weighing several hundred or even thousands of tons. This makes receiving, processing, and shipping vast quantities of goods possible. Many of these robots can function independently, following a pre-designed program. In this case, human intervention in the process will be minimized, significantly reducing the number of errors made. In addition, using robots makes it possible to minimize losses associated with falling or improper storage of goods.

Most robots used in large warehouses have night vision equipment. They are compact and practically invisible from the outside. At the same time, such optics provide good visibility in those parts of the warehouse without lighting, thereby making it possible to control robotic mechanisms more effectively. If the robot can work independently, then night vision devices are used exclusively to monitor its actions. Some fully automated warehouses use minimal lighting. The robots working their act according to a given algorithm do not need good visibility. At the same time, people who periodically service such mechanisms and do other tasks always have night optics with them. It makes it possible to see and effectively perform this or that work in the dark.

One of the most challenging tasks that warehouse logistics deals with is the temporary storage of goods. This process requires 24/7 human control and supervision. The slightest mistakes can be fatal and ruin an expensive product. Complicated is the control of cargo that is “afraid” of light (for example, some fabric and paper products, various devices with a photosensitive base, etc.). To carry it out, night vision capabilities are used. In the premises where such goods are stored, night vision cameras are installed, which record round-the-clock recording and make it possible to monitor the condition of the cargo. 

In some cases, models with thermal imaging are used. They make it possible, even in complete darkness, to determine the degree of heating of the stored goods, which can vary depending on the condition of such cargo. For example, harmful microorganisms appear in a spoiled product, the activity of which increases the temperature. It is quickly recorded by a thermal imaging camera, allowing specialists to remove such goods from the warehouse promptly.

Very often, people involved in warehouse logistics perform various tasks at night. This is because many goods (such as food products shipped from overseas) are sent to stores shortly before opening, so they need to be shipped in the wee hours. In cases where it is impossible to suspend night work due to some accident (for example, a short circuit has wholly cut off power to the warehouse), warehouse workers periodically have to use night optics. It helps to complete all the work as quickly and efficiently as with artificial lighting.

Night vision in transport logistics

Correctly organizing the process of transporting various goods is always tricky. This task is handled by transport logistics, which studies the transported products in detail, carefully thinks through the route, determines the optimal transport type, and controls each cargo transportation stage. In all of these processes, night vision plays an important role. It expands the capabilities of specialists and helps them do their work better.

Of all the cases where night vision technology will be helpful in modern transport logistics, transporting goods stands out first. It is complex and demanding on details, so it is essential to consider every detail that can affect the final result. Transportation of goods can be carried out around the clock. This is facilitated by the use of various night optics for truck drivers. In most modern trucks, it is integrated into the control system. The generated image is displayed on a particular display installed on the dashboard. As a result, the driver has the opportunity, even on a poorly lit road, to see every bump and go around without subjecting the load to additional shaking. In addition, the use of night optics helps to avoid accidents and reduces the likelihood of driver injury. If cargo is transported using outdated vehicles, night vision goggles are used to travel on dark roads. They provide a good overview and allow you to drive safely. All of the above has a positive effect on various logistics aspects. For example, a 24-hour trip (several drivers take turns driving a truck) provides a chance to quickly deliver goods to their destination and reduce financial costs. The ability to see the road even at night reduces the risk of accidents and the likelihood of cargo loss.

One of the essential tasks of transport logistics is control of all stages of cargo transportation. To ensure this, measures such as cargo tracking and tracking are used. Night vision helps you accomplish both of these tasks. It allows the driver or hired specialist to monitor the condition of the transported goods and receive a lot of important information. Those accompanying the cargo often use night optics with a thermal imaging function. It allows you to control the temperature of each specific product and take the necessary measures to maintain its optimal condition. In addition, such a device will be helpful for drivers. It will make it possible to obtain a thermal image of various components of the car, with the help of which it will be possible to detect overheating of individual parts and prevent their breakdown promptly. This, in turn, will eliminate the need for repairs, which will lead not only to delays in cargo delivery but also to additional financial costs.

Night vision in military logistics

Unfortunately, war is the reality of modern people. There are many armed conflicts taking place in different parts of the planet, which claim thousands of lives and break the hearts of millions. In connection with such an unstable situation, military logistics is becoming one of the main areas of modern logistics. It is an army supply system in which military personnel receive everything they need for an everyday existence and the continuation of combat operations. The concept of “military logistics” was introduced relatively recently, but people began studying ways to supply troops back in the 9th-10th centuries optimally. Over many centuries, this direction has been developing, and in the 21st century, it has become one of the main ones. According to the modern interpretation, military logistics is the process of effectively supplying various military units with weapons, military equipment, ammunition, equipment, fuel, medicines, and food. Its main goal is to create the army with the most comfortable conditions for successful combat operations.

Nowadays, military logistics receives as much attention as the army itself. In this regard, various modern developments are being actively introduced into this area, which help optimize the process and increase its efficiency. Night vision is one of the most valuable developments successfully used in military logistics. It makes it possible to cope with many difficulties and helps improve the quality of supplies to warring units. The main advantage of night vision to military logistics specialists is the ability to organize round-the-clock supplies of everything that soldiers need. This includes weapons, ammunition, and essential resources such as fuel. Without it, military equipment will turn into a useless pile of metal, and airplanes and helicopters will never be able to take off. In addition, we should remember that today, it is not robots who take part in combat operations but people with many daily needs. Night vision technology also helps to satisfy all of them.

Most often, to supply soldiers fighting in the hottest spots of the front with military logistics, overnight deliveries of all necessary products, items, and goods are provided. This is explained by the fact that it is much easier to remain unnoticed under the cover of darkness, which significantly increases the chances of the successful completion of each such event. In all cases, drivers of vehicles transporting weapons, ammunition, fuel, etc., are forced to move along difficult dirt roads without the possibility of using headlights. In this case, any mistake can leave military personnel without valuable resources, which is unacceptable in most situations. Night optics are used to avoid the worst-case scenario. It helps drivers see the road clearly and carefully overcome various obstacles. Night vision goggles are most often used for such purposes. They are fixed on a protective helmet, freeing your hands and making it possible to control the vehicle. In most cases, the capabilities of such devices are enough to perform the most complex work.

Night vision is no less important in cases where various goods are delivered using drones. They are used in the hottest spots of the front, where it is impossible to transport valuable resources (for example, food for soldiers) by any ground transport. In this situation, night or thermal imaging optics replace standard cameras installed on unmanned aerial vehicles. It makes it possible to carry out such cargo delivery operations even in shallow light conditions, supplying the front line with everything necessary for successful combat operations.

In addition to supplying various resources, military logistics solves the problem of drawing up optimal routes for transporting goods to places of hostilities. This complex process requires careful planning and consideration of all details. It also makes extensive use of night vision capabilities. With its help, it is possible to study the condition of various roads in the dark and assess the possibility of their use by certain vehicles. A similar process occurs in cases where various military equipment needs to be delivered to places of hostilities.

Prospects

Modern logistics could be better. All processes occurring in it face specific difficulties that do not make it possible to improve the management of commodity flows significantly. Nevertheless, this area of activity has good prospects. The emergence of a large number of innovative projects facilitates this. In the future, they will have to introduce many new things into various logistics processes and bring them closer to the ideal.

Global changes in logistics are possible thanks to the development of robotics. In many warehouses, the complex physical work of unloading, loading, and moving goods is performed by unique robotic mechanisms. Some operate according to a given algorithm, while humans control others. Both options speed up work and save people a lot of effort. While robots can handle warehouse work quite well today, they still need to deliver goods. In the future, they will have to perform this task effectively. If this happens, it will significantly speed up logistics processes and reduce the number of errors made. Most often, experts consider the possibility of delivering goods using drones. Today, this is almost impossible to do, not only due to the insufficient equipment of such aircraft but also due to the lack of legal basis. However, anything can happen in the future.

Robots and drones in future logistics will open up opportunities for even deeper implementation of night vision technologies in this industry. Without exception, they will be used on all mechanisms involved in delivering goods and various work with it (unloading, loading, moving, sorting, etc.). With the help of night optics, it will be possible to transport goods around the clock without involving a person in this work. This will positively impact various logistics processes and eliminate many of the problems that exist today.

Logistics, like other areas of activity, is considering using artificial intelligence. In the future, he will be able to help specialists create optimal routes for transporting goods, create programs for more efficient operation of robotic warehouse equipment, and help safely manage vehicles involved in the transportation of various goods. If this happens, human influence on most logistics processes will be minimized. On the one hand, this will improve the quality of work, but on the other hand, it will leave many people needing more income. Disputes about the need to introduce artificial intelligence into logistics will continue for a long time, and a solution that will satisfy all parties is unlikely to be found shortly.

Modern logistics pays a lot of attention to the speed of cargo transportation. In this regard, various innovative solutions that can help reduce the time costs for delivering goods are constantly emerging. This trend will remain relevant for decades, so logistics specialists will have to look for ways to reduce the length of the route and the speed of its completion. Changes in this aspect are already happening. Gradually, cargo transportation routes are becoming straighter, and the number of delays along the way is decreasing. This makes it possible to gain some time, but the benefits obtained from this are still insignificant. Night vision can help make global changes. It enables people to use the dark time of day as effectively as the day. This is gradually changing the approach of logistics specialists in many aspects, which will soon make it possible to achieve significant progress in matters of cargo transportation.

When considering the prospects for logistics shortly, one cannot mention its automation. This process is inevitable, so you need to prepare for it now. Partial automation is used in many processes of our time. It allows you to increase the efficiency of warehouse and transport logistics due to better performance of various works and the ability to conduct long-term planning. The automation process is inextricably linked with night vision technologies. As they develop, multiple devices are being improved, installed on automated warehouse systems, and responsible for sorting, searching, and moving cargo, conveyors, and robotic equipment. All this allows us to eliminate many shortcomings and maximize the efficiency of a particular activity. In the future, the influence of night vision on the operation of automated systems will only increase. This will further integrate modern technologies into logistics and open up new opportunities for further development.

Night vision plays a vital role in most logistics processes. It helps to carry out a variety of work aimed at improving supply, speeding up deliveries, and improving the quality of transportation. The operation of its integration into modern logistics is actively ongoing. In this regard, there is confidence that the further history of their relationship will span more than one decade, during which night vision will bring many benefits to people.