How Augmented Reality Is Transforming Warehouse Operations
Problem
In large distribution centers, accurately sorting thousands of parcels and loading them onto the right vehicles is challenging even for experienced workers. For less experienced staff, sorting error rates climb, and loading sequence mistakes lead directly to delivery delays and customer complaints. With traditional single-barcode scanning, workers cannot instantly determine which parcel to handle next or whether the item they are looking at is the correct one.
Solution
SCANDIT's MatrixScan technology simultaneously recognizes multiple barcodes and provides real-time visual information through augmented reality (AR) overlays. MatrixScan Find guides workers to the location of specific items using AR, reducing search time. MatrixScan Count recognizes pallet-scale quantities in a single scan, maximizing speed for receiving and inventory audits. MatrixScan Pick uses color-coded, interactive overlays to visually indicate which items require action and which can be skipped.
Outcome
- Sorting errors by less experienced workers decreased by 65%
- Vehicle loading time reduced by 10%
- Training time for new hires dropped significantly
- Effective edge-case handling where RFID fails
Augmented reality in logistics is no longer a future concept. SCANDIT's MatrixScan AR is already deployed at companies like DHL and Swiss Post, delivering hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual savings per facility.
How MatrixScan AR Works
Traditional barcode scanners read one barcode at a time. MatrixScan recognizes all visible barcodes simultaneously and overlays real-time information on each one through AR.
What workers see on screen instantly:
- Color codes — green for items to process, gray for items to skip
- Status icons — stock levels, delivery zones, priority indicators
- Info boxes — product names, expiry dates, destination details overlaid directly on barcodes
Overlay shapes, colors, and icons are fully customizable to match each operational environment.
Three Core Capabilities
MatrixScan Find — Item Search
Locating specific items in a warehouse is one of the most time-consuming tasks. MatrixScan Find uses AR to guide workers directly to the target item's location when they point the camera in its direction.
Like a "logistics GPS," it directs workers straight to the right item, reducing searches that took minutes down to seconds.
MatrixScan Count — Batch Counting
Scanning barcodes one by one during pallet receiving or inventory audits is inefficient. MatrixScan Count recognizes every visible barcode in a single camera view.
Hundreds of items are counted in seconds. The system automatically detects missed items and duplicate scans.
MatrixScan Pick — Picking & Sorting
Sorting errors are a primary driver of delivery delays and customer complaints. MatrixScan Pick highlights target items in green and non-target items in gray, enabling instant visual identification.
Even less experienced workers can sort accurately by following the on-screen colors, with documented cases of 65% reduction in sorting errors.
Proven Global Results
MatrixScan AR is deployed at over 2,100 companies worldwide, with measured outcomes including:
- Major delivery company: $500K annual savings per facility
- Trade fair retailer: order processing 3x faster
- Middle Eastern retailer: price checks and verification 50% faster
- Jisp/Nisa: shopper engagement conversion rate of 80%
Supported Platforms
MatrixScan AR supports a wide range of development frameworks:
- iOS / Android native
- Flutter / React Native cross-platform
- JavaScript / Capacitor web apps
- Xamarin / .NET enterprise environments
No dedicated AR glasses or specialized equipment needed — AR workflows run on existing smartphones and tablets.
Data Connect Support
As SCANDIT's official partner in Korea, Data Connect provides site analysis, PoC development, and system integration for MatrixScan AR deployments. We design AR workflows tailored to your specific environment — distribution centers, retail floors, or manufacturing sites.