Nokia recently launched a true inventory counting capability for Nokia Autonomous Inventory Monitory Service (AIMS). This new service enables warehouse operators to utilize autonomous drones to individually count items, from cases to cartons, in any racked inventory location and efficiency. The new inventory counting capability adds to Nokia AIMS’ current features of finding misplaced and lost inventory, as well as empty bin detection. If a human worker can count inventory from the aisle, the Nokia AIMS drone can, too. The drone’s identified inventory counts are then compared with the warehouse’s existing WMS or ERP systems to identify any quantity mismatches. Where typical cycle counts use the ABC method, where inventory is counted based on frequency, the Nokia AIMS efficiently checks every location much more frequently, ensuring customers get a more accurate, reliable and complete picture of their inventory, the company says. “Empowering warehouse operators with a competitive edge and keeping them at the forefront of automation is at the heart of what Nokia AIMS does,” said Paul Heitlinger, general manager of AIMS at Nokia, in a statement. “We are excited to launch an industry-first, true inventory counting capability for new and existing customers, wherever and whenever. With it, customers can not only gain peace of mind as our drones are designed to work while customers sleep, but also free up human workers for high-value tasks that make a difference for their businesses.”

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