How One Young Entrepreneur Discovered A Way to Improve Supply Chain Logistics With Augmented Reality

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics approximates that 54% of warehouse operators turn over every single year. The job's difficulty is evident as workers balance paperwork, labels, and handheld devices from the early 2000s while working in environments that are either too hot or too cold and involve lifting heavy items. Despite these challenges, innovative software is making these jobs easier.

Empowering Warehouse Operators with Ox

Enter Ox, a company providing augmented reality (AR) tools to make warehouse tasks more manageable. Users get a display that guides them step-by-step throughout the day. By focusing on context and necessary information, Ox empowers employees to excel at their jobs.

Career Milestones and Regional Surprises

Chara Thomas, the founder of Archaeologics (the company behind Ox), recently closed a significant deal. Before moving to Northwest Arkansas, Chara knew nothing about the region. She was attracted to an accelerator program with a unique focus on supply chain and retail. The beauty and vibrant ecosystem of the area pleasantly surprised her upon arrival.

From McDonald's Supply Chain to Augmented Reality

Chara previously worked in the supply chain division for McDonald's North America, focusing on automated storage, retrieval systems, and automated palletizing systems. She realized that fixed mechanical infrastructures are capital-intensive and are only feasible with high volume. This realization led her to explore lower infrastructure methods for automation.

The Birth of Archaeologics

Chara founded Archaeologics with the goal to enhance manual work in facilities like warehouses, micro-fulfillment centers, and stores using AR. Ox supports various hardware, including mobile computers, wrist-worn devices, and ring scanners.

What is Human-Centered Automation?

Human-centered automation involves designing systems around human needs, focusing on the task, and removing friction points. This concept stemmed from training pilots to fly planes. For pilots, the knowledge required is vast, and human-centered automation helped convey necessary information through intelligent displays. Similar principles are applied in Ox's systems to aid frontline operators.

Practical Applications

Frontline operators no longer need to search for someone or sift through papers to perform tasks. Instead, Ox delivers an intelligent display guiding them through detailed information. Any task in the supply chain can be automated through Ox's software platform, making the user interface significantly more efficient.

Continuous Learning and Future Expansion

Being a founder, Chara finds that she learns something new every day, which enriches her experience. Though Ox is currently used in warehouses, the vision is to expand into manufacturing, construction, and other areas where manual work is performed.

Success and Future Goals

Recently, Ox signed its largest customer yet. The company's long-term goal is to support operators not just in their work but also in their life through better education, training, and economic empowerment.

Keywords

Warehouse operators
High turnover
Augmented reality (AR)
Supply chain
Ox
Human-centered automation
Intelligent displays
Frontline operators
Automated storage and retrieval systems
Economic empowerment
Education and training

FAQs

What is the main reason for the high turnover rate among warehouse operators?

The high turnover rate is primarily due to the challenging nature of the job, which involves managing paperwork, outdated technology, and physically demanding tasks in uncomfortable environments.

How does Ox help warehouse operators?

Ox provides an augmented reality display that guides workers through their tasks step-by-step, making the job easier by offering contextual information and reducing the need to search for assistance.

Who founded Archaeologics and what is their background?

Archaeologics was founded by Chara Thomas, who previously worked in supply chain logistics for McDonald's North America, focusing on automated storage and retrieval systems.

What is human-centered automation?

Human-centered automation designs systems around human needs, focusing on task requirements and minimizing friction points. Inspired by systems used to train pilots, these principles are applied in Ox to assist warehouse operators.

What types of hardware does Ox support?

Ox supports various hardware, including mobile computers, wrist-worn devices, and ring scanners, providing flexibility in implementation.

What are the future goals for Ox?

Ox aims to expand beyond warehouses into manufacturing, construction, and other sectors requiring manual labor while supporting operators through better education, training, and economic empowerment.