3d render

D.I.D.O

D.I.D.O is our ground-breaking AI-driven platform that leverages the power of data, analytics, and intelligent automation to design the optimal warehouse, and ensure it stays that way.

DIDO - Data In, Design Out

Developed entirely in-house, D.I.D.O is our Artificially Intelligent Warehouse Design Platform. Its role is to design a fully optimised warehouse and ensure it remains optimised post-implementation.

D.I.D.O employs cutting-edge technologies such as Machine Learning, Virtual Twins, and Extended Reality to revolutionise the warehouse design process. The integration of these technologies offers a truly transformative approach to designing optimal warehouses tailored to clients’ unique needs and strategic objectives.

DIDO is SEC’s machine learning platform trained to interpret strategic & operational data and transform that information into optimised warehouse designs. These can then be visualised in 3D as a highly accurate, digital Twin. DIDO stands for Data In, Design Out.

How does it Work?

There are three phases to DIDO’s process:

  • Data Capture
  • Conceptual Design
  • Visualisation & Engineering

ELSA: Machine Learning & Simulation Classification Platform

ELSA (Everything Lives Somewhere Appropriate) is a Machine Learning Platform that’s role is to classify SKUs into the most appropriate types of pick-face apertures. We do this by adopting a banding system, ranging from Band 01 (very small, volumetrically slow moving) to Band 06 (very large, volumetrically fast moving).

CLARA: Ultra-Quick, Artificially Intelligent Design Bot

CLARA (Creates Layouts Algorithmically And Redesigns Appropriately) is an articial intelligence platform that has been trained to create warehouse designs following the same methods and logic as human designers. However, CLARA is able to create complex layouts in milliseconds, and can design 1000s of layouts in the same time it takes a human designer to create 1. This supports the concept of the multiverse.

  • Average Design creates in <<1s
  • Trained to follow same logic as human designers
  • Higher levels of Accuracy and Consistency
  • Will try 1000s of iterations to produce optimal result

 

CLARA: ultra-quick, Artificially intelligent design bot

ELISA: Simulation & Comparison Tool

ELISA ensures that the layout is sufficiently agile. Its role is to provide feedback to DIDO.

  • Simulates the layout created in CLARA
  • Scores the design based upon strategic data input
  • Provides feedback to DIDO, who then makes suggestions on changes to ELSA
  • Process then repeats

 

ELISA: Simulation & COmparison tool

The Process

In the first phase, Data Capture, we ‘train’ DIDO using a variety of data to achieve two critical objectives. Firstly, a “big” operational dataset provides raw information that allows DIDO to understand the operation in detail. Secondly, answers to strategic questions are converted into a numerical system that prioritises and ‘weights’ the strategic objectives of the warehouse.

In phase two, Conceptual Design Iteration, DIDO orchestrates three daughter AI platforms to analyse, design and evaluate thousands of potential warehouse layouts.

The first platform, ELSA, uses machine learning to classify every SKU into six bands of products that have similar picking location needs. You may think of this as a very sophisticated ABC analysis that ensures that we place fast-moving products into larger apertures and slow-moving ones into smaller apertures.

DIDO then passes the data to CLARA, an AI design bot trained to quickly and accurately design warehouses. CLARA develops a layout appropriate to ELSA’s analysis before giving that design to ELISA, who simulates it.

Once the simulation is complete, ELISA calculates performance metrics and combines this with strategic objective ‘weightings’ completed earlier to create a “Design Score” out of 100, indicating this system’s overall success.

Then the process starts again, albeit this time a different layout is created by CLARA, which generates a new score, and so on, until the highest scoring system – the optimal design – has been identified. This optimal design is then turned into a precise virtual twin, which we can visualise in Virtual, Augmented or Rendered Reality using SEC XR, our Extended Reality engine.

Ultimately, through the combination of Machine Learning, AI Simulation and Extended Reality tech

nology, we can ensure that we deliver THE optimal design, ideally suited to an operation’s specific strategic and operational requirements.

DIDO Technology Flow

UKWA Image

Data Analysis Drives Award-Winning Designs

Our unique use of data and the in-depth degree of analysis we undertake for each warehouse layout, can best be demonstrated by our data-driven designs and extensive post-sales analytical support winning SEC Storage four prestigious national logistics awards for warehouse design; including most recently, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s Award for Best Use of Technology.

In addition, SEC Storage won the prestigious Lloyd’s Bank National Business Awards 2020 in the category for ‘Data Excellence’.  An award that recognised the most innovative use of data within any sector of the UK economy.

Harry Watts

Dhinay Chohan

Daniel Rimes

Daniel Rimes

Gary Kirk

Damian Chudleigh Smith

Thomas Clarke

Shakeel

Shakeel Sahabun

Our Experts

At SEC we work together to deliver the best possible result for you, our customer.

Our dedicated and experienced sales teams, data analysts, designers, project managers and customer service staff communicate and collaborate to design and install the best possible system for your needs. Our staff are your project’s most valuable asset, take time to meet some of them here.

Our Team

Service in your industry?

Automotive

Automotive

From bulk storage to small parts, having an optimised warehouse storage solution will ensure your operations are efficiency and flexible to changing customer demands and supply chain challenges.

Building Products

Building Products

Adaptable warehouse storage solutions keep our customers agile and optimised for a wide range of small, medium and over-sized products. Discover some of the technologies we use to achieve high levels of efficiency.

eCommerce

eCommerce

eCommerce relies on efficient and streamlined order processing for fast fulfilment to meet the challenges of today’s online demands. Discover a host of technologies that can make this happen.

Fashion

Fashion

A huge rise in online purchasing means both order fulfilment and returns processes must be as efficient as possible. Discover the latest technology innovations we use to help our fashion retail customers.

Food & Beverages

Food & Beverages

The Food & Beverage sector has seen a huge increase in the demand for online purchasing as well as more efficient storage solutions due to stock holding. Discover the latest technology innovations we use to help our customers stay fully...

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Agility is key for the manufacturing sector. Adapting to changing consumer demands and an uncertain supply chain means warehouse storage systems need to deliver on efficiency and space optimisation.

Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical

The Pharmaceutical industry relies on accurate picking, rapid fulfilment and short delivery times. Find out some of the technology innovations we use to help our customer reach their goals.

Ports & Harbours

Ports & Harbours

A crucial line in the supply chain calls for accurate and fast offload, storage and onward distribution with optimised warehouse storage capacity and efficiency of stock movement. Learn about the latest innovations we use to help our customers.

Retail

Retail

It’s all about efficiency. Retailers must operate streamlined processes with optimised storage capacity to manage customer demands & overcome supply chain challenges. Discover the latest technology innovations to help.

Warehousing & Logistics (3PL)

Warehousing & Logistics (3PL)

3PLs rely on optimised storage solutions to deliver the speed, accuracy and flexibility for customers’ fulfilment requirements. Find out how we help 3PLs with a range of technologies and innovations.

Wholesale & Distribution

Wholesale & Distribution

With the growing trend for online purchasing, integrating intelligent warehouse design and innovative technologies can deliver efficiency and agility. Find out the latest innovations.

Awards & accreditations for this service

view all awards

Lloyds Bank National Business Awards 2020

learn more

British Business Excellence Award – Finalist

learn more

Digital Innovation Project (Systems)

learn more

Technology Company of the Year

learn more

CILT Awards for Excellence 2022 – Warehouse Operations

learn more
Autonomous Mobile Robots & Automated Guided Vehicles

Picking operations account for more than 55% of a Warehouse or Distribution Centre (DC) costs, so the integration of technology to enhance this activity could provide a solution in these challenging times.

Read More
Optimising Warehouse Operations

Harry Watts of SEC Storage outlines how to achieve strategic alignment in your warehouse, by adopting SEC’s ‘SAVES Cost’ approach.

Read More
Futureproofing With Automation

Cranfield University affiliates describe the efficiency gains that can be made by adopting automated processes at various points throughout a warehouse operation.

Open File

Want to know more?

For assistance with the operational analysis of your next project to guarantee maximum operational efficiency, contact one of our storage specialists today.

    • Address:

      Unit 11 The iO Centre,
      Arlington Business Park,
      Stevenage, Hertfordshire,
      United Kingdom, SG1 2BD

    • Email: info@sec-group.co.uk
    • Phone: 01438 731 990