How many square meters of your warehouse are actually being used, when, and how efficiently? This is a question that most logistics managers can only answer approximately, due to the lack of continuous and reliable measurement. Here are the 8 key points you need to know to understand how warehouse utilization is measured today—and what a difference this data makes in practice.
1. Utilization isn’t limited to static storage
People often equate utilization with stored volume. In reality, a high-performing warehouse must also measure dynamic utilization: order-picking zones, aisles, loading docks, and buffer zones. A warehouse can have optimal storage capacity while still experiencing recurring bottlenecks in its flow areas.
2. Manual measurement quickly reaches its limits
Physical inventories and field reports provide a snapshot in time, never a continuous view. Between two readings, actual utilization can vary significantly depending on receiving, picking, and shipping cycles—a variation that goes unnoticed with discontinuous measurement.
3. Computer vision measures occupancy continuously and by zone
By analyzing video feeds from existing cameras, a platform like CORE calculates the occupancy rate of each defined zone in real time: aisles, storage areas, loading docks, and order-picking zones. This zone-specific granularity is what distinguishes actionable data from a simple overall estimate.
4. Loading docks are a specific bottleneck that requires close monitoring
Analyzing loading dock occupancy times helps identify bottlenecks and reduce carrier wait times—an aspect that is often underestimated, even though it directly impacts the smooth flow of the entire upstream and downstream supply chain.
5. Cross-referencing occupancy with schedules reveals the true peaks
An average daily occupancy rate masks the actual peaks. Cross-referencing occupancy by zone with time slots helps identify times when space is structurally under strain, allowing you to adjust receiving or preparation schedules accordingly.
6. Occupancy data directly informs layout decisions
An area that is consistently underutilized or, conversely, chronically saturated, is a clear signal to review rack placement, traffic flow, or the distribution of stocked items. Without data, these decisions are often based on intuition rather than actual usage.
7. Deployment is based on existing camera infrastructure
A logistics warehouse typically already has a fleet of cameras for security and traceability. A computer vision-based occupancy measurement solution must be able to connect directly to this infrastructure—without replacing hardware or rewiring—to ensure rapid deployment without excessive investment.
8. GDPR compliance remains non-negotiable
A warehouse employs staff and sometimes hosts contractors or carriers. Occupancy measurement must never rely on individual identification: non-biometric solutions process silhouettes and aggregated presence data, never faces or identities.
How CORE, XXII’s SaaS solution, measures warehouse occupancy
CORE transforms a warehouse’s existing cameras into continuous-monitoring sensors. The platform provides:
- Real-time occupancy rates by zone (storage, aisles, loading docks, buffer zones)
- Occupancy history cross-referenced with time slots and days of the week
- Loading dock occupancy time to manage carrier appointments
- Alerts for saturation or underutilization by zone
All this data is generated using anonymous silhouettes, without facial recognition or personal identification, in full compliance with the GDPR.