Huawei South Africa has unveiled an advanced smart warehouse in Johannesburg aimed at transforming logistics processes across the continent.
The recently launched 14,000-square-meter complex features cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing productivity, safety, and eco-friendly operations.
This innovative warehouse demonstrates Huawei’s dedication to progress in Africa, according to Will Meng, CEO of Huawei South Africa.
“The warehouse and logistics market in South Africa was valued at $93-billion in 2024 and is poised to reach $157 billion by 2032,” he said at the launch last week. “This growth signifies more than just numbers; it represents a transformation towards more agile, responsive and technologically advanced supply chains, which are essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.”
Will Meng, the CEO of Huawei South Africa. Photo provided by Huawei.
Motivated by an approach known as GEM — encompassing Green Energy solutions, Electronic security measures, and Modern logistics — this facility highlights how advanced logistics can positively impact Africa. This GEM strategy is executed via a digital warehouse management platform, enabling automation of up to 60 percent of routine tasks.
Huawei states that its investment in this cutting-edge facility underscores their dedication to crafting pioneering technologies aimed at propelling the sector ahead and assisting them in reaching their strategic goals.
Digital warehousing
Industry leaders and invited Huawei guests toured the eco-friendly intelligent warehouse to get firsthand insight into its operations powered by artificial intelligence. The key aspects of this advanced warehouse, according to Huawei, encompass:
-
Green power solutions:
The website incorporates a 150KWp photovoltaic system bolstered by Huawei’s SUN2000-100KTL-M2 inverters for every structure. These components produce approximately 90% of the establishment’s electrical requirements during daylight hours. According to Herman Fourie, who serves as a senior solutions manager at Digital Power South Africa, “Contemporary businesses are exploring innovative methods to safeguard income streams. There is an urgent demand for models that can help offset rising costs associated with electricity.” The intelligent warehousing solution provided by Huawei empowers firms not only to fulfill their energy demands but also to generate additional profit through selling surplus power back into the utility network.
-
E-security:
A smart camera system offers continuous 24/7 color surveillance along with artificial intelligence-powered capabilities designed to identify potential safety risks and security breaches. By implementing this technology, you eliminate the necessity for extensive command centers, thereby boosting general safety and security inside the facility while also freeing up additional area for storing goods. These cameras possess edge computing abilities, significantly decreasing strain on backend processing systems. Moreover, they ensure vivid image capture even during nighttime conditions without adequate lighting. Within the storage environment, these cameras operate via Huawei’s fiber-optic network infrastructure, enabling instantaneous observation of every activity taking place throughout the entire warehousing operation.
-
Modern logistics:
In the warehouse, the picking operation runs entirely without paper, utilizing PDA scanners for immediate updates. At this advanced facility, the job responsibilities of warehouse pickers have transformed due to the integration of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Guided Forklifts (AGFs). Conventional warehouses depend on pickers who retrieve items and transport them to dispatch areas. In contrast, this intelligent warehouse leverages AGVs and AGFs to mechanize these tasks by delivering products directly to the picker. As a result, productivity improves significantly as pickers can handle approximately 110 orders each hour versus only about 60 in conventional settings. Additionally, this system accelerates loading processes and minimizes risks associated with managing large equipment.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) in action. Image provided by Huawei.
Du Plessis noted that these smart, AI-driven systems enable the facility to boost efficiency by 70% to 80%, surpassing conventional warehouse operations. Huawei has established a new benchmark in logistics with their cutting-edge warehousing solutions for businesses in this area.
Industry-defining innovation
York Ning, who leads enterprise marketing and solutions at Huawei South Africa, delved into the specifics of the facility’s smart ecosystem and discussed how it addresses industry demands within the rapidly changing sector.
Our warehouse management system consolidates all logistics processes, incorporating Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Ground Floor Systems (AGFs) for efficient task assignment and scheduling,” he explained. This indicates that these advanced systems facilitate employees working alongside autonomous technologies, enhancing individual worker productivity by 37%.
York Ning, who serves as the Director of Enterprise Marketing & Solutions at Huawei South Africa, made this statement. The photo was provided by Huawei.
Through the incorporation of renewable energy sources, cybersecurity measures, and advanced logistics, he explained, Huawei’s GEM strategy hasn’t just enhanced operational efficiencies; it has also set up a model for contemporary storage facilities emphasizing productivity, security, and eco-friendly practices. This project’s achievements highlight the possibilities for comparable progressions within various sectors.
The post
Smart warehouses
transform logistics
appeared first on
Viral Buzz News
.