Frequently asked questions about warehouse drones and inventory automation
Most questions below can be answered by our team and tailored to your operation and facility by submitting this form.
Is my warehouse compatible with Ware?
The Ware system is most compatible with warehouses that have the following characteristics:
- Pallets stored on single-deep racks with reserve/overstock locations
- LPNs (license plates/pallet IDs) on every pallet, visible from the aisles
- Barcodes/QR codes
- Wide enough aisles for drones to operate in (typically 6 feet wide but in some cases down to 5 feet).
Use the Warehouse Compatibility Checker to determine how compatible your facility is.
Does Ware work with bulk/floor/lane storage locations?
Currently, the Ware system is only compatible with inventory on pallet racking.
Does the Ware system count cases/eaches in pick locations?
No, but this is on our roadmap. Request a demo to learn more about our product roadmap.
Does Ware support multi-deep pallet racking?
Ware can support multi-deep racking for certain facilities but is dependent on operational requirements. Request a demo to learn more about our system.
How much does Ware cost?
Ware provides warehouse inventory automation as a service. We work with our customers to tailor an inventory tracking solution for their unique operations. The pricing model is based on installation and annual fees. We do not sell drones.
Get in touch to learn more about our inventory automation features and pricing.
How long does it take to integrate Ware into my warehouse?
Integrating Ware is relatively simple compared to other inventory automation technology and robotics. A typical deployment will take anywhere between 60-90 days depending on the size and complexity of your facility. Once you're onboarded with Ware, we'll provide you with a more detailed deployment timeline.
How long can the drones fly?
We encourage and work with our customers to understand operational cycle counting goals. First, we understand how many locations your cycle counting/inventory tracking operation covers today, then we work with you to determine if you want Ware's system to meet or exceed that frequency.
One drone flight on a single battery can last up to 20 minutes and covers approximately 60-120 standard, racked pallet locations.
How many locations can a drone cover in a single flight?
The drones can cover up to 60-120 standard, racked pallet locations in a single flight. Ware provides additional batteries to keep your drones flying as often as you need them to. The coverage depends on the facility layout, the technology deployed, and your inventory counting goals.
How many drones do I need for my facility?
The number of drones depends on different factors within your facility:
- The number of locations to be scanned
- The desired frequency of full scans (i.e. full coverage every month)
- Your budget and operational constraints
Does Ware support RFID?
Not at the moment. We're always interested to hear more about your RFID usage, and what you would like to achieve in relation to your inventory automation.
Do I need a pilot's license or Part 107 certificate from the FAA to use Ware? Are there any aviation regulations to comply with?
Because all drone flights take place indoors, Ware flight operations are not governed by FAA regulations in the USA. You don't need a pilot's license or certification to deploy drones in your warehouse. Ware drones fly themselves, there are no complicated controls, joysticks, or flight methods to master.
You are responsible for understanding your own country's regulations on indoor drone operations.
How is Ware different from other solutions in the market?
We don't make drones—we make drones work for your inventory tracking operations. Ware is not a "drone" company—we have a laser focus on delivering accurate inventory reports so our customers can achieve positive-ROI, faster. Ware is the only inventory automation company partnered with Skydio, an American company that makes the world's smartest, fully-autonomous drones.
Ware's competitors either attempt to make their own drones—spending significant time and resources to try and do so, or they use drones from DJI, a Chinese company that was placed on the U.S. Entity List. DJI drones are not designed to fly autonomously indoors so they must be hacked and modified in order to provide value. This means that all of their limitations and high integration costs are passed along to you, the customer.
How does the technology work?
Ware leverages the power of drones and artificial intelligence to accomplish the critical task of tracking inventory. Our system has two main components to it:
1. Data capture
2. Data reporting
Learn more about our technology and how it works here.
Do I need a WiFi connection for the system?
No, you don't need a WiFi connection for the drones to fly. You do need a hardwired ethernet connection to the nest. Visit this page for more information.
Do I need to modify my facility for the Ware system? Can I use my existing labels?
Yes, you can use your existing labels. However, we verify all labels for compatibility during the sales process. Use our Facility Compatibility tool to check your facility's compatibility.
Can the drone operate with other equipment in my facility?
The drones can sense and avoid large stationary obstacles - like pallet racking, inventory on the ground, or vehicles that are not moving. However, the drones cannot avoid moving obstacles, like forklifts, scissor lifts, or people walking on the ground. It's very important to be mindful and aware of where the drones may be flying in your facility, and when they are scheduled to fly. Watch our system overview to learn more about how the drones operate in a facility.
It's your responsibility to follow the safety precautions and procedures at your facility.
What maintenance is required for the hardware/software?
We recommend that our customers wipe the drone lenses every one to two months but other than that there is minimal maintenance required.
What WMSs do you integrate with?
The Ware system integrates with all warehouse management systems (WMS). To discuss further integration, request a demo from our team.