If you work in order fulfillment or material handling, you're certainly aware that automation is an inevitable trend. Over the past few decades, there has been explosive growth in new warehouse automation technologies, systems, and strategies, making warehouses more competitive while reducing waste.
As Supply Chain Management Review states: "Warehouse automation is one of the last areas where significant long-term cost reduction is possible." As companies grow and evolve, operational changes present tremendous opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency, while customer demands for faster delivery can truly set your company apart from the competition.
Four Fundamental Advantages of Warehouse Automation
1. Reduced Labor Costs
Automation systems can replace extensive manual operations, reducing labor requirements. In today's environment of continuously rising labor costs, automation investments bring long-term workforce savings. This is especially true for repetitive, high-intensity work where automated equipment can operate continuously and stably without breaks.
2. Increased Efficiency
Automated equipment can operate 24/7, with processing speeds far exceeding manual labor. From receiving, storage, picking, sorting, verification, packing to weighing and conveyor sorting - every link in warehousing has automation solutions. Automation dramatically improves operational efficiency within warehouses.
3. Enhanced Workplace Safety
Automation systems reduce the need for personnel to work in high-risk areas. Tasks like moving heavy goods and accessing high shelves can be completed by automated equipment, effectively reducing workplace accident rates and creating a safer working environment for employees.
4. Solving Labor Supply Issues
With population aging, the warehousing and logistics industry faces recruitment difficulties. Automation systems can alleviate pressure from labor shortages, ensuring stability and sustainability of warehouse operations.
Applicable Operations
Current warehouse operation processes include: receiving, storage, picking, sorting, verification, packing, weighing, and conveyor sorting. Every link now has automation solutions:
- Receiving: Automatic scanning, weighing, and system entry
- Storage: Automated high-bay warehouses, AS/RS systems
- Picking: RGV goods-to-person systems, AGV robots
- Sorting: Smart sorting walls, sorting systems
- Verification & Packing: Automatic case erectors, case sealers
- Weighing & Sorting: DWS dynamic weighing systems, automated sorting lines
As e-commerce and new retail demands for same-day and next-day delivery become increasingly common, more distribution centers are using conveyor systems to transport products, reducing labor while increasing throughput. Efficiently routing products to multiple designated areas is more important than ever.