By No matter what type of business you run, large or small, a warehouse plays a crucial role in all industries. It is the main place where you manage your inventory and returns. But, the business environment in today’s world is changing with technology. That is why it has impacted the warehouse industry as well.
This is where automation warehouse management comes into the picture. It has streamlined operations within the warehouse and improves performance. Now, warehouses manage store stocks, and goods, and move inventory in a more convenient way. However, this post will discuss how automation has changed the warehouse industry for the betterment.
An Overview of Warehouse Automation
Warehouse automation is the process where inventory movement becomes automated with minimal human intervention. With the automation, the WMS system works automatically and replaces the labor-intensive tasks. In automation, specialized advanced equipment is used to perform different warehouse-related tasks more accurately, quickly, and efficiently.
It reduces repetitive physical tasks and manual analysis and data entry. The automated systems can easily store, unload, and retrieve goods on demand. The primary purpose of warehouse automation is to improve productivity and reduce involvement of the labor. That is why almost 77% of businesses have become serious about implementing automated systems in the warehouse.
Different Categories of the Warehouse Automation
The automation in the warehouse varies from simple to complex. Basic warehouse automation uses machinery and planning to lower repetitive tasks. However, the advanced robotic process automation takes advantage of robotics and AI or Artificial Intelligence. So, let’s learn about the different warehouse automation categories.
- Basic Warehouse Automation
Basic warehouse automation refers to the process where simple technology is used to help workers with tasks. For instance, a carousel or conveyor moves the inventory in the warehouse from point A to point B easily and more quickly.
- Mechanized Warehouse Automation
This is a kind of warehouse automation that uses robotics equipment and technologies to help laborers with different procedures and tasks. A good example of this is autonomous mobile shelf loader robots that help lift goods and deliver them quickly to human pickers.
- Warehouse System Automation
Software systems such as robotics, machine learning, data analytics, etc. are used by this kind of system to automate tasks. Like, it can review all the orders that have to be filled in a day. All in all, this makes the overall operation more flexible and smooth.
- Advanced Warehouse Automation
This kind of automation combines automation systems and advanced warehouse robotics. It can easily replace the workflows of human workers. However, as this warehouse automation is relatively new, as of now 10% of warehouses are reported to use advanced warehouse automation. The perfect example of this warehouse management automation are robotic forklift fleet.
Types of Warehouse Automation Technology
In warehouse automation, there are different kinds of warehouse systems and technology available. It aims to speed up the operational process and reduce manual tasks. The technologies are:
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
The AS/RS are mainly the GTP fulfillment technology’s form that includes different equipment and automated systems. The equipment includes tote shuttles, material-carrying vehicles, mini loaders, etc. to store and retrieve all the goods.
- Goods-to-Person
A popular method for reducing congestion and increasing efficiency is goods-to-person warehouse management. This involves carousels, conveyors, vertical lift systems, etc. When you apply them properly, this GTP system doubles the speed and accuracy of picking goods.
- Automated Guided Vehicles
The AGCs come up with minimal onboard computing power. These types of vehicles use sensors, wires, magnetic strips, etc. for navigating a fixed way in the warehouse. It is predicted that the market for AMR and AGC will grow by 14.7% by 2025. But, these kinds of vehicles are limited to simple warehouse environments. So, these vehicles are not ideal in a warehouse environment with space constraints and lots of human workers.
- Automated Mobile Robotics
Another powerful and more flexible kind of automated WMS system is AMR or Automated Mobile Robotics. It uses GPS to make an effective route via a specific warehouse. Also, these systems use laser guidance systems for identifying any obstacles. It does not have any limitations and can be used in different environments. Also, they can be programmed and implemented easily.
- Tasking and Voice Speaking
The use of tasking and voice speaking in warehouses is increasing. It can create optimized pick paths for directing the workers of the warehouse to put away a product. Also, this eliminates the need for manual handheld systems and devices like RF scanners. With the help of this automated technology, workers can concentrate on their work with improved efficiency and safety.
- Pick-to-Light and Put-to-Light System
In the warehouse, these systems use handheld barcode scanners connected to digital screens to guide warehouse pickers from where to pick and place the selected items. The WMS system reduces walking and searching while also lowering the likelihood of human errors. It happens especially in particular settings with high volumes of inventory movement.
Advantages of Automation in Warehousing
It is always true that an inefficient warehouse always impacts the customer experience. These automated warehouse systems can perform better under increased customer demands. Other benefits of using automation in warehousing are:
- Cost-Effectiveness
One of the best benefits of warehouse automation is its cost-effectiveness. It lowers the labor costs and improves the allocation of the labor. As it can automate repetitive tasks, businesses can now streamline warehouse operations without investing more.
- Improves Efficiency and Accuracy
The automation in warehouse management streamlines the warehouse processes. So, as a result, it handles the inventory shipments, and orders in a faster and more accurate way. Also, these automated systems are designed to lower discrepancies and human errors. So, automatically, it improves customer satisfaction, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Efficiency in Decision-making
The automated systems in warehouses now can provide real-time updates to the workers. So, it helps them make decisions in a much quicker way. They can get direct access to updated information on inventory levels, performance metrics, order status, etc. This way, the warehouse managers can make sound decisions and respond to everything quickly.
- Improves Inventory Management
Another significant advantage of automation in warehouse management is improved inventory control. With the help of online visibility into the stock locations, levels, and movements, warehouse managers can handle the inventory in a better way. The automation also helps in reducing overstock and stockout situations. As a result, businesses can easily improve their turnover rates and always ensure on-time order fulfillment.
- High Scalability
The automated warehouses are extremely scalable as well. It has the ability to accommodate the fluctuations in demand and ensure sustainable business growth. So, whether you want to expand operations or face seasonal picks, you can adjust the automated systems as per your needs.
- Ease of Operations
Automated warehouse systems can simplify warehouse operations. It helps the staff in several ways and monitors palette positions as well. The systems make it easier for the workers to perform all the operations. Besides this, as automation eliminates repetitive tasks, it allows workers to concentrate on the things that need equal attention.
Conclusion
In summary, the potential of automation in warehouses with advanced WMS system and inventory tracking is huge. Therefore, it has become crucial for all modern warehouses as it can help them perform better and more quickly. It increases productivity and ensures sustainable business growth.
