A survey by AutoStore found 9 in 10 organisations had already installed, or are planning to install automation technology. However, many warehouses are still heavily reliant on manual processes.
AutoStore Australia and New Zealand Business Development manager Jason Wu said, “Thanks to the rapid evolution of eCommerce, we’re at a point where higher throughput and fast fulfilment is the best way to secure the competitive advantage. And the best way to achieve this is with automation.”
Three signs that it's time to automate your warehouse:
1. Fulfilment delays
This may be owing to mismanagement of shipment scheduling, inventory or order fulfilment. It may also be the result of inefficient warehouse workflows and processes.
2. Inaccuracies in order fulfilment or inventory levels
This causes fulfilment delays, and also results in additional costs associated with returns and wastage.
3. Labour- and time-intensive processes
Manual identification as well as picking and packing systems, for example, are associated with a higher labour cost.
“If you're not embracing automation, the current labour shortage will only further challenge you,” said Wu.
How automation solves these challenges
Warehouse automation solutions will vary depending on the needs and goals of the warehouse.
Typically, however, this involves the implementation of a combination of robotics, software, sensors and other technology to automate any number of tasks.
These include order picking, receiving and unloading of stock, storage and retrieval of stock, packing, loading and shipping, inventory management and performance monitoring.
Warehouse automation enables:
- Space optimisation;
- significantly reduced manual labour (and its associated costs);
- improved worker wellbeing;
- increases in operational speed and productivity;
- improved accuracy and precision within key processes;
- enhanced inventory management;
- a more sustainable business model; and
- lower operating costs.
Wu points to the AutoStore Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), in which independently operating Robots move rapidly through a modular 3D cube grid, retrieving Bins (stocked with inventory) and delivering them to goods-to-person Picking Ports, as required to fulfil orders.
“The Grid is scalable and customisable, enabling 90 per cent warehouse space utilisation. The energy-efficient Robots facilitate high productivity, handling anywhere between 450 and 650 Bin presentations every hour, with a 99.9 per cent picking accuracy.
“Noting the significant benefits and ROI offered by automation solutions, the question isn't ‘when’, but ‘how soon can I automate my warehouse?’” said Wu.
