What is warehouse automation? You might be imagining a robot-free warehouse, where humans are only an afterthought.
Automated robots, sensors, or other AI equipment are used by companies to complete time-consuming tasks that would have been impossible for humans.
Warehouse automation is designed to increase efficiency and speed fulfillment rather than human workers completing tasks at a slower rate.
These robots can optimize warehouse space as well as company workflow. This allows for greater development in areas where humans are more valuable.
Warehouse automation automates repetitive tasks quickly and efficiently without taking up too much time from the manual worker.
Common Types of Warehouse Automation Fulfillment
You can divide warehouse automation into several types so that you can see that not all warehouses will be the same. Here are the most common types:
Goods-to-Person (GTP)
GTP automation is widespread to see vertical lifts and conveyors. These can increase fulfillment speed by up to twofold.
Vehicles With Automatic Guidance
AGV automation relies on wires, magnetic strips, or sensors to navigate warehouses. This type of automation is most effective in warehouses with an open floor plan and fewer nooks, turns, or crannies.
Autonomous Mobile Robots
The flexible and popular form of warehouse automation, AMRs can be used in a variety of ways. AMRs can use GPS systems to map warehouse routes, and laser guidance systems to detect obstacles.
Imagine a robot vacuum cleaner that knows everything about your home. But this robot will not be cleaning your house. They are capable of navigating large warehouses or areas that have high human traffic. They are extremely user-friendly.
Voice Picking and Tasking (or Choose-by-Voice)
To eliminate the need to use handheld scanners such as barcode scanners, mobile headsets, or speech recognition software can be used. This reduces the number of products and can improve safety, efficiency, as well as the margin for error.
Automated Sortation Systems
Automated sortation systems are used to identify items on conveyors and then redirect them to warehouse locations via barcode scanners. This is particularly useful for E-Commerce sites that require picking, packing, shipping, and receiving.
What are the Benefits Of Warehouse Automation?
Fewer Human Errors
Any manual project will have errors. Warehouse automation makes it easier to find the problem and fix it.
Warehouse automation systems can help reduce stress and eliminate daily mistakes. There is no need to double- or triple-check before sending an order. Automated processing pulled all items by the specific area or barcode. It could only go wrong if the area was not correctly labeled. Human input can make mistakes.
Consistency
By installing warehouse automation software, you are investing in stability. You're also investing in your own time. Now you are a warehouse manager. You have enough time to finish all the tasks that take too much of your time.
Focus shifting allows you to concentrate on the things that will drive growth in your warehouse or company. The results will be apparent almost immediately. In just a few weeks, you will begin to see the benefits of automation systems.
Longevity
This is not just an investment in an automated system that will help you get through the season, but also in its durability.
Warehouse automation is an affordable investment that will help you maintain consistency in your business. It will take away the worry of staffing for a specific sale. How can your employees fulfill all orders within the timeframe promised?
Robots, sensors, and the like can be used for repetitive tasks such as when employees are not at home. This can be a huge help during holidays or sales on E-Commerce websites.
The investment may cost more or less. Despite the high initial cost, you'll see that your investment pays off in labor costs.
There are many warehouse management software options. Some are designed specifically for specific warehouse types.
Accuracy
Automated systems can not only fulfill orders but also manage inventory in real-time.
Each item will no longer need to be checked individually for correct numbers. That will be taken care of by warehouse automation. Warehouse automation can help you do this.
Workplace Injuries are Less Common
It can be hard to locate every item when you want to ensure that they are all accessible. Robots can do all the heavy lifting, and warehouse managers don't have to worry about injury. Robots will not require workers to climb ladders or concern themselves with difficult-to-reach items.
Conclusion
Warehouse automation has many benefits. Automation can help your business grow. Now you are more familiar with the most popular automation types and their benefits. You can now choose the right system for your warehouse.