Technology has quickly transformed the world around us, impacting everything from how we communicate to how our businesses operate. Technology is changing warehouses, too, supporting leaner, more agile operations and enabling warehouses to provide customer-centric services, which is fast becoming essential to the success of a fulfilment process.
Pressure is mounting on supply chain and warehouse executives to run effective operations that can reduce costs, improve profits, and simultaneously fulfil the customers’ expectations. In most businesses, success in this three-pronged strategy requires an investment in some of the technological innovations available today, in terms of hardware and software. However, while implementing the correct new technologies will support the business in its drive to provide customers with quicker and more accurate deliveries, choosing what’s right for your business can prove challenging.
New warehouse technologies are becoming available at an ever-increasing rate, each promising to eliminate all waste in your processes. It becomes a complex affair to navigate all the options available.
Think about all the options:
With endless possibilities, finding the best fit for your needs can become a minefield. The obvious solution is to find a warehouse solutions partner that is well-versed in the art and science of warehouse technology and has the pedigree and track record to prove it.
Any warehouse or supply chain operation should have a warehouse management system. Without such a system, warehouse operations risk eroding profits because of a reliance on manual systems and operator knowledge to get the job done. A well-chosen WMS optimises each process within the facility allowing your management team to concentrate on running the warehouse instead of the all-too-common firefighting approach. The benefits of a right-fit warehouse management system are numerous, as our clients will attest to:
Voice picking is a great warehouse technology for warehouses with high volumes of different items. They are a paperless, hands-free solution system that uses voice prompts to direct workers to the correct picking locations so that they can fulfil orders quickly and accurately. Check with your warehouse automation service provider if voice picking suits your setup.
Finding the correct sortation system is crucial. If you hit the sweet spot, you increase efficiencies and minimise errors. There are many types of automated sorting systems: Case sortation which includes narrow belt sorters, pusher sorters, paddle sorters, wheel sorters, sliding shoe sorters, and Bombay sorters, amongst others.
Finding the right warehouse technologies to improve efficiencies is no small task and is fraught with challenges. However, our warehouse solutions team can help you make the right choice for your business. If you want to achieve your warehouse development goals, consider speaking to us to see how we can help you.
In our next blog article, we’ll examine how technology is transforming warehouses, taking a closer look at these advancements and how they impact the warehouse industry. Stay tuned.
