Today’s sophisticated robotic and data-driven warehousing automation systems have been a game-changer for the warehousing sector, minimizing disruptions while maximizing throughput. Manual processes alone, without the assistance of automation, are simply too slow, cumbersome, and costly in today’s high-demand, high-speed market.
According to Scott Deutsh, president of Ehrhadt + Partner, a global WMS/WCS/Voice solutions provider:
“Automated warehousing can provide a wide range of benefits ranging from space savings, lower building costs, improved productivity, more efficient material flow, less people, and safer operations, to reductions in inventory, reduced operational costs, better ROI, and lower lifecycle costs. The benefits are why so many businesses are adopting automation and robotics in growing numbers.”
Let’s look at some of the top benefits of adopting warehouse automation.
Increase storage capacity
Warehouses that use automation systems can achieve very high storage density when palletizing and storing goods, allowing them to maximize their space. And fully automated warehouses are built to ensure that as much warehouse space is utilized for storage as possible – often using every inch of space up to the very high ceilings – creating structures that reach greater heights than adjustable racking systems.
Optimize picking & maximize throughput
Order picking (aka product retrieval for order fulfillment) is ideal for automation – it accelerates the tedious process of finding and selecting the ordered items, conserves resources, cuts costs, and perhaps most importantly, greatly improves accuracy. Automated platforms can map the shortest pick path and rapidly locate product, ensuring a higher throughput rate.
Control inventory
With warehouse automation, you’ll never again have to wonder what products you have on hand, how much product you have, and where it is. A warehouse automation system can provide you with the exact quantity and specific location of every item in your facility. Tracking inventory on paper is simply no longer a viable practice in today’s complex and high-velocity environments.
Reduce manual processes
As the manufacturing sector continues to face a labor shortage, it’s smart to look for repetitive tasks that can be easily automated. When automation is correctly implemented, you can significantly reduce the risk of human error, lower injury risk for employees, expand working hours (robots don’t sleep) and increase productivity.
At Valley, we want to help manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics businesses get the tools and resources they need to excel in these tumultuous times. If you need help, check out our commercial lending services, or talk to one of our financial experts today!
