Dev Pro Journal
Technology solutions providers (TSPs) are uniquely positioned to help businesses upgrade their operations appropriately.
Warehouse operations throughout Europe are automating processes. Interestingly, different factors are driving their transformations. For example, research firm Interact Analysis points out that warehouse operations in the UK are investing much more than the global average to keep up with e-commerce customers’ expectations for fast fulfilment and delivery while controlling labour costs. On the other hand, high labour costs alone (USD 27.2 per square foot, the highest in the world by a wide margin) are driving warehouse automation spend in Denmark. However, whether motivated by competitive pressures to fulfil orders faster and more accurately or to operate more profitably in an era of rising labour costs, your customers and prospects are considering how automation and robotics solutions can provide value to their operations.
PwC sheds some light on whether warehouse operation automation results in ROI. The firm evaluated supply chain leaders who had invested in advanced capabilities in 2019 and found they reduced costs by 6.8 per cent and increased revenues by 7.7 per cent. They also increased customer satisfaction by improving their on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery statistics.
Which Warehouse Robotics and Automation Solutions Should TSPs Offer?
Some warehouses are ready to deploy robotics and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automation. Others need to begin by implementing less sophisticated solutions. Technology solutions providers (TSPs) are uniquely positioned to help businesses upgrade their operations appropriately. TSPs who recognize that companies and organisations rely on them as trusted advisors will learn about their customers’ current processes and determine logical next steps in their digital transformation journey.
Consider the full range of options to find the right investment for your clients, including:
- Voice- or light-directed picking—Pick-to-light systems use LED lights and barcodes to help pickers quickly and accurately fill orders. Similarly, pickers can receive directions via headset from a manager or a virtual assistant, saving time and enhancing their productivity.
- Goods movement solutions—Robotics and automated machines bring raw materials, parts, and products to employees for packing. Intelligent solutions can save time and effort, automatically determining when there’s a need for materials or products and moving items with conveyors, carousels, or other equipment leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT), RFID, AI, and machine vision.
- Sortation systems—Warehouses can automate putaway with sortation systems that move goods from receiving to the correct locations for picking or packing. Sortation systems receive data directly from the warehouse management system (WMS), and using barcodes or RFID, they identify products and move them to the correct bin or shelf.
- Cobots—Collaborative mobile robots are designed to work with humans, assist them in their work, and save employees time by transporting materials or recycling. They also provide a solution for handling and moving products or materials too heavy for employees to lift or carry safely.
Future Warehouse Automation Trends and TSP Opportunities
Savvy TSPs will monitor the latest trends in warehouse robotics and automation to help clients plan their technology roadmaps and capitalise on new opportunities. For example, as 5G coverage expands, it will be more practical for warehouse operations to use smart devices, robots, and IoT systems. 5G can also make it possible for private networks to strengthen security with limited access. TSPs can also leverage warehouse digital twins—virtual warehouse models that give operators a risk-free method to plan and optimise automation, both at implementation and when operations scale.
Deploying sustainable solutions is another trend gaining momentum, driven by regulations and a greater awareness of how business decisions can impact the planet. TSPs should inform customers about their solution’s energy efficiency, how solutions are sourced and manufactured, and how they support Europe’s commitment to environmentally friendly operations.
The Benefits of Robotics and Automation for Warehouse Operations
Use case studies, testimonials, and statistics to assure your clients and prospects of the quantifiable benefits of warehouse automation, including:
- Greater accuracy: Machines perform tasks consistently and use data directly from the WMS or other systems to complete them.
- Improved safety: Robots and automation systems can perform jobs with inherent risks, such as retrieving items from tall shelving or lifting heavy objects. In addition to reducing workplace injuries, these solutions can create better working conditions and a more positive workplace culture.
- Precision: Purpose-built robots can perform tasks, such as perfect label placement, that may create challenges for employees to do quickly.
- Freedom to use space efficiently: Warehouse robotics and automation can use vertical space more safely and efficiently than manual processes.
- Reduced operational costs: Although robotics and automation systems require an investment, warehouses will see ROI from lower labour costs, greater picking and shipping accuracy, and less shrinkage.
- Increased satisfaction: Automation enables warehouses to fill orders accurately and on time, meeting customers’ expectations.
Meet Market Demand
Warehouse operators throughout Europe are eyeing technology to help meet labour shortage challenges and to keep up with consumer demands for fast fulfilment. Take time to understand your clients’ and prospects’ goals and show them how robotics and automation solutions can help achieve them. When you deliver solutions that successfully meet your clients’ needs, you’ll benefit from a growing business.