The warehousing landscape is undergoing a transformative shift with the integration of cutting-edge technology, equipment, and solutions. Warehouse operators are leveraging automation technologies such as goods-to-person systems, automatic guided vehicles, warehouse drones, and sortation systems to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and bolster safety measures.The global warehouse automation market is poised to reach a value of $51 billion by 2030, propelled by the imperative shift from considering warehouse automation as a “nice to have” to a “must have”. Notably, an insightful 2021 McKinsey survey revealed that 80% of respondents plan to increase their automation spending in the next two to three years.Here are three reasons why you should automate your warehouse:
1. Increased Efficiency:
Efficiency in warehousing involves simplifying operations and ensuring high-value inventory is strategically placed. Automation facilitates the collection and swift delivery of accurate, actionable data, mitigating issues associated with inaccurate reporting. By automating repetitive tasks like picking and stacking, warehouses enhance overall efficiency, while software and AI identify operational inefficiencies, enabling prompt adjustments.
2. Improved Safety:
Warehouse automation significantly enhances worker safety by delegating physically demanding and hazardous tasks to machines. Technologies capable of tasks like inventory counting at heights reduce risks to human operators. Automation not only minimizes the chances of employee injuries and repetitive strain issues but also mitigates reputational damage, legal repercussions, and operational disruptions resulting from incidents.
3. Lower Equipment Costs:
While the initial cost of warehouse automation may seem daunting, it proves to be a prudent long-term investment. Automation enables the gradual phasing out of older, costly machinery. This technology replaces manual equipment in various warehouse areas, including production lines, inventory management, and packaging, while requiring significantly less human oversight. Ultimately, this results in lower equipment costs and faster return on investment.Embracing warehouse automation not only aligns with industry trends but also addresses critical operational challenges, positioning warehouses for greater efficiency, safety, and long-term cost savings.
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