A Introduction To Warehouse Automation

A Introduction To
Warehouse Automation

What is Warehouse Automation?

Warehouse Automation is the process of moving inventory into, out of, and within
warehouses with little human intervention is known as warehouse automation. As part
of an automation project, a corporation can automate labor-intensive processes like
repetitive physical labor, manual data entry, and analysis.
A warehouse worker, for example, may load bulky items onto a mobile robot that is self-
driving. The robot delivers inventory from one end of the warehouse to the shipment
zone, while software records the movement and ensures that all records are current.
These robots help to increase the task’s efficiency, speed, dependability, and precision.

on the other hand, does not always necessitate physical or robotic automation; in many
circumstances, it merely refers to the use of software to replace manual labor. This
example, on the other hand, shows how humans and robots might collaborate to
complete repetitive jobs while reducing tiredness and harm.

What Is Digital Automation?

To eliminate manual procedures, digital automation utilities data and software. In the
warehouse, digital automation is exemplified through automatic identification and data
capture technologies, such as mobile bar coding.

The ability to integrate with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, enhanced
security, greater data management efficiency, reduced operational and legal risks, and
improved safety are all advantages of digital process automation, but it reduces manual
processes and eliminates human errors in the warehouse. Radio frequency
identification and mobile bar code scanning are examples of AIDC technology that can
improve worker experience, increase customer service, and save operational expenses
associated with human error.

Digital automation technology necessitates a considerable initial investment. Hardware,
software, and maintenance contracts, as well as the time and resources required to
implement the systems and train staff, are included in these expenditures. Furthermore,
digital automation raises the danger of data loss or corruption, as well as cyber security
concerns.

How Warehouse Automation Work?

Warehouse automation automates tasks by utilizing software and technology such as
robotics and sensors. These items work in tandem with other technologies, such
as Inventory management software.

Warehouse automation ensures that your facilities’ mission-critical operations satisfy
consumer demand. It all begins with a warehouse management system (WMS), which
automates manual procedures and data acquisition, as well as inventory control and
data analysis. These systems work in tandem with other solutions to manage and
automate processes across various business and supply chain functions.

Categories Of Warehouse Automation

Automation in warehouses can range from simple to complicated. To eliminate
repetitive tasks, basic automation employs planning, machinery, and transportation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are used by advanced systems. Automation Of
Warehouse Categories include:

• Automation of the Warehouse System

• Warehouse Automation with Mechanization

• Advanced Warehouse Automation

Automation of the Warehouse System

To automate processes and procedures, this sort of system employs software, machine
learning, robots, and data analytics. A warehouse management system, for example,
evaluates all of the orders that need to be filled in a day and instructs users to pick
similar items to satisfy all of those orders at once, avoiding repeated trips to the
warehouse.

Warehouse Automation with Mechanization

Robotic equipment and systems are used to aid humans with warehouse operations
and procedures in this type of warehouse automation. One example is autonomous
mobile shelf loader robots, which lift and transfer product racks to human pickers for
retrieval and sorting.

Advanced Warehouse Automation

Advanced Inventory management software integrates warehouse robotics and
automation technology to automate labor-intensive human activities. Consider a robotic
forklift fleet that navigates a warehouse using powerful AI, cameras, and sensors and
communicates each forklift’s whereabouts to an online tracking portal.

Types of Warehouse Automation Technology

Because of the large range of warehouse technologies and systems available, there are
many different forms of warehouse automation. From receiving to shipping, warehouse
automation strives to reduce human duties and speed up procedures.

Automatic Guided Vehicles

This type of automated vehicle has a little amount of processing capacity aboard. To
navigate a defined path across the warehouse, these vehicles use magnetic strips,
wires, or sensors. Automatic Guided Vehicles can only be used in big, straightforward
warehouse locations with this navigation scheme.

Pick-to-Light and Put-to-Light Systems

Warehouse pickers are directed where to position or pick up things using mobile bar
code scanning equipment linked to digital LED displays. In high-volume settings, they
can drastically cut walking and searching time, as well as human error.

Sortation Systems that are Automated

Sortation is the process of using RFID, bar code scanners, and sensors to detect things
on a conveyor system and route them to a warehouse location. In order fulfillment,
companies employ automated sortation systems for receiving, picking, packaging, and
shipping.

Systems for Automated Storage and Retrieval

AS/RS is a type of Goods-to-Person fulfillment technology that incorporates automated
systems and equipment for storing and retrieving materials or products, including as
material-carrying vehicles, tote shuttles, and mini-loaders. Automated Storage and
Retrieval systems are commonly used in high-volume warehouse applications with
limited space.

Read More : Warehouse Stock Management System

How to Make Your Warehouse More
Automated

A project plan is required to automate a warehouse. Stakeholders must be included, a
project plan must be created, a risk assessment must be completed, and goals and
deliverable must be set.

Form a support group and a project manager first. They’ll create a project timetable, as
well as a deadline and a list of deliverable. Then, with input from all levels of
management, devise implementation support plans. Finally, choose warehouse
automation that best supports your business goals, client demand, and takes into
account comments from your team, as well as time and resources. You’ll need to do
some study and request demonstrations when considering automation possibilities.
Installing an AS/RS inventory management system, for example, is not the same as
deploying mobile bar code scanning.

Automating Your Warehouse in 5 Simple Steps

To begin with warehouse automation, use this five-step approach as a guide.

Set up a committee to oversee implementation.

Form a committee of internal stakeholders with knowledge of present warehouse
performance, capabilities, and issues, as well as the technology gaps that exist. Third-

party specialists who are familiar with supply chain automation and have experience
with your industry and warehouse operations should be considered.

Gather vital information.

Data on your existing supply chain and business-critical warehouse operations is
essential for successful warehouse automated process. Examine your present data
collection process and infrastructure before deploying new automation technology. You
should delegate data migration responsibility to knowledgeable IT personnel.

Examine your inventory management procedures.

Warehouse operations revolve around inventory control. Determine or refine your
inventory control standard operating procedures (SOPs) before using a warehouse
automation technology. Purchase, shipping, receiving, customer satisfaction, and
inventory loss SOPs should all be included. Define the key performance indicators
(KPIs) that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of automated inventory control
processes and procedures. Examine the current inventory accounting method (for
example, periodic or perpetual systems) and how automation may affect it.

Implement a warehouse management system (WMS).

WMS platforms include software modules for inventory control and tracking, warehouse
operations management, labor cost reduction, and customer service improvement. A
modern WMS should be able to handle mobile devices and integrate with your existing
enterprise software.

Decide on the type of warehouse system you require.

Is it your intention to employ automation to cut labor expenses connected with back-
office warehouse operations and accounting by streamlining manual data entry? Or are
you expanding your warehouse or adding sites and believe it’s time to implement
advanced physical process automation, such as robots and GTP systems? It’s critical to
figure out what kind of warehouse automation will work best for your goals and client
demand.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation

Using automation to improve warehouse operations has a number of benefits, including
increased efficiency and less human error. The following is a list of the most frequently
mentioned advantages:

Warehouse throughput has increased.
More efficient use of resources

Labor and operational expenditures are lower.
Customer service has improved.
Costs of handling and storage are reduced.
Human mistake is reduced.
Manual labor is reduced to a minimum.
Productivity and efficiency have increased.
Employee satisfaction has improved.
Data accuracy and analysis have improved.
Stock outs are less likely to occur.
Greater inventory control thanks to more efficient warehouse space
Enhanced workplace security
Shipping errors are reduced.
Inventory loss was reduced.
Material handling coordination has been improved.
Order fulfillment accuracy has improved.

Also Read : How does warehouse management system work

Conclusion

Use software to automate your warehouse.

Warehouse automation, which makes use of inventory tracking and warehouse
management systems, has a lot of promise and will be critical in the evolution of
modern warehouse management. Moving things from one location to another with as
little human contact as possible aids in the creation of supply chains that can fulfill
orders quickly and seamlessly. Investing in these equipment and smart technologies will
enable businesses to fulfill ever-increasing customer demands.