Technologies Addressing the Trends
Warehouse operators are turning to technology and digitization to address these industry changes including:
- Warehouse automation – warehouses are looking to optimize their operations using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. For example, AI can optimize storage layouts to get the most from every inch of shelf space and can pick routes for maximum productivity. Robots can be used for automated put away and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are increasingly being used for moving goods around the warehouse. Collaborative robots, or ‘co-bots’ are specifically designed to work alongside humans and can enhance the efficiency and safety of their human co-workers.
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and data intelligence software – warehouse operators are increasingly turning to centralized cloud-based WMS systems. This ensures that every part of the warehouse works from and updates a ‘single source of the truth’, eliminating data anomalies and increasing efficiency. Warehouse management systems can also link to external data (from suppliers and retailers for example) and with other internal systems, such as label management software, ensuring that all information is accurate and aligned.
- RFID – this technology (Radio Frequency Identification) allows items and goods to be tracked without having to be individually scanned. The RFID tag emits a signal that can be read, even when the goods are not within line of sight, and multiple tags can be read at any one time. RFID enables automated goods receipt and efficient item tracking through every stage of the warehousing process.
- Internet of Things (IoT) – connected smart devices and sensors collect and provide data to drive warehouse efficiencies. For example, sensors can monitor and report on temperature and humidity, essential for the safe storage of certain goods. Smart shelving can capture and send inventory information, including alerts about low stock or misplaced products.
- Wearables – helping pickers be more productive is one of the greatest gains for a warehouse and wearable technology helps achieve this. Warehouses are implementing voice-based picking lists, which speak the order to the picker via a headset, and augmented reality smart glasses, where the picker can see the list in front of their eyes. These systems save the picker having to constantly refer to a written list on paper or a tablet and can significantly speed up the picking operation.
- Smart labeling solutions – the key to tracking and visibility is labeling. Labeling of goods, but also labeling of shelves and storage locations. Warehouses are increasingly taking advantage of the benefits of smart labeling solutions, integrated with their WMS, to streamline the process of designing and printing high quality labels and RFID tags that enable fast and efficient tracking and tracing.
Warehousing is the very heart of the supply chain and is undergoing a transformational shift towards digitization and modernization to create the efficiencies needed to keep up with the increasing demands of the market.