The Role of Technology in Modern Warehousing

Assisted Picking Tools

Assisted picking tools assist warehouse employees in finding and picking the correct items in the correct quantities for orders. These technologies include pick to light systems, voice picking devices and picking robots.

Robotic Packing

Another modern technology transforming warehouse operations is robotic packing. These packing systems automate the process of opening, filling, and transporting product packaging.

Many varieties of this technology also assist with later-stage procedures such as sealing parcels and applying barcodes ready for shipping. These robotic systems offer a more reliable alternative than mechanical packing solutions while also offering greater efficiency than manual procedures.

Automated Document Insertion

Automated document insertion technologies help ensure all shipments are accompanied by the appropriate documentation. As an item passes through the belt, these systems scan items to establish what documents will be required for its shipment. Required documents will include manuals, warranty information and product details and dimensions for customer review.

Warehouse Drones

Warehouse drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, can be used for a range of warehouse tasks. These might include inventory management, goods transportation, monitoring and wider maintenance.

1.   Reduce Human Error

One of the main advantages of warehouse automation is fewer human errors. With the help of automation technology, warehouses often see a drastic reduction in errors caused by manual operation.

When carried out manually, errors such as inaccurate inventory, incorrect shipments and miscalculations can create hold-ups along the process line, which not only impact efficiency – but customer satisfaction too. Automation helps avoid errors such as this, allowing for a more consistent and productive workflow.

2.   Reduce Operational Costs

While the costs associated with setting up warehouse automation are considerable, doing so allows businesses access to greater savings in the long term. By reducing the required manual labour, businesses not only spend less on warehouse staffing, but they also enjoy the knock-on benefits of error minimisation and process optimisation – which all reduce the overall cost of operation.

3.   Increased Productivity

The running of a warehouse can be complex and time-consuming, with several individual tasks needing to co-occur at one time. In many cases, tasks are repetitive and time-consuming.

Warehouse automation robots are transforming warehouse productivity, working alongside human employees to speed up tasks such as picking, packing and sorting. By automating lower-level, repetitive procedures, employee time can be better designated to higher-value tasks, creating more seamless workflows.

The speed at which orders can be processed and fulfilled is increasingly important in an industry where speed of fulfilment helps a business stand out from its competitors, so utilising warehouse technology to increase your productivity is a must.

4.   Reduced Processing and Fulfilment Times

As noted, one of the main advantages of warehouse automation is reduced processing times. As procedures become more streamlined and productive, production lines are able to move from stage to stage more quickly – allowing products to reach customers in a shorter time frame.

The use of data analytics can assist with inventory management in warehouses in several ways. By granting businesses access to useful insights into key metrics such as inventory performance and replenishment speed, businesses are able to forecast with greater accuracy – ensuring that supply will be able to accommodate predicted demand.

By avoiding scenarios where either too much or too little stock is stored, businesses also minimise their operational costs. Excess stock can be costly to handle and store. Not to mention how stock help for too long may require price reductions to prevent stock from becoming ‘dead’. On the other end of the scale, maintaining a readily replenished stock of popular products increases profitability and optimises customer experience by reducing fulfilment delays.

Across the globe, warehouse operations and distribution centres are experiencing rapid change. While the fundamentals of warehouse operations and fulfilment have not changed –  increased user demand and efficiency expectations mean businesses must evolve to keep up with competitors.

In addition to the advancements mentioned, advances in technology will continue to evolve and boost efficiency for businesses. Among other factors, the importance of streamlined operations is projected to continue – allowing for faster delivery, increased productivity, improved inventory accuracy and maximised customer experience.

To fulfil these rapidly changing needs, it is likely that AI technologies will become more commonplace in modern warehouses, with technology forecasters predicting the integration of AI across all elements of the warehouse process, both practical and strategic.

From streamlining your logistics to adding AI into the mix, the future of warehouse technology is full of potential. You don’t need to wait – start enhancing your supply chain today by working with a reliable logistics partner like Allegro.

At Allegro Logistics, we offer the latest in modern warehousing technology, helping you and your customers stay up to date with product availability and status. This leads to more satisfied customers, better conversions, and greater returns for your business. For more information about how our services could help your business, request a quote today.

Find out the impact of supply chain disruptions on e-commerce fulfilment >

Learn what dead stock is for e-commerce fulfilment – and how to avoid it >

Discover why expedited shipping is vital for your business >