Warehouse Automation- Benefits & Trends Explained

Posted by Zighra Logistics on April 23rd, 2021

Warehouse automation refers to the automated movement of the stock within and out of the warehouses with the least human interference. It is an important part of warehouse management. Warehouse automation also involves the usage of digital automation such as embedded systems devices for automatic data entry and analysis like a barcode scanner. A warehouse management software records and provides real-time data about the storage and movement of goods, this process improves the efficiency, speed, reliability and reduces operating costs of the warehouse. Most of the top logistics service providers in India are already using the automated devices and automated system in their warehouse operation to eliminate errors.

The warehouse automation software replaces the manual task done by the staff, this has also improved the systematic approach of warehouse operation. Various errors in data entry by humans are eliminated. Experts state that the future of efficient and cost-effective warehouse operation relies on warehouse management systems (WMS), robotics, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI).

Warehouse automation has evolved significantly, modern warehouses equipped with automated systems provide business-critical, cost-saving functions and add value to customer experiences. Modern warehouse must have the following practice of automated warehouse management

1. Integration of warehouse management software

The warehouse automation systems should be integrated with warehouse management software (WMS). A WMS is commonplace to manage the inventory controls, tracking, monitoring, report generation, etc.

2. Automated data collection

Automated data collection/entry helps to eliminate human errors. The software records and stores the data in a systematic way. It can be fetched anytime, anywhere if a person is authorized to access it.

3. Optimize business operation

With the use of available data, find the best solution to optimize the business process. This will also help to increase the business profit.

4. Warehouse design

Before implementing the automated warehouse, plan a proper layout for the best utilization of the automated devices.

Benefits of warehouse automation in transport and logistics -

Warehouse automation is a part of process up-gradation in this competitive business world. The way of doing business has changed, the entry and maintenance of data are efficiently carried out by the data management software. Below is the list of benefits of warehouse automation

• Increased warehouse efficiency
• Better utilization of resource
• Reduced overall operational cost
• Human errors are eliminated
• Paper works are eliminated/reduced
• Handling a storage cost is reduced
• Accurate data availability and analysis
• Less burden on the staff member
• Greater inventory control
• Better material handling

Warehouse automation trends in supply chain management -

In recent years the warehouse automation has been on trend, they have been continuously driven by the accelerated transition to e-Commerce. Warehouse automation and control (WAC) systems manage, control, and automate various activities of the warehouse. Warehouse control systems include upper-level control systems and the subordinate controls/equipment controls. These controls are done using multiple hardware devices like sensors, scanners, actuators, drives, motors, etc.