The robotics industry has evolved from robotics and robotics into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and inventory control software – automatized warehouses are constantly developing, providing new opportunities and benefits in logistics management.
Warehouse automation aims to reduce and optimize processes. We all want Tools or software to automate repetitive and costly tasks. The recent growth has been substantial. Business Wire calculates it is increasing by an average of nearly 15% yearly and is expected to exceed USD 41 billion by 2027. The demand for this, as well as other aspects of the digitalization of logistics, is driven by ecommerce. This has resulted in higher quantities of shipment and more complex logistics. Online purchases must be picked up by hand to be packed, shipped, and repackaged promptly.
Currently, most warehouses are not equipped with automation, while 15% are automated, and 5% are entirely automated, according to ResearchandMarkets. This is because the price of having automation in warehouses is very high. A sophisticated automation system, for instance, is priced at approximately USD 50 million. It can take a long time to implement, between 9 and 12 months, based on the type of project. Yet it is there is; McKinsey Global Institute argues the transport and warehousing sector has the third-highest potential for automation in any other industry. Presently, three countries: the United States, China, and Germany, are the top players in the automation of warehouses. Over half of the warehouses that are automated in the world are in these countries, according to Logistics Headquarters. The fastest growth rate in the warehouse industry is taking place throughout the Asia-Pacific region, specifically in South Asia and South-East Asia.
Warehouse automation is a familiar idea. It began with the introduction of conveyor belts made of steel at the beginning of the 1900s before progressing to the first complete system of automated storage in the late 1960s. The modernization of warehouse logistics has advanced a lot until now. Modern warehouse technology encompasses the following:
• Warehouse management system, which monitors every stage of operation and provides greater insight.
• Inventory management software that tracks the levels of inventory, sales, and orders
• AI and machine learning are used to create models that can predict stock needs, plan inventory, and assist in optimizing warehouse layout and utilization of floor space.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) connects sensors and smart devices to a network to gather and analyze information.
• Computer vision is used to determine stock levels and flag down low inventory. It can also aid in the identification of products within the warehouse.
• Blockchain can be described as a transaction ledger that records and exchanges data at each phase in the supply chain to enhance transparency and accuracy.
• Robots that can take on tasks in 4D (dangerous dull, boring or costly) as well as cobots (collaborative robots) that aid workers by lifting, picking packaging, transporting inventory
The rapid growth of automation and adoption of these technologies has dramatically altered how warehouse operations are conducted and will continue to change warehouse operations. The Materials Handling Institute expects the utilization of robots in warehouses to increase by 50% over the coming five years. An earlier ARC Advisory Group survey found that 33% of warehouse operations had planned the investment of conveyors and automated sorting systems. More than 49% of businesses are designed to utilize the shuttle system by 2023. They include autonomous robots (AMR) and autonomous guide vehicles (AGV) employed in place of forklifts to move pallets.
There are numerous benefits to automated warehouses, such as:
1. Opportunities to increase efficiency, optimize resource usage, and increase output
2. The software helps analyze data and create designs to improve the warehouse’s efficiency. Technology and digitization can simplify operations and enable warehouses with greater capacity.
3. Increased traceability and reliability
4. Automation in warehouses will make it easier to track and monitor products in warehouses. This can also increase consistency.
5. Increased accuracy and reduced human error as well as loss of inventory
6. As part of the automation process tasks, labor-intensive, repetitive duties are eliminated, and so can manually be completing data entry and analysis. The increase in warehouse automation will reduce human errors due to fatigue or inattention. This can also increase the accuracy of counting inventory data collection and the fulfillment of orders.
7. Improved customer experience and quick delivery to the customer
8. According to Statista According to Statista, 41% of customers expect to receive their purchase online in less than 24 hours. Warehouse automation can expedite ordering and deliver orders to customers sooner.
9. More productivity and safety in warehouses
10. According to Roland Berger, automated warehouses can expect productivity increases between 25% and 70 percent. It also can tackle safety risks and cut down or eliminate repetitive tasks that pose risks of injury.
11. Potentially lower labor, operational, and handling cost
12. What can reduce the various costs related to the warehousing process through improved accuracy, efficiency, and speed? Roland Berger says the reduction could be between 20 percent to 40%.
The enhanced efficiency of visibility, reliability, and efficiency provided by warehouse automation could offer significant benefits to companies that utilize these systems. For instance, the fashion company Desigual employed a technology-enabled warehouse and distribution center located in Hong Kong to streamline their fulfillment and distribution process for e-commerce. The facility is equipped with automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) scanners, warehouse control systems, and automated equipment for parcel handling to improve the efficiency of packing and picking. SupplyChain247 claims that this has allowed the business to get faster time to market and improve its inventory control.
The requirements for warehouses and distribution have increased rapidly. This is partly due to the growth of ecommerce, with growth ranging from 28% in 2020 to 34% by 2021, as per the International Trade Administration. It is estimated that the Business Research Company predicts the eCommerce market will increase to USD 3 billion by 2022 and more than USD 4.7 billion by 2026. This will increase the demand for more precise, efficient warehouses to manage inventory and fulfill orders efficiently.
Another significant trend that will drive the growth of automated warehousing is labor issues. According to the Logistics Management study, 70% of warehouse owners need help finding enough employees. The situation will worsen in the next few years, given the belief that by 2030, there will be 85 million vacant jobs across the globe.
Automation can’t resolve all logistics issues. However, it can create opportunities to refine and improve the warehouse operation.
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