Warehouse efficiency has been, and continues to be, critical. The exemplary systems are crucial to ensuring the most efficient plant operations possible. Now, more than ever, people are purchasing products online, and demand for logistical efficiencies is at an all-time high. Having the right technologies in place can certainly do a lot to boost overall efficiency. So, what technologies are available, and how does one incorporate technology to improve warehouse efficiency? At USA Strapping, we have studied the top-ranked warehouse technology types and will go over some of them here.
Warehouse automation and technologies have been around for decades. Warehouse management (WMS) software is not new; probably, most warehouses already include technologies that can improve the overall efficiency without even knowing it. Technology is vastly improving with the advancement of AI capabilities. AI allows for greater flexibility in the warehouse beyond what has been focused on simple reduction of staffing, reduction of material handling errors, and increased throughput of logistical processes. The advancement of technology has allowed for increased accuracy in inventory management, order fulfillment, and other areas. When incorporating some of the latest robotic technology within warehouse operations, you will hear terms such as blockchain, machine learning, 5G, and big data.
Types of Technologies That Are Making Warehouses More Efficient
There are a variety of technologies available in the warehouse industry today. Knowing which technology to employ to best address your plant’s issues becomes difficult.
- Automated storage and retrieval – stacker cranes and mini-load systems have vastly improved over previous methods and revolutionized warehouse operations.
- Automated pickers – there is just too much room for human error when picking orders. The use of computerized pickers has cut those errors to nearly zero.
- Geo-Fencing – is a technology that allows the plant to have “physical” boundaries within the software. Each time a load enters or leaves a pre-designated area, alerts can be programmed, and the workflow processes can be viewed in real-time. No more losing shipments or not being able to put your hand on order as it works through the plant.
- Wearable computers – enabling each employee to have a computer at their fingertips cuts down on wasted time and resources. Communication increases and information can be gathered in seconds.
- RFID – Radio frequency identification uses unique tags that can be tracked anytime. Tags could be assigned to pallets to keep real-time track of any process.
- Wearable technologies – Items such as barcode scanners, mobile printers, smart watches, voice-controlled headsets, smartphones, and smart glasses are just a few of the completely portable devices that could be implemented in your particular plant.
- Autonomous vehicles – self-driving vehicles are already being implemented in many factories around the country. Consider vehicles such as forklifts, pallet movers, automated packing vehicles, and autonomous delivery vehicles for short runs.
Partner With USA Strapping for All Your Strapping Products
Technology is ever evolving and is revolutionizing how warehouses operate. Choosing the right technology to implement and the right time to incorporate such technologies is challenging. By choosing the right corporate partner, warehouses can boost their chances of succeeding. At USA Strapping, we want to partner up with your company. Let us provide your company with some of the best strapping and shipping products available today. To find out more about our shipping solutions or partner with us, contact us at (888) 768-0001 or fill out our online contact form.
We look forward to working with you!