Introduction
Warehouse Automation involves the implementation of Automated Warehouse Solutions which includes both digital and physical to automate tasks. Automated Warehouse Systems can be roll-out with existing tools like Warehouse Management Software (WMS) to provide an overall Warehouse Automation Solution, where most of the manual processes such as data capture, inventory control and data analysis can be automated with the help of the WMS Software.
What are Warehouse Automation Solutions?
Warehouse Automation Solutions automates the inventory movement into, within, and out of warehouses to customers. The WMS can integrate with Warehouse Automation Solutions to automate tasks in different business and supply chain functions. The aim of Warehouse Automation is to eliminate labour-intensive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more value-added tasks.
What are Different Ways to Automate in the Warehouse?
There are two different ways to look at automation:
- Digital process automation
- Physical process automation
Digital Process Automation
Digital process automation uses software and electronics to reduce manual processes and improve focus on customers. Typically, automation starts with a warehouse management system, data collection and inventory control. The benefits of digital process automation include the ability to integrate, enhanced security, greater data management efficiency, reduced operational and legal risks, and improved safety, but from a warehouse perspective, it reduces manual processes and eliminates human errors.
Implementing digital automation technology requires an upfront investment. Hardware, software and support contracts are some of the costs.
The use of warehouse automation equipment to reduce employee labour is referred to as Physical process automation. Increased warehouse capacity, efficiency, enhanced reliability, and improved performance are some benefits of physical automation. The upfront expenses, scarcity of a skilled workforce to manage and maintain the system, high maintenance costs and equipment that is meant for specific functions are some downsides.
Physical Process Automation
There are various examples of physical process automation. Each providing different solutions and addressing different needs in the warehouse. Here is a non-exhaustive list of physical process automation warehousing companies can consider:
- Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
- Collaborative robots or “cobots”
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
- Wearables Technology such as augmented reality smart glasses, finger-trigger gloves, and GPS-tracking bracelets.
- Pick-to-Light and Put-to-Light
- Voice Picking and Tasking
- Automated Sortation Systems
Are There Automation Grants Available?
The Singapore Government has announced Automation Grants to help eligible businesses defray the cost of large-scale deployment of automation solutions (Click here for more information on Automation Grants). However, as a warehousing company, how do you know if you are ready for warehousing automation?
How Do I know If I am Ready for Automation?
Here is a check-list of questions to ask before you commit to a warehouse automation project: –
- Do you still use manual inventory management tools like spreadsheets?
- Are customer orders delayed because of a limited workforce?
- Are your existing warehouse processes labour-intensive?
- Is your order fulfilment capacity going down?
- Are the inventory counts accurate?
- Do you have to increase or decrease your workforce to meet changing demand?
- Are you getting buy-in from key stakeholders?
Don’t get caught up in the automation trend because other people are doing it, but make the right move for your warehouse and create value for your business.
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