How Automation Can Transform Your Logistics Business

With the rising e-commerce market and a shortage of labor, operating a logistics company can be laborious. Your company needs to meet demands quickly and efficiently, and with automation, this can be easily achieved. Workplace automation is the future. If you haven’t already implemented it, here are a few reasons why you should:

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

A great example of logistics automation is autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). An AMR can be programmed to accomplish hazardous and monotonous work and will autonomously work its way around your warehouse according to the route you assign it. They are quick and simple to implement and an excellent choice for material handling. Other automation technology includes automatic guided vehicles. These are handy for simple warehouses but are not as useful when used with a complex layout.

Minimize Manual Labor Costs

A business is built with people, but with warehouse labor expenses on the up, you could be spending an extortionate amount. Implementing automation in your business can reduce this expense, and it can also save you the hassle of finding temps to do the job. Automated systems are often connected with mass unemployment, but this is not the case. To set up and operate certain automation systems, you will need to train a team of qualified personnel. This ensures that the human team you do have is engaged. From the training, your employees will develop new skills which can result in increased job satisfaction.

Less Human Error

Automation systems do not make the same mistakes as humans. They do not suffer from a bad day or a lapse in judgment. With efficient automation, you can be assured that the job will get done in a timely manner and to a high standard. Automation is great for strenuous jobs and can be used for various warehouse processes such as replenishment, picking, and sorting.

Safer Workplace

By automating potentially hazardous tasks, you can create a safer environment for your employees to work in. Employing automation in a warehouse or factory, where certain tasks are repetitive, will reduce the risk of human error, which could, in turn, lead to safety risks. Sortation systems, AMRs, and carousels can all be beneficial for a logistics company.

Save Space

Warehouse floor space is a huge asset and a finite resource. Sourcing space can easily become a huge cost, but automation solutions can help keep this expense down. It offers a low labor solution that does not require numbers of people crowding the warehouse. People need adequate floor space to maneuver pallet jacks and material, whereas automated systems can be programmed to travel and navigate in a space-saving manner.

Accurate and Fast Fulfilment

Not only will automation technology help you save money by saving space, but you will achieve accurate fulfillment every time. Automation can increase inventory accuracy and remove discrepancies—lengthy manual checks can be eradicated too. According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global cold chain packaging market size was USD 17.79 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 39.45 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.7% during the forecast period.

With fierce competition and a high demand for quick-fire deliveries, it can be difficult to keep up with competitors. However, warehouse automation can offer rapid order fulfillment, especially when used for tasks such as picking and packaging.