Supply chain leaders may be reluctant to try out a new technology that could disrupt operations since they are risk-averse for a good reason. Many people think there is a better time to experiment because of the persistent unpredictability of the global economy. However, the constant state of unpredictability in today's world is precisely why individuals responsible for keeping supply chains running should seek ways to streamline and optimize work processes, information flows, and decision-making across their entire business.
Here are 5 reasons why it's appropriate to move forward with innovation using today's sophisticated automation.
The reality of the labor deficit is going to stay the same. According to research, less than 3% of Gen-Zers are considering careers in logistics; instead, they're looking at STEM-related jobs. Today's workforce desires to work in circumstances where technology is necessary for day-to-day operations. More than 80% of colleagues in the warehouse, Vision Study stated that they are more likely to work for an employer who provides them with cutting-edge devices—like portable tablets, robots, and wearables with augmented reality apps—to utilize at work. The technology that today's automation brings to the workplace is a potent tool for luring and keeping employees.
RaaS and SaaS automation solutions' cloud-based infrastructures permit remote management by internal or external solution providers. For instance, warehouse or factory managers can physically unbox automated mobile robots (AMRs), and a remote workflow manager can configure the robots using a cloud interface and essential programming tools. In this approach, clients receive the robot, collaborate with an implementation team to configure it to carry out the required activities, and then pay a monthly subscription fee to operate the robot.Upgrades are accessible to the consumer, and the subscription covers maintenance.
The secret to transforming today's robots into the force for operational transformation that they are increasingly becoming is software. To quickly and effectively complete orders in the warehouse, data that can address issues like which robot is carrying which charge, how many items and orders are assigned to that robot, and what is the best route for the robot to take—from pick to pack to ship—is essential. It is software that analyses numerous variables and makes the best decisions necessary to ensure the operation runs as it should.
Because of its stationary conveyor system, a Minnesota-based electronics distributor named Waytek discovered it took much work to increase capacity to satisfy growing demand. Using AMRs, Waytek enhanced throughput by 25%, recovered 13% of floor space, and automated manual processes like replenishment and dunnage to relieve employees of tiresome duties.
Start small with flexible automation, such as AMRs, then expand on your success. The era of protracted, drawn-out pilots is done. In reality, the ideal place to begin is by taking a look around your business and identifying jobs that are carried out by people but do not take advantage of their unique human qualities. Then begin there.
Delivering a returned item to the area where it can be re-picked and dispatched to a customer waiting for it or unloading and moving inbound goods to where it is needed. It may also involve taking a tote with an order to be packed and shipped. Move on to the following workflow once the productivity gains have been made and observe the skeptics change their minds.
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