Automation is the biggest supply chain trend of 2023 after inventory bulk of 2022
Automation can be used to improve various aspects of warehouse operations, including order picking, packing, and shipping. It can also help to increase accuracy and reduce errors, as well as reduce the need for manual labor and improve safety conditions for workers. However, implementing automation in a warehouse can also be a complex and expensive process, and it requires careful planning and management to ensure that it is successful.
There are many different types of automation technologies that can be used in a warehouse setting. Some examples include:
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS): These systems use computer-controlled cranes or other devices to move materials around the warehouse and store or retrieve them from specific locations.
Conveyor systems: Conveyor belts or other types of transport systems can be used to move materials from one location to another within the warehouse.
Robotic pickers: These are robots that are designed to pick items from shelves and place them onto a conveyor or other transport system.
Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies: These technologies, which include barcode scanners and RFID (radio-frequency identification) systems, can be used to automatically track and locate materials within the warehouse.
The growing need to modernize truck yards in line with warehouse and transport digitalization is fueling the adoption of established supply chain technologies to enhance asset tracking, allocation, and optimization within these yards.