Technology is rapidly advancing in all sectors of the economy. Warehouses must be provided with technology that allows them to keep up with manufacturing, productivity, and consumer demand. A modern warehouse is automated for increased productivity, effectiveness, and consistency, and the solutions are used to provide personnel and processes with flexibility and capability.
Gone are the days when warehouses were little more than hangars. As technology develops, new and inventive solutions become available. Some are used on a regular basis all over the world.
Others are still in the process of being developed in order to become viable. Despite this, they have one trait — they’re both transforming the warehousing sector. Today, we’ll look at some of the most cutting-edge warehouse technology that’s already in use. These are the ones you can put in place right now to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your warehouse.
Automated Inventory Management System
Automated inventory management systems are used in conjunction with a few other technological mainstays, such as asset and inventory tags, to reduce the workload, uncertainty, and unneeded time from traditional inventory control. To enhance the package, most of these systems are designed to count inventories and compile data in real-time for rapid and precise reporting that can be viewed remotely.
Enhanced Warehouse Material Handling Vehicles
The good old trusty forklift and carts are still reliable. In fact, studies have shown that simple types of equipment are far less likely to bog down. However, modern technology that improves the productivity and durability of such types of equipment lead to a far more efficient warehouse.
Some of the modern technology improving the performance of forklifts include advanced electric-powered forklifts. The main reason why electric forklifts are necessary is that it is far too dangerous to operate a diesel-powered forklift inside an enclosed area. The fumes would become a health hazard.
As such, electric forklifts became more popular. But their time for operation and power output is significantly limited by battery technology. Today, modern batteries can store and generate more power.
Another forklift technology is called the Backbone. This Backbone is a cutting-edge rearguard designed to improve the safety of the forklift. This protects the operator from underride collision, minimizing chances for injury and production downtime.
Additionally, in modern warehouses, automation is used to increase efficiency, speed, and safety. Forklifts, drones, pallet movers, local delivery trucks, and floor cleaners are all examples of warehouse technology that can now be computerized thanks to advances in data, wireless connections, and machine learning. Once these machines have been automated, they will be able to perform efficiently with very little human intervention.
Amazon is among the companies that have implemented this system using their Kiva bots. These are automated and work on warehouse shelves, pick up items, store them, and track inventory. They could also be used for self-sorting parcels. Trailer loading and unloading can also be managed remotely using automated loading platforms and vehicles.
Invest in Renewable Energy and Resources
Storage facilities take a lot of energy to run, especially if they have temperature-controlled or refrigeration devices. And it will get much better as they start adopting the rest of the latest technology on this list. This, of course, can result in some hefty utility bills. As a result, many warehouses are now focusing their efforts on sustainable energy sources, particularly solar electricity.
As a framework, a warehouse provides for tremendous solar panel application. Rooftops are an excellent location for a solar farm. As a result, you’ll be able to build a semi-self-sustaining organization, lowering your running costs dramatically. It also has the upside of increasing the value of the building. As a result, renewable energy is a wise long-term investment.
Automated Picking Tools
Picking is done or assisted by material handling systems such as put-to-light, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and goods-to-man in high-volume, high-labour-cost distribution centers.
With the addition of automated picking elements to your warehouse, you can achieve near-perfect picking rates. Within this category, there are a variety of tools (such as voice automated picking and pick-to-light), but keep in mind that your warehouse management system (WMS) should be designed to simplify your warehouse activities.
Picking is improved by making it faster, bettering labour allocation, and lowering human error.
Rather than having to manually calculate the appropriate locations, storage devices, and stock pathways, your WMS automates all of the work for you.
Utilize the Internet of Things (IoT)
Although the IoT is more of a concept than a specific technology, it is frequently implemented in the world’s most efficient smart warehouses. When the Internet of Things is used to control a large number of moving parts, both automated and manual, all of your processes can be optimized so that their data is stored in a single, easy-to-access network. This aids in the optimization of a warehouse’s inventory control systems, manpower planning, and, of course, the overall customer experience via faster fulfillment rates.
Leverage the Power of Modern Software and AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already on the rise, and now it’s affecting the warehouse industry, where robots now play a key role. According to current research, over 50,000 warehouses will be controlled by robots in the next 5 years, with over 4 million robots installed globally. Robotics are cost-effective and can pay for themselves in 3 to 9 months. That’s why so many small and medium-sized enterprises are considering robotic warehousing. Sorting, packaging, transportation, batching, as well as security compliance, inspection, and fulfillment, can all be done using robots in your warehouse.
Amazon and DHL, for example, are already utilizing robots. Amazon is thought to have over 200,000 robots in its warehouses, while DHL has purchased 1,000 Locus Robotics robots to improve delivery and efficiency. Alibaba is another famous example of huge robot deployment, with the company claiming to have decreased human labour by 70% only by utilizing robots.
Takeaway
Your warehouse is an integral part of your business. Make sure you keep up with the times to ensure that your warehouse doesn’t only help you store inventory, but rather help make you money.
Start by making sure your forklifts and reach trucks are as safe and as durable as they can be. The Backbone is the perfect piece of equipment to improve forklift safety for your operators. Contact Lakeport Metalcraft Inc. by calling us at 416-587-5809 or sending us an email at info@lakeportmetalcraft.com.
