Automating warehouse logistics: where robots will replace humans
Warehouse logistics is the link between the manufacturer and the end consumer. It is the technology used to manage the warehouse operations required to ensure that the required goods are available, do not spoil or become obsolete, and are quickly delivered to the warehouse and shipped to the consumer.
The trend towards business automation is becoming more popular every year. Modern technologies and the fact that many processes in the warehouse can be automated with the help of computers and software. In today's Sargona blog we will talk about where computers and robots can replace humans in warehouse logistics processes.
The trend towards business automation is becoming more popular every year. Modern technologies and the fact that many processes in the warehouse can be automated with the help of computers and software. In today's Sargona blog we will talk about where computers and robots can replace humans in warehouse logistics processes.
Automation brings direct business benefits by saving time and money. Efficient warehouse logistics is critical to meeting customer demands, minimising costs and improving the overall operational efficiency of a business.
Some warehouse logistics processes can be outsourced to computers. For example:
Some warehouse logistics processes can be outsourced to computers. For example:
- Assembling and picking goods. These operations can be automated using dedicated warehouse management systems (WMS) and automated picking technologies such as routing systems, conveyors and robots.
- Inventory tracking. Inventory tracking systems can automatically track the number of items in stock, their movement and usage. This helps to prevent losses and inconsistencies in the accounting of goods.
- Order management. Automated order management systems can process orders, generate invoices and track the shipment of goods. In simple terms, it is a CRM for the warehouse. The use of such systems reduces the time spent on manual order processing and improves the accuracy and quality of order picking.
What warehouse logistics processes can be automated?
However, there are processes in the warehouse that cannot yet be fully automated and entrusted to computers. Here are some of them:
Optimising warehouse logistics, setting up a warehouse management system using specialised equipment makes warehouse operations predictable, transparent and reduces warehouse costs. In general, computers and software are playing an increasingly important role in warehouses, but the human factor is still important in some processes.
- Receiving goods. The receiving process involves receiving goods from suppliers, checking their quality and quantity, and registering them in the inventory management system. Some of the steps in this process can already be partially automated. However, receiving goods into the warehouse still requires human intervention. Without employees, it is still impossible to check the quality of the goods, the documentation and its conformity with the goods received, and to ensure that the goods are correctly placed in the warehouse.
- Packing of goods. This process involves the preparation of goods for shipment, such as packaging, labelling and documentation. It still requires human attention to ensure that the goods are properly packed and labelled.
- Handling non-standard orders, such as orders for special items or handling oversized shipments, may require human labour to find solutions to unforeseen situations.
Optimising warehouse logistics, setting up a warehouse management system using specialised equipment makes warehouse operations predictable, transparent and reduces warehouse costs. In general, computers and software are playing an increasingly important role in warehouses, but the human factor is still important in some processes.
What cannot be outsourced to computers
