Many businesses fear that automation will require a long and expensive setup, together with multiple reorganisations. However, does this always have to be the case? Or have you been looking at the wrong solutions? Automation in intralogistics doesn’t have to jump from 0% to 100% immediately. Depending on factors like volume, growth opportunities, and industry trends, businesses can start small and invest in upgrades over time “grow as you go.”
When and Why to Automate
Let’s hear from leaders who have already automated their warehouses:
Mike Kosciukiewicz, Head of Supply Chain Development for Boohoo: “If you continue with a manual operation whilst experiencing a rapid growth in sales, you reach a capacity ceiling that may limit sales growth. Therefore, you must automate to increase capacity and improve efficiency to get more out of the existing building.”
Knut-Andreas Kran, CEO of ASKO OSLOFJORD AS: “We wouldn’t keep up with growth in our current space without automation, and we see it as an investment in the future.”
How to Automate
The size and growth trajectory of your business will often dictate how much to automate. A small step could involve introducing simple technologies to reduce manual labour or speed up processes. For example, a conveying system could connect workstations more efficiently, or a Vertical Lift Module (VLM) could be used for small parts storage, improving space usage and reducing picking errors.
Automation can also begin with a Warehouse Management System (WMS), which helps with inventory, order consolidation, and overall process control. Combining systems, like a conveyor with a VLM, can streamline operations, but you need to assess whether the space can accommodate such equipment. If space is tight, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) offer a flexible alternative.
Complete automation is the big step that many industry leaders have taken. It could involve shuttles for different storage zones, robots for picking, and various sensors to manage tasks with minimal manual input. However, this step requires a thorough evaluation of your logistics processes.
What to Automate
Knowing your end goal is critical, but breaking the process into manageable steps is key. Analyse the journey a product takes from receipt to shipping and identify areas where efficiency could be improved, you should consider:
Goods Receiving Zones
Is product information transferred to your system immediately? Are there scanners for pallets or case labels? Efficient receiving processes contribute to organised stock, easier picking, and faster replenishment.
Handling Returns
Managing returns is crucial, especially in e-commerce. Items that leave the warehouse often return within days. Consider automating parts of this process with sorting systems or conveyors to handle returns more quickly and efficiently.
Picking Orders
Separating picking from packing or order consolidation can improve efficiency. Automation options like conveying systems, AGVs, or robots can handle product transport, allowing employees to focus on other tasks.
Shipping Zones
Automation in the shipping zone can enhance accuracy and speed. For instance, route details and labels can be automatically printed and applied to packages, reducing errors and speeding up the shipping process.
Key Takeaways
An up-to-date, automated warehouse can add significant value to the customer experience.
Consider the following when planning your warehouse automation:
•Why does your logistics centre need modernisation, and what productivity goals do you want to achieve?
•How much automation is right for your business now, and are you ready for advanced technology?
•What current processes are causing bottlenecks?
Finally, think about future growth and invest in scalable systems. A solution that can expand with your business—adding workstations, machines, and employees as needed—will be the best choice.
Are you considering automation? The experts at SSI SCHÄFER can help you to explore your options.
For more information please visit: www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-gb email: info.uk@ssi-schaefer.com or call: +44 1264 386600
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