Digitalization and Robotics: The Future of Warehousing

The impact of digital technology has provided businesses with a plethora of advantages on the production line. With the growth of e-commerce, many warehouses are competing with high consumer demand, the handling of multiple SKUs, improved production processes, and increasing productivity whilst decreasing cost. This has become increasingly complex for manufacturers and retailers. With manufacturers now choosing to digitize logistical operations in order to streamline their supply chains and meet consumer demand, stockpiling has forced them to increase the sizes of their warehouses and their capacities.

Robotics and warehousing

Robotics and autonomous technologies play a pivotal role in enabling digitized integrated warehouse solutions with real-time data processing. The need for real-time information is shaping consumer behavior and is evident in the number of people interacting with mobile devices in any public space. Digitization, in effect, has connected the consumer directly with warehouses, informing them of stock and stock availability.

In warehousing, there needs to be uninterrupted access to real-time information on which decisions are subsequently made. And this is most effectively managed with the use of digitized solutions. Smart devices offer a multitude of applications, such as tracking real-time locations of assets, improving warehouse security, and automating processes. Sensors can be installed within a warehouse to keep track of stock availability and alert managers when product numbers go below the predetermined limit. Impressively, companies in the food industry are even making use of automated sensors that warn warehouse operators about sell by and expiry dates, so that they can be restocked and reduce wastage.

Handheld devices installed with the relevant apps aid in a variety of warehouse activities, such as collecting, packaging, and distribution operations. This allows managers and staff to oversee production without having to be physically involved. This type of automation increases the productivity and output of the production line and gives workers an opportunity to take part in tasks that are best suited to manual labour.

Here are some of the most prominent uses and advantages of digitization and robotics in warehousing:

Data collection Today, technologies enable warehouse managers to use historical data to estimate demand, determine asset consumption and manage warehouse capacities. In addition, these technologies are facilitating machine learning and predictive analytics.

Mobility From fixed desktop workstations to mobile devices, there has been a major shift towards improved warehouse efficiency. Wireless devices and apps reduce walking time and allow warehouse employees to work and access data on the go at any time and from anywhere, even offsite.

Drone technology Drone technology is predicted to make waves in the warehousing industry too. They are generally a safe and economical option for stock tracking, calculating inventory, and other stock-taking operations. Drones can also be fitted with sensors, cameras, or barcode scanners, and can reach the smallest of spaces within a warehouse. Additionally, they can complete checks and manage inventory in less time than when done manually.

Machine learning Warehouses are expected to play a key role in consumer satisfaction, predicting product demand, and making better use of resources. As a result, forecasting and accurate decision-making is now an expectation. This enables warehouses to not only anticipate stocks, but also to optimize their capacity. Predictive analytics make use of statistics, for example through predictive modelling, big data, and data mining to analyze historical and future trends. Predictive analytics, in addition to artificial intelligence (AI), are able to recommend optimized inventory management, conduct stock inventory, and increase operational efficiency.

The digitization of warehousing presents an opportunity for businesses to combat the challenges they face in an increasingly modernized world of manufacturing, such as e-commerce and rising consumer demand. The future of supply chain management is a shift towards real-time data exchange, automated warehouse management systems, inventory tracking, and demand forecasting.

Yaskawa

We are a trusted partner and leader in the manufacturing of robotic solutions for palletizing and depalletizing. Our offering involves flexibility through 2D and 3D vision software as well as specialized software and tooling to enable customization for speed, safety, accuracy, and maximum productivity. We can also provide you with the necessary training to use your robot to its full potential. Contact us for more info.