Warehouse automation is the process of using technology to manage and automate the activities that occur in a warehouse. It employs automated systems to manage the storage, retrieval, and manipulation of materials.
Automation helps businesses streamline their operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity. But, as with any technology, you must follow certain dos and don’ts. This article will discuss the dos and don’ts of warehouse automation to help companies reap the maximum benefits of this technology.
Dos Of Warehouse Automation
You must follow some fundamental dos when automating warehouse operations to ensure you properly implement and utilize the process. They are:
- Do Your Research And Plan
Before investing in any new technology, always remember to do your due diligence. Research different types of automation and note their advantages and disadvantages. This information will come in handy as you determine the best fit for your company’s needs.
Automation is also something that takes time. It requires a detailed plan of action and clear goals. This plan has to include the steps to implement the automation and the timeline for completion.
You may not be familiar with the language used to refer to automation technology. As such, it’s easier when you hire professionals to consult with. A good professional will advise you on the best technology for your needs. They’ll also help you devise a plan for execution within your budget and timeline. The catch, however, is that when researching, you also have to do your homework on reliable warehouse automating experts.
You can do this through references, reviews, or visiting the company’s website, like 6 River.com, to check their services. Checking reviews is an essential step you shouldn’t miss, as this gives you information on how the company was able to serve its past customers.
- Invest In The Right Technology
Another important aspect of warehouse automation is investing in specific and suitable technology. As mentioned, there are different types of warehouse robots and software, each designed to serve a particular purpose. If you pick the wrong technology, your business’s production and efficiency may be affected.
When choosing the right warehouse technology, first consider the size and scope of the warehouse. Automated shelving and delivery systems may be all you need for smaller warehouses. Conversely, more advanced solutions, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), may be necessary for larger warehouses.
In addition to equipment, businesses must take advantage of only the best and most well-tailored software solutions. These solutions provide companies with real-time data regarding inventory levels, storage locations, and more. Companies can then use this data to optimize warehouse processes and increase efficiency.
- Automate High-Volume Repetitive Tasks
Automation is designed to help with repetitive tasks that require human labor. A computer can learn and execute these tasks, freeing human labor to attend to more pressing activities.
Therefore, when incorporating warehouse automation in your business, you want to pick some of these repetitive tasks:
Packing and unpacking boxes
Labeling and sorting items
Inventory tracking
When you automate these tasks, you increase the productivity of your team members. They can attend to other jobs and get a lot more done. Not only that, but you can reduce the risk of human error. Automation also means some of these tasks will be done faster, contributing to the company’s overall productivity and growth.
- Invest In Industrial Maintenance
Automation systems require regular maintenance to ensure they run at their optimal level. A maintenance routine is a set of activities to repair a broken system, prevent breakdowns from occurring or upgrade the system.
Start by maintaining your equipment. Regularly check for wear and tear on the equipment and repair them accordingly. You may have to replace the system if the damage is extensive. This process also helps correct failures that would have occurred in the future.
If they are new warehouse software, consider upgrading to ensure your business productivity stays at optimal levels. Industrial maintenance also ensures the safety of using the technology. This is because the systems are inspected for risks and corrected accordingly.
Finally, regular care helps reduce operating costs. When the automating technology is efficient, it runs at a low cost compared to when it’s faulty. Faulty systems create downtimes that are expensive for businesses. They’re also costly to repair regularly.
- Stay Updated On Trends
Technology is constantly changing and improving, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in warehouse automation. Doing so helps ensure that your warehouse uses the best and most efficient technology in the market.
- Monitor Automation Performance
It’s essential to monitor the performance of your automation systems to ensure that they’re working correctly and meeting your desired objectives. This can include tracking errors, monitoring output, and ensuring the system runs smoothly. These systems can detect defects and discrepancies and alert staff when items need replacement or repair.
Warehouse automation is an effective way to improve your business performance. By seriously considering these dos, you save time and money while improving the accuracy of your warehouse operations.
What Not To Do
Now that you know what to do with warehouse automation, here’s what not to do:
- Don’t Over-Automate
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make when automating their warehouses is automating the entire warehouse. While automation can improve efficiency, it can also make it difficult to manage and create additional complexity.
Moreover, when everything is automated, you risk slowed-down functions should all the systems fail due to a cyber threat or power outage. It helps when some crucial parts of the warehouse can still run even when the automated systems are down.
This makes it crucial to ensure that you only automate the parts of the warehouse that will benefit the most from automation. Additionally, you must make sure you can scale the automation as needed.
- Don’t Neglect Training
Another common mistake businesses make is when they forget to train their employees. Automation requires employees to learn new processes and technologies, which can be challenging for some. Therefore, ensure that employees are adequately trained.
The essential skills they require training for include:
How to use the system
Troubleshooting issues
Safety precautions to take when using the automating technology
Additionally, you need to provide ongoing support and training to ensure that employees are updated on new technologies.
- Don’t Ignore The Safety Of The Workers
When automating a warehouse, safety should always be a top priority. Automated systems can operate at high speeds and potentially cause injury if not properly monitored. Therefore, ensure that all safety protocols are in place.
As mentioned, one way to ensure safety is by training your team members on the precautions to take when using the system. Provide them will all the necessary safety gear and equipment. Train them on how to use the equipment and where to ask for help when needed.
Another way you can ensure safety is by regular system maintenance. This will help detect glitches before they happen and repair them, preventing accidents at work.
- Don’t Disregard The System’s Security
You must also consider the safety of the warehouse’s automated systems. Hackers can easily breach unprotected computerized systems. With this in mind, schedule regular system checks and implement strong passwords and security precautions.
Also, check that your staff can recognize suspicious activity or potential breaches and adhere to all security procedures. This protects your system against cybersecurity attacks that can compromise your business.
- Don’t Overlook The Human Factor
Consider the human factor for smooth usability and a great experience for your team. Automation can be a potent tool, but you must ensure that the automated system is designed with the user in mind. The processes should be as intuitive and user-friendly as possible to avoid errors or difficulty while using them.
- Don’t Forget Human Resources
Automation is not just a technical issue. It involves many aspects, such as personnel, processes, and technology. Although automation increases efficiency and reduces costs, it shouldn’t replace human resources.
It needs to be used to supplement existing staff, not to replace them. Pay attention to this and ensure that there’s still human capital to oversee the automation process and handle any issues that may arise.
These outlined don’ts keep you aware of the potential pitfalls that can arise from automation. Take the time to plan and implement the system properly, and your warehouse automation system will have better chances of success.
Summary
In conclusion, automation can be a great way to improve efficiency and reduce costs in a warehouse. However, it’s significant to consider the dos and don’ts of warehouse automation to guarantee that the process gets executed effectively. Automation can significantly increase efficiency and reduce costs with these tips and the right approach.
