The warehouse automation industry size is estimated at $25.74 billion and is expected to reach up to $54.53 billion by 2029, an increase of 16.20%. So, why are so many warehouses embracing industrial automation, and how do they benefit from these new technologies?
Discover everything there is to know about industrial automation, including this technology’s advantages, how it can be applied to your facility, and what the future holds for this innovative sector.
What Is Industrial Automation?
In its simplest form, industrial automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with reduced human assistance. More specifically, it is designed to help businesses within the industrial sector carry out repetitive tasks more efficiently and productively.
There are many ways warehouses use industrial automation to their advantage, including to streamline picking, barcoding, palletizing, and moving materials.
What are the Benefits of Automation for Warehouses?
If you are not yet sold on the notion of industrial automation or you would like to know more about how it can make your warehouse more productive, take a look at the below quote from one of the leading industrial automation parts suppliers:
“Automation in warehousing has become a pivotal strategy for enhancing efficiency, productivity, and overall performance. By leveraging industrial automation technologies, warehouses can streamline processes, reduce errors, optimize operations, and ultimately improve productivity” – Johnathan Craddock, Managing Director, cjsautomation.com.
Now, let’s delve into this a little deeper so that you can get a better idea of how industrial automation can improve your facility.
Reduce Operational Costs
Human errors are unavoidable but can prove extremely costly for your warehouse. Even if you invest in regular staff training, mishandling, accidental damage to products, and inventory errors are all commonplace in a warehouse environment. However, when you decide to invest in industrial automation systems, you will see a dramatic decrease in errors, which can save you time and money in the long run.
You should also consider the cost of moving and storing inventory, which can prove to be very expensive, especially if your business starts to expand and you need to replenish stock more quickly.
Reduce Processing Times
The faster you can process tasks, the more efficient and cost-effective your warehouse can become. While many manual tasks take hours of human labor to complete, automation tools can complete tasks within a much shorter time scale.
Unlike human beings, who cannot work continuously without a break, automated systems can operate 24/7 with excellent accuracy and precision.
Improve Safety
Even if you pride yourself on having a robust safety strategy for your warehouse, with manual handling, there is always a degree of risk. However, by automating processes such as picking, carrying, and placing objects, you are putting less strain on your employees’ bodies and reducing the risk of workplace injuries.
By improving safety in your warehouse, you will not only cut down the amount of downtime but also help boost employee morale and job satisfaction.
Ease Labor Shortages
If you struggle to find experienced workers for your warehouse, you are far from alone. Labor shortages are one of the most common challenges faced by the industry, resulting in a lot of strain on existing employees and, in turn, more errors.
With automation systems, your warehouse can carry out many small tasks without the need for human action, taking the pressure off your team and enabling them to focus on more complex tasks.
Improve Accuracy
Inaccuracy is another common problem in warehouses, leading to costly delays and bottlenecking. For example, if the wrong product is retrieved or it is stored in the wrong place. However, with the use of industrial automation, this can be greatly reduced.
Pick-to-light systems are becoming increasingly popular and can be used to guide operatives to the correct area by illuminating the location.
Ease of Scalability
If you have plans to grow or expand your warehouse, either in the future or as soon as possible, industrial automation can help you to achieve this. The beauty of automated systems is that they are easily modified. This means that you can easily scale your operations up or down depending on the current demand.
Furthermore, you can lease certain automation tools such as robots as and when needed, such as during peak times and seasons, helping to keep costs down.
What Types of Automation Can Improve the Productivity in Your Warehouse?
There are currently three main types of industrial automation designed to improve your warehouse’s productivity and efficiency. These are:
1. Autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs)
Autonomous guided vehicles are used to transport and retrieve products throughout a warehouse. These operate via the use of a laser, contour, ranging or magnetic sensors. These systems save time and cut down on human error, as the correct products go to the right places quickly.
2. Autonomous mobility robots (AMRs)
Autonomous mobile robots are used in transportation, sortation, and order picking. These typically operate via the use of lasers, LIDAR, QR codes, GPS, or RFID. AMRs can be used to automatically identify the most efficient routes throughout your facility, enabling them to complete tasks much faster.
3. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
Automated storage and retrieval systems can help your warehouse to be more productive by storing and retrieving materials on demand. Some of the most popular automated storage and retrieval systems types are shuttles, cranes, and vertical lift modules.
What Does the Future Hold for Industrial Automation?
So, what does the future hold for industrial automation, and how will it affect your warehouse?
Looking ahead, you can expect the warehouse automation industry to be greatly shaped by the current trends within the industry, such as advanced robotics, digital twin technology, sustainability, and the integration of 5G. If this already sounds a little overwhelming, it is important to remember that you don’t need to rush out and invest in all of the above right away. There is nothing wrong with taking things at your own pace and exercising a little bit of caution.