Warehouse automation is a solution advised for firms aiming to increase logistics productivity, maximize storage space, and enhance the safety of their personnel, goods, and storage systems. But how exactly does one go about automating a warehouse? What steps should people take? In this blog, let’s discuss the steps to implement warehouse automation.
Rising R&D spending, high labor costs, a shortage of qualified workers, and increasing public awareness of the benefits of the market. Thus, these elements are predicted to boost market growth. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the global Warehouse Automation Market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% over the projection period from 2023 to 2031.
Follow This Step-By-Step Guide To Get Started With Warehouse Automation:
Create a committee to oversee the implementation
Create a committee of internal stakeholders with knowledge of current warehouse capabilities, performance, and challenges, as well as an understanding of existing technology gaps; consider bringing in third-party experts who are knowledgeable about supply chain automation and have knowledge of industry and warehouse operations.
Collect essential information
Effective warehouse automation is dependent on data from a person’s existing supply chain and business-critical warehouse operations. Before deploying new automation technology, assess the present data collection method and infrastructure. They should delegate data migration responsibility to qualified IT stakeholders.
Examine inventory controls
Inventory control is crucial to warehouse operations. Determine or refine people inventory control standard operating procedures (SOPs) before using warehouse automation technology. Include standard operating procedures for shipping, purchasing, customer satisfaction, receiving, and inventory loss.
Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to assess the effectiveness of automated inventory control procedures and processes. Evaluate the current inventory accounting method (for instance, perpetual or periodic systems) and how automation may affect it.
Set up partnerships with stakeholders
Supply chains can be fairly complicated because they are made up of numerous distinct links. It is beyond a doubt one of the most crucial elements to consider when automating the warehouse because the person must guarantee that the appropriate resources have been engaged.
This entails establishing collaborations with firm stakeholders, who range from funders to technicians, and from their technical assistance team to operations managers. Bringing everyone’s skills and experience together will aid in identifying obstacles, opportunities, and crucial issues at the beginning of the automation process.
Establish a warehouse management system (WMS)
WMS systems include software modules that aid in the control and tracking of inventory, the management of warehouse operations, the reduction of wages associated with manual duties, and the improvement of customer service. A new WMS should aid mobile devices and be compatible with their current enterprise software.
Determine the type of warehouse automation required
Person’s intention to employ automation to cut labor expenses related to back-office warehousing operations and accounting? Or, are they growing their warehouse footprint or opening new locations and believing it’s time to implement advanced physical process automation, like robots and GTP systems? It is critical to identify the type of warehouse automation that corresponds with goals and consumer demand.
Source: How To Deploy Warehouse Automation System?