Warehouse Optimization Using Robots

Posted on 26th October 2023

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Employing warehouse optimization in your warehouse can give you better results and happier customers. Warehouse optimization processes use real-time data to solve issues in your warehouse. Using factory robots has excellent benefits for the optimization process. You could automate almost 90% of your warehouse functions when done correctly. 

Benefits of Robotics in Warehouse Management

Productivity

Mobile robots reduce downtime and increase overall productivity; they are also very efficient because they can perform many tasks simultaneously. They also move faster than humans and can get to places people usually can’t. Because of this, you can make your shelves higher and optimize your floor space more effectively. 

Reduced Labor Costs

Automating logistics can save you a lot of money in labor costs, and they can also perform the more dangerous tasks people can’t. With employees, there is the additional cost of a danger allowance. And staff turnover costs can accumulate to massive amounts. The upfront costs of using robotics are very high, but the return on investment is worth it.

Sustainability

Mobile robotics are cleaner when compared to fossil-fueled vehicles, which means there are fewer emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. There’s reduced waste and less energy consumption. The sustainability of automation is a long-term prospect.

Inventory Management

Overnight deliveries and same-day deliveries have created high expectations from customers. You need an accurate inventory system with challenges like turbulent weather and unreliable supply chains. An automated inventory system is more accurate and more reliable than manual inputs.  

Safety and Risk

Warehouse operations are often risky and have high-traffic areas, which can result in accidents. Automation reduces the need for people on the floor and mitigates the risk of accidents and product damage. 

Automation vs Human Capital

The subject of automation in most industries is controversial because robots displace people by taking over their work duties. But if you look at it from a different perspective, automation creates learning opportunities for the workforce. Skills such as coding, programming and software engineering become crucial so people can start upskilling themselves to remain relevant in this robotic age. 

Warehouse functions are often repetitive and can become very mundane for people which is where the errors can creep in. Robots are a great replacement for performing these functions because they can perform them with the same accuracy. 

People also have cognitive and intuitive abilities that automation can never replicate. So, while the fear of losing jobs is real, automation can never truly replace a person. So we will always need people for warehouse optimization.

The initial investment in robotics and automation can be very expensive which is why some companies shy away from it. The maintenance costs can also become expensive especially if they are not operated correctly. 

Bottom Line

Compared to human capital, using mobile robots and other automated systems in warehouse management is better. The benefits go beyond the bottom line, but also extend to customer satisfaction. The margin of error when using robotics is small, so fewer customers get the wrong items or faulty goods. 

Robotics can also be extended to customer satisfaction after delivery, application bots can be used to gauge customer satisfaction. Application bots can also assist with ordering and updating clients on their orders. So automation doesn’t have to be limited to warehouse operations.