The warehousing and logistics sector, traditionally seen as a realm of heavy machinery and manual labour, has undergone significant changes in recent years. With the rise of e-commerce and the ever-increasing demand for faster delivery times, warehouses have had to adapt rapidly. To meet these demands, the industry has turned to technical innovations such as wearable computers and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These solutions streamline operations and deliver significant cost savings to warehouse organisations.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Rugged handheld computers, vehicle mounted computers and wearable computers, such as head mounted displays and ring scanners, are increasingly becoming indispensable assets in supply chain organisations. Their integration into these industries is rooted in the tangible cost savings they provide.
Wearable computers facilitate hands-free operation, which drastically enhances worker efficiency. Wearables, such as ring scanners, that are equipped with barcode or QR code scanners allow workers to quickly process items, reducing the time traditionally required for inventory management and updating. Immediate scanning and data input mean real-time updates to inventory levels, reducing the chances of stockouts or overstocking, both of which can be costly.
Warehouse employees equipped with head mounted displays can receive real-time picking instructions directly in their line of sight, eliminating the recurring need to interact with a device application or consult paper lists. This accelerates the picking process and reduces errors, resulting in fewer costly mistake shipments and returns.
The Labour-Saving Impact of AMRs
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) have moved beyond the initial stages of adoption and are increasingly being implemented in warehouses and distribution centres globally.
They have been a catalyst in driving down warehousing costs and improving overall efficiency.
One of the most immediate beneficial impacts of AMRs is their ability to streamline picking and transportation tasks, which traditionally required manual labour. With the chronic shortage of warehouse labour, AMRs are filling this gap, handling repetitive tasks, and allowing human workers to focus on more complex and value-added activities. This enables organisations to significantly reduce labour costs, especially during peak seasons where hiring temporary staff becomes a necessity. AMRs also make ideal workers for the unsociable night time shifts, as they operate consistently and without fatigue.
With AMRs, organisations can ensure they meet their commercial commitments, and that productivity doesn't diminish during extended shifts. This leads to a more predictable and optimised workflow.
Future Proofing Business with New Technology
Technical innovations such as AMRs and wearable computers are not just fads but are defining the future of the warehousing and logistics sector. StayLinked Evolve offers a transformative solution for warehouses to seamlessly integrate established Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) with cutting-edge Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Evolve simplifies the complex task of integrating new technologies by removing the need for costly custom coding. Instead of embarking on a convoluted overhaul, businesses can effortlessly amplify their operations and productivity using Evolve. The platform facilitates intelligent automation and seamless systems coordination with IIoT solutions that can take efficiency to the next level.
With the invaluable insights from data, the Evolve platform facilitates warehouses to make data driven decisions for operating in the most effective and cost-efficient manner. Whether it's expediting employee onboarding or deploying new tech, StayLinked Evolve positions businesses at the forefront of operational efficiency.
The RoI of Innovation
In a world where speed, accuracy, and efficiency are paramount, smart technology in warehouses is not just a luxury: it's a necessity. However, introducing wearables and AMRs into your warehouse requires capital outlay. For any business, especially in the current economic climate, the return on any new capital outlay needs to be fully understood.
Now you can do just that with our RoI calculator that will help you to discover the cost savings and operations efficiencies that you could unleash by introducing AMRs into your warehouse.
Using the calculator you can compare the cost of manually transporting goods versus the efficiency of using AMRs. The results may surprise you.
