We’re currently living in a technological era. What trended yesterday becomes outdated today. The technology world is evolving fast without leaving chances of prediction on what might be trending tomorrow.
As far as technological advancement is concerned, some fields, such as warehouses, can attest to this. Currently, almost every warehouse aspect is automated, making the processes seamless and fast. For example, unlike before, you can now use robots to carry and pack goods. They can also carry out cleaning procedures efficiently and with ease.
Warehouse management systems have also been invented to store and manage data safely. If you own or run a warehouse and are looking for the best technology to incorporate into your business, here are the most current innovations in warehouse technology.
1. Shuttle Automated Storage And Retrieval Systems
Also known as shuttle AS/RS, automated storage and retrieval systems use several shuttles to fetch and place loads from particular heights in warehouses. They’re precise and accurate, and they work at high speed. Like the solutions offered by 6 River Systems, shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems make work easier and don’t need much time to complete a task. These systems are ideal for assembly, picking, and kitting, among other things.
2. Collaborative Mobile Robots
Collaborative mobile robots are designed to increase human productivity. Experts believe that the collaboration between robots and humans increase productivity by almost 85% compared to when robots or human work alone.
The best thing about introducing collaborative robots into your warehouse is that they’re easy to integrate into any layout, eradicating the need to update your infrastructure. Additionally, collaborative robots are cheaper, especially since you can rent them depending on how much work needs to be done.
3. Inventory Tracking Systems
Lots of items get in and out of a warehouse daily. If you fail to track the inventory, you’ll likely count losses due to goods’ disappearance, spoilage, and damage. Fortunately, inventory tracking systems eradicate human errors and provide transparency. For example, technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) prevent barcoding limitations since the tags are detected and read remotely simultaneously.
4. Pallet Transport Robots
Pallet transportation is among the most time-consuming tasks in a warehouse. Luckily, pallet transport robots are making this task more manageable.
Besides locating and transporting heavy loads throughout the day, pallet transport robots can be programmed to work extra hours. These robots increase efficiency and allow humans to concentrate on other value-adding tasks.
When choosing pallet transport robots, ensure they can easily integrate into your warehouse operations.
5. Warehouse Management Systems
Also known as WMSs, warehouse management systems are software systems that store your essential data in a single platform for easy access. Once reserved, only internal users and any selected members of your staff can access the data.
The data stored allows fast reporting that helps you plan for current and future scenarios. Additionally, the warehouse management systems complement the rest of the technology, resulting in a better-performing warehouse.
6. Internet Of Things
The Internet of Things, or IoT, is designed to control and optimize processes. These systems comprise sensors that track items in storage while monitoring temperature, lighting, and moisture. IoT enables warehouse management to get real-time data from beacons. For instance, intelligent shelves provide stock information and determine if the items require replacement.
7. Scalable Systems
Due to the global pandemic, most warehouse managers have learned that everything is possible. Today, you could be working, and tomorrow, be barred from stepping out of your house. For this reason, it’s important to be prepared and ensure the business runs no matter what happens.
While you can automate your warehouse in every way possible, automation can be useless if the tools and technology can’t adapt to your warehouse functions. As far as scalability in warehouses is concerned, it means having systems that can be scaled up and down to fit current operations. For example, autonomous mobile robots help businesses adapt to warehouse operations depending on the demand.
8. Automated Cleaning Systems
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses prioritized sanitation. Luckily, thanks to technological advancement, most warehouses no longer depend on manual cleaning. Currently, there are cleaning robots on the market which make cleaning procedures effortless.
Cleaning robots can manage floor cleaning, air purification, and more. These robots allow warehouses to remain safe and clean all day.
Conclusion
Long gone are days when warehouse activities depended sorely on humans. Currently, warehouses are automated. Robots and software systems can run the business and carry out daily activities more efficiently. Suppose you wouldn’t want to rely on robots only.
You can invest in collaborative robots to work side by side with humans. Overall, technological innovations ensure fast procedures, making the warehouse more productive and reliable.
