reduce your operating costs with an automated warehouse system

• Why Warehouse Automation is a Cost-saving Priority
• How Automated Warehouse Systems Work
• The Cost-saving Benefits of Automation
• Which Automation Systems Deliver the Biggest Savings?
• Implementing Automated Trailer Loading in Your Warehouse
• Real-world Results: How ATLS Cuts Operating Costs
• Futureproofing Your Warehouse for Growth
• Turning Cost Pressures into Competitive Advantage
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Eliminating Waste and Reducing Damage-related Losses

Incorrect preparation, handling and loading damages goods and incurs wastage. Wasting time or budget addressing errors eats into profits.

Integrating with Warehouse Management and Warehouse Control Systems (WMS/WCS)

Automated warehouse systems integrate to coordinate warehouse processes and work with other warehouse machinery. Some automated warehouse examples are: Warehouse management systems (WMS) are the overarching system. They manage inventory, orders and overall warehouse operations. They determine where orders are stored, how orders are picked and how goods flow. They streamline operation and, in combination with enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs), improve supply chain visibility.

Warehouse control systems (WCS) work below the WMS and control automated equipment in the warehouse. They receive orders from the WMS and convert them into instructions for automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs), robots, conveyors and other automated machinery. WCSs help different automated components work together smoothly, maximise throughput and reduce bottlenecks.

Automated warehouse systems are a superb way to lower operating costs. Reducing operating costs examples are:

They Reduce Labour Costs and Overtime Spend

Automated warehouse systems offer a sustainable solution to cope with labour shortages and spending on overtime. The systems reduce dependence on manual labour for strenuous tasks and repetitive ones, allowing operators to hire fewer people or hire them for shorter periods of time and to redeploy existing human resources for other tasks. Therefore reducing operating costs in supply chain management. Our Automated Trailer Loading Systems can be operated by one employee, reducing a typical team of 4-5 operators to just 1, saving an average of 80% on labour and handling.

Optimise Energy Use and Floor Space

Warehouse operators don’t want to move to bigger buildings because the higher rent will increase their operating costs. Nor do they want to spend more than they need to on energy. Automated warehouse systems help them to use more vertical space and occupy less floor space, improving operational efficiencies.

The systems can also not only reduce energy consumption in warehouse areas where there are less humans, but today, many systems are engineered to be more energy efficient. Software optimises routes, and operators can adjust settings on equipment so it functions on minimal power. This will reduce operating costs and increase efficiency

Integration with Existing Material Handling Equipment

Integration of automation into its processes is challenging, often because of compatibility issues, a lack of training or even resistance to adopting change.

ATLSs like ours can integrate easily with existing equipment because often they require no major modification to existing structures or equipment. Our engineers will install them so the systems function smoothly within your processes.

Using an ATLS helps to futureproof your warehouse for growth.

Scalability of Moving Floor, Trailerskate and Slipchain Systems

ATLSs may require investment upfront, but businesses should factor in their plans for growth when considering whether to go ahead with the spend. The Moving Floor, Trailerskate and Slipchain systems improve every aspect of the loading process, such as loading and unloading more within the same timeframe. This is essential for any business that envisages processing a higher volume of orders and growing.

Higher operating costs heap extra financial pressure on businesses, but implementing automation can help turn things around. Not only by investing in the right automated technology can you reduce operating costs, but also, by harnessing the other benefits of automation, become more competitive.

Why Joloda Hydaroll’s ATLSs are the Smartest Next Step in Warehouse Automation

Investing in one of our automated trailer loading systems affords you the best of both worlds. In the long run, you reduce operating expenses by saving on personnel for loading and unloading, reducing the size of your fleet and the number of forklifts, and lowering your fuel costs and overheads such as energy costs and rental, which generates ROI within two years.

At the same time, you’ll boost productivity and set yourself up for growth. Loading and unloading trailers quicker will shorten turnarounds and remove potential bottlenecks caused by delays or surges in demand. The system will make it easier to cope with higher volumes of orders, reducing the need for more loading docks and a move to larger premises.

What percentage of warehouse operating costs are labour-related?

Labour typically accounts for 50-70% of total warehouse operating costs, making it the single largest cost driver in warehousing.

Rising wages, skills shortages, overtime, and high staff turnover all contribute to increasing labour spend, which is why many operators turn to warehouse automation to reduce dependency on manual handling and repetitive tasks.

How can automation help reduce warehouse operating costs?

Warehouse automation reduces operating costs by lowering labour requirements, minimising product damage, and increasing throughput. Automated systems such as Automated Trailer Loading Systems (ATLS) can cut loading times from over an hour to just minutes, reduce the number of operators required, and eliminate common causes of rework, returns, and damage-related claims.

What are the most effective ways to reduce warehouse operating costs?

The most effective ways to reduce warehouse operating costs include automating labour-intensive processes, improving loading bay efficiency, reducing product damage, and optimising space and energy usage. Automation at the loading dock is particularly impactful, as it addresses labour, time, safety, and damage costs simultaneously without expanding warehouse footprint.

How does automated trailer loading reduce warehouse labour and time costs?

Automated trailer loading systems reduce labour by allowing a single operator to load or unload a trailer at the push of a button. They also reduce loading times from 60 minutes to as little as 2 minutes, reducing driver & truck waiting charges, order delays, and improving overall warehouse throughput.

Is automated trailer loading suitable for existing warehouses?

Yes. Most automated trailer loading systems are designed to integrate with existing docks, trailers, forklifts, AGVs, and conveyors without major structural changes. Experienced providers assess each site to ensure compatibility, safety, and ROI, making ATLS a practical cost-reduction solution for both new and existing warehouse operations.