warehouse automation that lowers operational costs (OPEX)

Warehouse automation employs software and technology, such as sensors and robotics, to automate tasks and processes. These elements work together with other software such as inventory management software.

There are two main types of automation:

• Physical automation: which uses technology to minimise human movement and create efficient workflows.
• Digital automation: which harnesses data and warehouse automation software to eliminate human errors and reduce manual workflows.

Warehouse automation offers significant financial benefits, including OPEX (operational expenditure) reduction. Automation reduces labour costs and use of resources, and, by minimising human errors, minimises costs related to correcting mistakes.

As straightforward as it sounds, warehouse automation falls into different categories. Some warehouse automation examples are:

Basic automation

Basic automation entails implementing simple technology to boost efficiency by supporting workers in tasks that would call for more manual labour. This could be a conveyor which moves items from point A to point B in the warehouse and requires minimal change.

System Automation

Warehouse system automation uses software, robotics, data analytics and machine learning to automate tasks and procedures. A warehouse management system (WMS) is one example.

The WMS will review all the orders to complete in a day and will organise users to pick similar types of items so workers don’t have to repeatedly cross the warehouse all day. It can coordinate collection tasks, too, and allows businesses to make more informed decisions.

You’ll see all types of warehouse automation solutions in a warehouse. Below are some of the main ones.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs) use robotic arms, automated vehicles and other tools to store and retrieve inventory correctly. They reduce retrieval times and make the most of space.

Our LoadBuffering Solution integrates with your warehouse and uses automation to prepare full trailer loads, ready to instantly load a trailer upon arrival.

Warehouse automation has become commonplace in the warehousing industry, but why? What are the benefits?

Lower Labour Costs and Less Dependency

Warehouse automation systems reduces reliance on repetitive, time-consuming manual labour considerably and frees up resources for other tasks.

The fact that a task doesn’t require as many people to complete it lowers not only labour costs but, because modernised automated systems are designed with sustainability in mind, also lowers other OPEX overheads such as electricity.

Warehouse automation cuts labour costs, makes processes such as loading and unloading safer, and reduces damage to goods in the warehouse as employees fulfil their duties.

Indirect Savings: Efficiency, Space Optimisation, Energy Use

Warehouse automation systems don’t only produce direct savings, but also indirect ones. The automation boosts efficiency by reducing handling and travel times as AGVs and other tech perform warehouse tasks. The shorter handling and travel times inflict less wear and tear on equipment.

Further savings include space optimisation, since ATLS can reduce the number of loading docks required. Space is often at a premium in warehouses, and automation can spare the business the need for an expensive expansion.

Unmodified ATLSs help businesses to overcome some of these challenges. Integrating them is straightforward as they don’t require adaptation of trailers or of existing structures. Nor is additional hardware necessary.

Naturally, implementing one will require a major investment upfront, but the benefits justify it. Unmodified ATLSs allow you to load and unload trailers much quicker, and do so safely, not to mention enable you to manage labour costs easier and, as fewer workers will be necessary in the loading and unloading processes, free up resources for other tasks.

The LoadMatic is a fully automated loading system, suitable for palletised goods and non-palletised ones.

• Loads nonmodified trailers, trucks and containers
• Full trailer loading in less than 7 minutes
• Improves outbound material flow
• Saves more than 80% in labour and handling costs
• Instead of using a team of lift truck operators, a single operator can operate several LoadMatics.

Businesses come to us for support with their loading and unloading, and we’ve provided them with suitable systems. Take Sverdrup Steel.

Sverdrup Steel

• The size and weight of their products meant that Sverdrup Steel were struggling with their processes in their service centre in Denmark.
• The time-consuming, labour-intensive nature of loading heavy alloy products created lots of delays and inefficiencies.
• The heavy use of forklifts created major safety hazards and the use of contractors to handle products was resulting in damage to the goods, especially because goods were being handled outdoors and exposed to the elements.

D2C (Direct to Customer) is all about delivering directly to customers, rather than going through a third-party fulfilment service.

One piece of equipment businesses might use to speed up their D2C operations is an automated loading system, such as the equipment sold by Actiw, a division of the Joloda Hydraroll Group.

These loading systems are especially handy for third-party logistics (3PL) businesses, who often don’t wish to modify their trailers, because Actiw’s equipment doesn’t require permanent modification of trailers.

This automated loading equipment can really mark a turning point in your operations by boosting efficiency, cutting costs and improving handling safety, to name but a few of the benefits, which we’ll explore further in this article.

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