The world of technology expands every day, and that means important improvements in the warehousing industry. Thanks to the growth of smart technology and the Internet of Things, running a warehouse quickly and efficiently has never been easier.
What is a smart warehouse? Simply put, a smart warehouse is a warehouse that makes use of internet-connected technology.
Implementing smart devices and automation can help your warehouse stay competitive on a global scale, while also reducing labor costs.
But what else can a smart warehouse do for you? Here are just a few ways smart warehouses can make your business better.
1) Shorter pick and load times
By implementing a smart warehouse, you can shrink your pick and load times. According to NFI Industries, smart warehouses rely on increased automation, which helps shrink the number of steps in your picking and loading processes.
Whether you’re solely relying on automated robots that pick items through RFID, or “cobots” that help your existing associates work faster, smart technology can help your workers find products more quickly. And if your transportation company makes use of smart technology, you can anticipate their arrivals and prepare materials for loading faster.
2) Actionable insights
A smart warehouse never relies on humans to keep track of inventory. Because all of your technology is integrated, you can see what products are needed the most and what products aren’t moving. Then, you can use those insights to make more intelligent decisions about what to order and how much.
As the smart warehouse gains more data about your enterprise, it can help you extrapolate the data into future predictions, resulting in increased profit.
3) Reduced labor costs
Smart warehouses may eliminate the need for some superfluous staff, as the technology introduced makes fewer mistakes and requires fewer people’s oversight. Whether you replace all of your associates with mechanical help, or enlist the aid of robots to work alongside them, you can cut down on labor costs and improve your warehouse’s bottom line.
4) Improved adaptability
According to AirFinder, having a smart warehouse improves your business’s adaptability. Besides signaling to your partners that you are willing and able to embrace new technologies, the available data also assists you in making faster decisions. Instead of waiting for someone to count inventory, you know where all inventory is at all times. Instead of ordering more products that you already have a surplus of, you can make the informed decision not to waste money.
This adaptability also allows for faster responses to process or demand changes as well. Instead of trying to train staff on a new process, you can have someone program your warehouse to make the changes for you.
5) Easy implementation
While the outlay of capital to create a smart warehouse may seem daunting, you don’t have to completely automate your warehouse all at once. Camcode lists seven automated improvements that you can make to your warehouse, ranging from WMS software to Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems. In general, warehouse technology has gotten more efficient, faster, and more accurate — so any improvements you make can help lower your operations’ costs.
Vodigy Network helps businesses step into the future. With our full-service internet solutions, we help you make informed decisions about how to make your business faster, more reliable, and more efficient. If you’re interested in improving your business, contact us today!
