Warehouse automation: increase logistics efficiency

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The logistics sector is expected to experience the greatest growth in the coming years. This momentum is largely due to the central role it plays and will play in keeping up with the growth of e-commerce. In this perspective, agility in task performance and warehouse automation are key aspects for increasing logistics efficiency.

With the exponential increase in the number of orders and the need to ensure greater efficiency in delivery, increasing profitability, several technologies have emerged to simplify the different processes and stages.

Warehouses are one of the sectors that has seen the most growth. This growth is based on the commitment of several companies to automate several of their tasks.

How can warehouse automation play a central role in logistics?
Today, logistics and warehouse management faces a major challenge in its operations. With the israel whatsapp number database of orders increasing and the need to store and process all orders more quickly and effectively, there is room for investment in warehouse automation.

According to Francisco Lacombe , author of the book "Dicionário de Administração", "automation is the application of computerized or mechanical techniques to reduce the use of labor in any process, especially the use of robots in production lines. Automation reduces costs and increases production speed."

In the specific case of warehouse automation, we are talking about the process of automating all inventory movements in entry, processing and dispatch to the customer with minimal human assistance .

This way, it is possible to reduce the amount of repetitive work and the need for manual data entry, something that can be performed by robots or intelligent, connected systems.

The adoption of these processes can therefore bring the following advantages to the logistics process:

Increased productivity
Less effort and fatigue for employees
Lower operating costs
Increased efficiency
Fewer order processing errors
Storage space optimization
Reduction of inventory failures
What processes can be automated in a warehouse?
When we talk about warehouse automation, we can divide it into two distinct areas: the physical processes of moving goods and the digital processes of information flow.

In both cases, there are several technologies available that can be used. And the logistics sector is already adopting some management trends .

Physical processes of moving goods
The use of technology in physical processes makes it possible to reduce repetitive tasks and improve their efficiency.

When we talk about automation in storage processing, we can divide it into three distinct stages: Movement of goods, storage and handling, and packaging.

1. Moving loads
In order to move goods, the use of robots or automatic distribution systems are the main bets.

Here, the highlights are automated guided vehicles (AGV), electrified monorails, continuous transport tracks, redistribution systems and vehicle loading systems.

2. Storage
To optimize space and facilitate picking, it is important to correctly organize the warehouse.

This is a process that can also be optimized, with several systems available that simplify this task.

We are talking, for example, about stacker cranes, miniloads and horizontal and vertical carousels.

3. Handling and packaging
Finally, to handle and package the goods, equipment and technologies are also used to make the work easier for employees.

We have, for example, Pick to light and Put to light, Voice picking , robots for handling products, palletizing systems and laminating systems.

Digital information flow processes
In order to complement physical process tools, some digital tools also appear that allow the capture and processing of large amounts of data automatically.

Here we can also divide it into 5 different areas: Planning, operation, communication, control and design.

1. Planning
For correct warehouse management, it is important to carry out correct work planning in order to provide more accurate data for the operation of automation.

Therefore, software such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), MRP (Material Requirement Planning), DRP (Distribution Resources Planning), FCS (Finite capacity scheduling) and sales forecasting software are used .

2. Operation
During the normal course of a warehouse's activities, there are also some digital tools that allow you to monitor the progress of the work.

We talk about WMS (Warehouse Management System), TMS (Transportation Management System) and MES (Manufacturing Execution System).

3. Communication
Among the technologies available for data communication, we find RFID and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange).

IoT is now beginning to play an important role in communication, allowing data to be captured and transmitted in real time from sensors, contributing to correct warehouse automation.

Optimize your warehouse with the right tools
PRIMAVERA's Eye Peak solution drives greater accuracy and assertiveness in the storage and distribution of goods and also facilitates the management of your warehouse.

To find out in more detail how you can benefit from a WPS system, check out the VASP case study.