How Warehouse Automation Is Transforming Distribution

Warehouse automation has emerged as a transformative force that allows distribution centers to address labor challenges and meet enhanced customer demands.

Automation is an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of technologies. It encompasses everything from autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that navigate warehouse floors to integrated AI software that improves operation plans. What these types of warehouse technology have in common is their ability to minimize errors, reduce manual effort, and increase productivity.

Labor challenges such as high turnover and a lack of experienced staff have made warehouse automation integral to the supply chain. 70% of supply chain professionals believe automation will have a positive impact on warehousing, according to data from G2. 

In general, warehouse automation leads to increased efficiency. At the same time, introducing more automation creates additional complexity to warehouse site flows. Warehouse management systems (WMS) and labor management systems (LMS) gather massive amounts of data. Organizations that aren’t properly leveraging this data are missing opportunities for serious productivity increases.

That’s where warehouse orchestration comes into play. AutoScheduler offers an AI-powered warehouse orchestration platform that helps some of the world’s largest distributors (such as PepsiCo) coordinate labor planning, inventory workflow, human-robotics interaction, and space utilization.

Let’s discuss some key warehouse automation trends, and describe how orchestration can help your warehouse reap the positive benefits of increased automation.

What is warehouse automation?

Warehouse automation is the process of using technology to accelerate warehouse operations while reducing the need for manual intervention. This process includes automating repetitive tasks such as inventory management, order packing, and site planning through systems such as robotics and AI-powered software. 

At its core, warehouse automation offers the potential to reduce costs and better meet the constantly evolving needs of modern warehouses. For example, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can navigate warehouse floors to retrieve items, while conveyor systems can transport goods without the need for forklifts. Paired with advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) and warehouse orchestration platforms, automation provides real-time insights and decision-making capabilities to optimize workflows.

When to automate your warehouse

Every modern warehouse should be embracing warehouse automation in some form or fashion. Here are a few factors that determine your networks’ readiness for more automation:

• Operational Complexity: If your facility handles high volumes, multiple workflows, or non-linear site flows, automation can reduce bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
• Labor Challenges: Labor shortages, high turnover rates, or rising costs are strong indicators that automation could fill gaps and stabilize operations.
• Demand for Accuracy and Speed: Customer expectations for faster deliveries and accurate order fulfillment require precise, repeatable processes that automation provides.
• Scalability Requirements: As your business grows, automation enables you to scale your warehouse processes without breaking the bank.

Overall, any warehouse looking to increase cost savings should be exploring warehouse technology to spur their automation.

Warehouse technology automation trends

The world of warehouse technology and automation moves quickly. Here are a few trends shaping the landscape: 

• AI and Machine Learning: Advanced algorithms enable predictive analytics, dynamic task allocation, and real-time decision-making, making operations smarter and more adaptive.
• Autonomous Mobile Robots: AMRs are becoming increasingly popular for picking and transporting goods, offering flexibility compared to fixed systems like conveyors.
• Wearable Devices: There’s a wide variety of wearable warehouse technology available for floor staff, from GPS-tracking bracelets to smartwatches. For example: Amazon is developing smart eyeglasses to help make their delivery drivers more efficient.
• IoT Integration: Internet of Things (IoT) devices provide real-time data on equipment performance, inventory levels, and environmental conditions, enhancing visibility and control.
• Warehouse Orchestration: Warehouse orchestration platforms analyze data from existing inputs such as your WMS, LMS, transportation, inventory management, and production systems to create optimized plans for managing the operational flow of warehouse facilities.

It’s important to remember that automation isn’t just about replacing human labor; it’s about augmenting your staff with intelligent tools that help them work smarter.

Best practices for warehouse automation

Automation goes beyond introducing warehouse technology just for the sake of it. Implementing warehouse automation can be complex, but following these best practices can ensure a smoother transition:

Invest in change management and employee training

New systems are only effective if they’re properly implemented and maintained. Decision-makers must embrace any new warehouse automation technology they introduce. This means effectively communicating the reason for – and benefits of – any new technology.

Additionally, organizations should equip their workforce with the skills and training needed to operate and manage automated systems. This will better foster collaboration between humans and machines.

Focus on ROI

The impact of any new warehouse technology should be tangible. Track metrics such as throughput, error rates, and labor costs before and after implementation to evaluate the success of your automation efforts.

Prioritize quality data

We’ve probably all heard the “garbage in, garbage out” trope a hundred times. But that doesn’t make it any less important! Accurate data helps power your WMS, LMS, and other crucial systems. The more accurate your data inputs, the more likely you are to reap valuable insights that can help your workflows.

Embrace warehouse orchestration

A warehouse orchestration platform, such as the one provided by AutoScheduler.AI, has the ability to synthesize data across formerly siloed platforms. Rather than building multiple reports or hunting across systems, warehouse leaders can rely on a single control layer that operates on top of their existing systems.

How an orchestration platform takes warehouse automation to the next level

While automation addresses many challenges, it’s not a standalone solution. Automation systems can become siloed without a unifying framework, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. This is where warehouse orchestration comes in.

Warehouse orchestration acts as a control layer that integrates data from automated systems, WMS, LMS, and other platforms, providing a comprehensive view of warehouse operations. It uses AI and machine learning to dynamically optimize site plans, ensuring that automated systems operate in sync with human labor and other processes.

For example, an orchestration platform can analyze real-time data to redirect AMRs during peak periods, adjust dock schedules based on incoming shipments, or allocate tasks to minimize downtime. By coordinating every aspect of the warehouse, orchestration transforms automation into a nimble operation capable of adapting to constant change.

AutoScheduler: Software to enhance your warehouse operations

AutoScheduler provides a platform for dynamic warehouse orchestration that allows modern warehouses to adapt to changing conditions 24/7. Our predictive capabilities help prevent operational disruptions and increase real-time visibility for all management levels.