If you’re new to the concept of warehouse automation, then you must know that a technology such as this allows multiple benefits to companies, so that the companies can enhance their bottom line. Big companies such as Apple and Amazon have jumped on the bandwagon for automation many years ago. And the popularity has been increasing ever since.
Therefore, to help you learn more about warehousing and distribution, we are going to share some of the brilliant advantages that warehouse automation brings to the table.
Infographic created by WSI, a 3pl distribution company
The Merits Of Warehouse Automation
- Labour Optimisation
Labour optimisation is extremely crucial in maintaining operational savings. Sometimes due to labour shortages, companies have to increase labour salaries to be able to attract employees, while also retaining the current ones. So, rather than trying to increase the number of employees inside a warehouse, automation can help in creating savings in the long run.
With automation, investment is made one-time and the benefits last for multiple years. The savings that are made from optimising headcount can be utilised towards improving other avenues of the warehouse.
- Enhanced Inventory Management
It’s extremely important to keep accurate records of your warehouse inventory. When you have a full understanding regarding the amount of inventory you have and the number of orders you need to fulfil with the same will help you to maintain an adequate level of the stock count.
With automation, you’ll gain the ability to manage as well as report on your warehouse inventory, all in real-time. As a result, you can accurately maintain your stock count, without having to worry about under-stocking or over-stocking. Moreover, you can use the data to perform forecasting for the upcoming weeks or months, as well as plan for different seasonal periods.
Automation will free up the time that your warehouse employees would have been spent on recounting inventory. Ultimately, no time will be lost and you don’t have to pay for unproductive labour hours. Furthermore, small businesses can utilise more warehouse space with automation.
- Better Efficiency
It should be noted that automation will help in optimising every other avenue of your overall supply chain, thereby leading to better efficiency. The turnaround times will be lowered and cycle times will be reduced so that you can avoid any backorders or shipping delays, which can otherwise damage important customer relationships relating to e-commerce order fulfilment.
- Increased Accuracy
As we have already discussed, automation will lead to increased order accuracy, which can decrease any chances of order returns. It’s only because of automation, Just In Time (JIT) inventory management system can be implemented.
- Satisfaction Of The Customers
Unless you’re unaware, warehouse automation will automatically improve customer satisfaction. Since you’ll be fulfilling your orders on time along with full transparency, you’ll be able to please your customers. Moreover, with the help of automation, you’ll be able to provide your customers with the estimated delivery information regarding how much time it will take for their orders to reach their doorstep from the moment they place them.
As a result, you can expect a deeper sense of understanding from your customers when it comes to business logistics.
We hope you liked our small yet in-depth take on warehouse automation. And if you’re planning to obtain professional distribution & warehousing services, then connect with us today.
