It is a fact that technology is progressing at a quick pace at present. The warehouses need to be equipped with the proper technology, which will enable them to keep up with the demand of production, manufacture, and consumers. A smart warehouse has been automated for enhanced efficiency, productivity, as well as accuracy.
The solutions which are implemented provide capability and flexibility to the workers out there along with their processes. An increasing number of startups invest in efficient technologies such as the JD Edwards ERP technology, which is renowned for its stability and reliability.
In this article, we have mentioned the top 3 warehouse technologies to look for in 2020.
1. Drones and robots
Warehouses are making use of small, maneuverable drones as businesses worldwide look for automating inventory and asset management. Stocks are stored up as high as 10 meters in some warehouses, and difficult-to-reach barcodes simply implementing equipment like ladders and forklifts, which require hours of labor.
However, speed and precision can be enhanced by drones carrying scanners that navigate the warehouse shelves and take an automated registry of stock. It is possible to read and locate RFID tags from a distance of 15 meters through cameras. Nevertheless, drones that are able to navigate tight areas without colliding are yet to be introduced.
On the other hand, robots have been programmed for guiding themselves and picking and packing orders into waiting trucks or carts. Several warehouses are already becoming fully automated through the usage of robots.
These robots operate on complicated algorithms that allow them to pick up inventory and also guide them to the exact grocery bag for dropping it into. While doing so, they make sure that they do not collide while roaming around filling orders.
2. 3-D printing and automated guided vehicles
It is possible for 3-D printing to bring the manufacturing close to consumers plus other end-users. For example, vehicle components manufactured in Asia have been assembled in Brazil and marketed in the US.
There is a high possibility of producing some components to move closer to the present market for cutting down on costs and shipment times. 3-D printing will minimize costs related to complicated trade for a large number of items since it will be possible to print them on demand close to their final destination.
As compared to robots, automated guided vehicles stick to guided routes in and around warehouses rather than functioning more independently. One notable advantage provided by automated guided vehicles is that they help replace forklift carts, and therefore, it is not imperative to alter a warehouse’s basic configuration.
These vehicles have been manufactured so that they will be coming to a safe halt if they collide against anything. This enhances efficiency since it is possible for automated guided vehicles to run continuously without any break.
3. Internet of Things
Internet of Things has been introduced only recently on the warehouse scene, and devices like sensors and wearables are already used in many warehouses. It is possible to minimize human error as well as manual labor by conveying pertinent information to other IoT gadgets.
Warehouse managers will also obtain real-time visibility of order fulfillment, thus enabling them to process the items more proficiently.
Although several of these advancements have been blocked by security concerns from reaching their full potential, quite a few technologies are being developed for improving the safety of implementing IoT sensor technology to significant logistics operations.
Microchips allowing more effectual encryption are among the several innovations that simplify security concerns regarding implementing IoT in warehousing, thus increasing efficiency shortly.
Conclusion
Warehouse technologies are evolving continually, and the global supply chain is set to undergo a significant revolution. This will penetrate homes equipped with IoT-enabled devices and leverage the cumulative assets for redefining the operation of supply chains.
The development opportunities are unlimited. Therefore, it is a matter of debate whether your company will be merely watching by standing on the sidelines or will take part in the excitement, which is impending.
