It’s never been more important for warehouses to operate at peak efficiency. Today’s consumers demand speed, accuracy, and reliability. Paper and related logistics providers that meet those expectations gain a competitive advantage.

In 2022, an organized warehouse and trained staff are no longer enough to meet the demands of the cutthroat logistics industry. To keep up, facilities are adopting innovative technologies to optimize and automate warehouse operations. The industry 4.0 experts from AICorespot explain a few here.

Maximize Visibility Throughout Warehouse Operations

Efficient warehouse operations start with understanding what’s happening inside your warehouse. Warehouse visibility enables accurate predictions and highlights problem areas in warehouse operations. Essential infrastructure for warehouse visibility includes:

Inventory Management Software

Inventory management software tells you what’s in your warehouse and exactly where it’s located. Inventory software also provides the necessary data for accurate demand forecasting. With real-time inventory data from RFID technology, barcodes, or inventory robots, facilities can respond quickly to changing demand and avoid costs associated with overstocking.

Warehouse Management System

Most warehouses today get inventory management tools as part of a Warehouse Management System. WMS software combines inventory management with work execution and advanced reporting tools. Generix Group notes that combining all three functionalities into one dedicated platform maximizes visibility into warehouse activities.

Universal Fleet Management System

Warehouses utilizing autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated guided carts (AGCs), and other types of warehouse robotics benefit from a universal fleet management system. When integrated with WMS, fleet management software streamlines task allocation, traffic control, and fleet productivity

Technology empowers warehouses, but it also exposes them to risk. Keep cybersecurity at the forefront of your mind when adopting new business technology. Every computer and mobile device represents an endpoint in the network and must be safeguarded with the appropriate cybersecurity measures. For cybersecurity and the other technologies like those listed above, it’s a smart move to look into app development companies to come up with solutions best suited for your business. These companies specialize in customizing apps for all types of industries, and they’re able to handle the most complex projects with speed.

Utilize Warehouse Robotics for Accuracy and Efficiency

Robots increase accuracy, efficiency, and safety in warehouse operations. While warehouses have been using augmentation robots like operator-guided aerial drones for several years, autonomous robots are just beginning to surge in popularity. Autonomous mobile robots learn their environment through a combination of sensors, maps, and machine learning. By assigning redundant tasks to AMRs, facilities improve inventory accuracy and free up human labor for higher-value roles.

Robotics represents a large capital expenditure. Yet due to rising labor costs, automation is an increasingly attractive option. Facilities not prepared to make the leap into purchasing robotic solutions should explore robots as a service. RaaS models side-step the high upfront costs of implementing warehouse robots by providing flexible, scalable robotics systems with built-in monitoring and maintenance.

If you are interested in implementing more robotics into your warehouse, but aren’t sure how, contract with a well-rated robotics company. These companies are well versed in the available robotic options and can help address your production or efficiency needs with appropriate new technologies. Read through each company’s specialities to find the best match for your warehouse and business needs.

Monitor Warehouse Labor with Wearable IoT Devices

Even with the growing use of automation, human labor remains a major part of warehouse operations. Wearable devices make it possible to track individual workers and collect data on employee performance, location, and movement. Wearable Internet of Things devices are also valuable for worker health and safety with biometric data-like heart rate monitoring and fall detection. They’ve proven particularly advantageous during the COVID-19 pandemic to screen employees for early signs of the illness.

Wearable IoT devices for warehouse employees include connected glasses for accurately identifying inventory, wearable scanners for touchless data entry, and fitness trackers and smart garments for monitoring workers, clocking in, and receiving important updates. Wearables can also integrate with voice-picking systems to direct AMR workflows. Food Logistics points out that, by adopting wearable devices instead of mobile or handheld technologies, facilities improve efficiency while creating a seamless employee experience.

Privacy and personal data are a top concern when assigning wearable devices to warehouse staff. Wearables are affordable to implement but doing so without securing employee information exposes facilities to considerable risk and liability. Consider the types of data collected, how long it’s stored and where, and who has access to sensitive employee data. Contracts with third-party providers must be carefully reviewed to ensure collected data is protected against cyberattacks and stored no longer than necessary to mitigate privacy concerns.

Logistics are growing increasingly high-tech. Is your facility keeping up? Explore these solutions for your facilities and start investing in the efficient warehouse operations that today’s competitive environment demands. And when you aren’t sure where to turn, contract out your robotic needs to the experts, and let the industry 4.0 experts from AICorespot keep you up to date on the newest technologies.