What is Storage Automation Software
If your office workflow is running so smoothly and everything looks so perfect and eye-catching, then there might be someone else who is backing up all these. And that someone is none other than a storage automation software.
Warehouse automation is all about using machines and automated technologies to take care of every single aspect of the warehouse that could help in increasing productivity and profitability. It is the fully integrated and customized software solutions that look out at managing some or all of the following workflows:
- In-flow and out-flow of goods
- Cost of goods
- Work rates
- Shipments
- Printing labels
- Customer support etc.
4 Major Warehouse and Logistics System Software
PLC – Programmable Logic Controller
WCS – Warehouse Control Systems
WES – Warehouse Execution Software
WMS – Warehouse Management Software
Working of Warehouse Automation
As discussed, warehouse automation uses technology and software such as sensors and robotics to automate human tasks. Such software aligns with existing tools such as inventory management software.
It makes sure that your infrastructure works to fulfill all the customer requirements. The workflow process automation initiates with WMS (Workflow Management Software) that supports data analysis by automating inventory control, data capture, and manual processes.
The software work by integrating with different other solutions to reduce manual tasks and manage effectively across various supply chain functions and businesses.
Varieties of Warehouse Automation Solutions
Different types of warehouse automation technology include:
Goods to Person (GTP)
This technology helps in reducing congestion, increasing efficiency and speeding up the warehouse picking process.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
AS/RS technology helps in the storage and retrieval of products or materials using mini-loaders, tote shuttles, material carrying vehicles, etc.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
AGVs help in navigating a fixed path through the environments by using sensors, wires, and magnetic strips.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
AMRs help in detecting obstacles by using enhanced laser guidance systems.
Pick-to-Light and Put-to-Light Systems
This technology helps in reducing the probability of human flaws and also the time consumed in walking and searching.
Voice Picking and Tasking
It helps in eliminating or reducing the need for handheld devices and enhancing efficiency and safety.
Automation Sortation Systems
It helps in the process of order fulfillment, such as receiving, picking, packing, shipping, etc.
Warehouse Automation Categories
Following are the different categories of ware automation technology:
Basic Warehouse Automation
It is the simplest technology that eases the manual task of employees by assisting them.
Warehouse System Automation
This type of technology automates procedures and tasks with the help of data analytics, robotics, machine learning and software.
Mechanized Warehouse Automation
It helps in reducing human efforts for warehouse procedures and tasks by using robotic equipment.
Advanced Warehouse Automation
This technology reduces human workflows and labor tasks by using automation systems and mechanized warehouse robotics.
Process of Warehouse Automation
There is a complete step by step approach to automate a warehouse and implement it successfully:
Prepare a Committee for Implementation
Come up with a committee that includes internal stakeholders. The stakeholders should be highly skilled and knowledgeable identify current technology gaps, challenges, capabilities, and performance. You can also take help from any third-party expert who is well efficient in working on workflow automation related to your industry type.
Gather Crucial Data
The next step is to collect all the essential data or information regarding existing workflow management. It is beneficial to have a thorough understanding of the latest infrastructure before implementing the new one. You can hire a knowledgeable IT stakeholder to take care of this responsibility.
Evaluating Inventory Control
This is the crucial step for automating warehouse workflows. Evaluate inventory control by:
- Determining or refining SOPs (standard operating procedures)
- Including SOPs to purchase, ship, receive, inventory loss and customer satisfaction
- Evaluating current inventory accounting process
- Determining the effect of automation
Implementation of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Now the next step is to implement the WMS technology. It consists of the modules that help in:
- Controlling and tracking inventory
- Managing warehouse operations
- Reducing labor costs
- Increasing customer service
The current technology is also mobile-friendly, which provides more ease to humans by reducing their efforts.
Determine the Type of Automation
Set out your goals for automation and customer requirements and determine the type of automation you will require to achieve that goal.
Need for Warehouse Automation
Certain benefits come with warehouse automation software and increase its need:
- Enhanced correctness in order fulfilment
- Increases coordination in material handling
- Reduced loss in inventory
- Reduced errors in shipping
- Enhanced safety in workplace
- More control in inventory
- Optimized warehouse space
- Fewer events in stockout
- Increased data analysis and accuracy
- Increased customer service and employee satisfaction
- Enhanced efficiency and productivity
- Reduced manual labor and human error
- Fewer operational and storage costs
- Enhanced warehouse throughput
Summary
Warehouse logistics automation software solutions are booming these days. Every enterprise and warehouse manager is focusing on enhancing production and efficacies, cost-cutting and streamlining operations, and the automation technology supports all these. This blog above goes through every detail of storage automation software and its benefits. If you still have a question about storage automation software, it’s better to contact a professional.
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