The e-commerce increase has caused a total revolution in the logistics sector, which has reinvented itself to adapt and face the increasing demand for its services.
In this context, logistics process automation is positioning itself as the main solution to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving future.
Logistics centers must digitize their facilities to ensure their tasks improvement such as stock control or inventory management to increase their operation`s efficiency.
Logistics warehouse automation consists of the use of different technologies that make it possible to manage activities and operations in a more logical and efficient way.
For this purpose, logistics operations automation, technologies such as those below are used:
Inventory management systems
They are responsible for locating products in the warehouse. They can also be integrated with other systems, such as transport management systems, to ensure product traceability and optimize overall operational efficiency.
Radiofrequency identification systems
These are used to track and trace products both in the warehouse and the supply chain. They allow end-to-end monitoring from the origin to the destination.
Warehouse automation systems
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are used to store and retrieve products automatically. They are perfect for product locating, time-reducing, and supply chain operations.
Autonomous robots
Allow product movement and transport between different locations. This makes deliveries faster and more efficient. This innovative approach translates into swifter deliveries, thereby amplifying supply chain efficiency.
Increasing customer demands have made logistics companies want to go a step further for heightened efficiency. To achieve it, some elements need to be considered to optimize the processes.
Cabling
It is responsible for providing physical connectivity among network devices such as computers, sensors, or cameras. Cabling design depends on elements such as the space to be covered or the data transmission speed required. It is important to have a cabling system that guarantees efficient connections.
Mobile-WiFi coverage
Device connectivity must be guaranteed in warehouses. Having a mobile-WiFi network that allows mobile devices connections, such as tablets and smartphones, to be connected to the network and to each other, enables workers and users of the facilities to access important data in real-time. In addition, it allows other tasks, such as inventory tracking, data collection, or communicating with other people and equipment.
CCTV
Security systems are used to monitor activities in real-time, ensuring any incident or problem detection in the supply chain.
Public Address
Logistics warehouses must have a public address and voice evacuation system that allows emergency communication and the management of other communications. These systems are used, among others, to send communications and useful information or to coordinate tasks. These systems need to have intelligibility to comply with existing evacuation regulations, such as EN54.
BMS
Monitoring and control systems are responsible for monitoring and managing different systems, such as lighting, heating, cooling, security, etc., ensuring their operation at maximum efficiency levels. This improves energy consumption, reduces maintenance costs, and improves the overall efficiency of the warehouse.
- Cost reduction: Carrying out autonomous tasks, failure possibilities are reduced, as well as efficiency and operability are improved.
- Increased customer satisfaction: As warehouse efficiency is improved, processing capacity and speed of order delivery increase, enhancing customer experience.
- Goods visibility and traceability: Warehouse automation facilitates merchandise tracking, allowing any incident detection quickly.
- Integration of work teams and sectors: Promotes teamwork and collaboration in the warehouse, thanks to the automation processes integration and coordination.
