The warehouse automation system is generally regarded as one of the most effective ways to increase return on investment by reducing labor costs, improving efficiency, and increasing accuracy. According to the review from Supply Chain Management, one of the best ways to reduce long-term costs associated with warehouses is through warehouse automation. Warehouse automation solution handles everything from pickings goods, storing them, and shipping them to your customers.
However, warehouse automation is a costly undertaking, so planning is vital. You need to carefully match your warehouse capability to your needs prediction and ensure that your warehouse is ready to move goods and materials at the needed speed. While each warehouse will have exclusive needs, here are some of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing a warehouse automation system for your business.
Define Your Goals and Objectives
An in-depth analysis of your warehouse operations is vital when automating your warehouse. You need to have a clear overview of both your tactical and strategic goals, including a particular timeline with milestones and related Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to be tracked and measured. This will help you identify the specific requirements that will be connected to warehouse automation.
This includes recognizing and understanding your unique requirements. Most warehouse automation processes can be fine-tuned according to your workflow and specific processes requirements. Always ensure your warehouse automation system has enough flexibility so that you can make adjustments whenever your needs change in the future.
Storage Needs and Speed
Determine your expected shipping activity and storage requirements in advance. Warehouses, where products will probably be stored for a long time, need a different design than facilities that move products at a higher speed. The rate at which products flow will define the size of your warehouse storage area, loading docks, and picking areas.
Generally, the type of product store in an inventory will also affect the warehouse layout, racking, shelving, and other design features since heavy products have different requirements than most bin-based piece picking or full pallets. Also, you may want to determine how goods arrive: in full truckload, shipping containers, or through package delivery. All of these factors will affect warehouse design when implementing warehouse automating solutions.
Implement Warehouse Management Software (WMS)
WMS automates your operations in the warehouse and allows you to make smart decisions regarding the movements of your workforce and, in turn, maximize your level of efficiency. WMS provides a high level of functionality and control when it comes to controlling and tracking product and material movements. Choosing the right automation system requires a bit of homework. So, you may want to work with reputable warehouse automation companies to help you implement the right solution for your need.
Why is Cornerstone Automation Systems Your Right Partner for Warehouse Automation Solutions?
Being one of the best warehouse automation companies in the country, we are focused on creating the most capable warehouse solutions for operators of warehouses. Our solution optimizes efficiencies and operations by performing time-consuming and redundant tasks that are typically done manually by workers. Contact us today for more information about our warehouse automation solutions.
