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Automation plays a crucial role in modernizing logistics operations, offering innovative solutions to tackle the complex challenges faced by businesses today. In this article, we will explore the growing importance of automation in the logistics field and how it can transform your operations for increased efficiency and enhanced competitiveness. 

Our goal is to present a comprehensive guide on justifying the need for logistics automation. We will address the benefits, challenges, and strategies for overcoming common obstacles, while providing practical advice for building a compelling case for automation in your organization. 

 

The Importance of Automation in Logistics

Industry Challenges 

Logistics faces many challenges, from operationals inefficiencies, to high OPEX costs, to labor shortage in the job market and the increasing complexity of the global supply chain. These challenges compromise businesses' ability to effectively respond to changing market demands and maintain their competitiveness. 

 

Role of Automation Projects 

Automation offers solutions to the challenges encountered in logistics by optimizing processes, reducing lead times, increasing the quality level of each action and improving visibility across the entire supply chain. From demand planning to last-mile delivery, through good inventory management and route optimization, automation enables faster, more accurate, and more reliable execution of logistics operations. 

 

Benefits of Automating Logistics

Efficiency Gains 

Automation enhances operational efficiency by reducing downtime and cycle times, optimizing workflows, and eliminating repetitive manual tasks. This enables companies to process more orders in less time while reducing overall operational costs. 

Cost Reductions  

By automating logistics processes, companies can achieve significant cost savings by reducing labor requirements, processing errors, and storage costs. Additionally, better resource management leads to more efficient asset utilization, optimizing operational costs.  Don't forget to include opportunity savings in your calculations. For example, the cost of extending a building due to lack of space can be saved by densifying your stocks with an automated solution. 

Accuracy and Reliability 

Automation improves the accuracy and reliability of logistics operations by reducing human errors and ensuring regulatory compliance. Fewer inventory discrepancies also generate savings in hours allocated to inventory compliance. This results in fewer working hours, better service quality for customers, reduced returns and refunds, and overall improved customer satisfaction. 

 

Building the Case for Logistics Automation

ROI Analysis 

Calculating the return on investment for logistics automation projects involves considering initial costs, recurring operating expenses, costs savings identified and potential and long-term benefits. By conducting a thorough ROI analysis, companies can assess the financial viability of automation projects and make informed decisions. 

 

Case Studies and Examples 

Real-life case studies and examples of success in logistics automation demonstrate the tangible benefits of adopting this technology. You can research these types of case studies in your industry or check out this simple example. 

 

Overcoming Common Objections

Addressing Skepticism 

It is common to encounter objections to logistics automation, including concerns about initial costs, technological complexity, and implications for the workforce. By identifying and understanding these objections, companies can better anticipate and proactively address them. 

Providing Solutions 

To overcome objections to logistics automation, it is essential to provide solutions and strong counterarguments. This may include demonstrations of long-term profitability, training programs for staff, and strategic transition plans to facilitate the adoption of new technologies. 

 

Strategies for Effective Implementation

Implementing logistics automation requires careful planning and execution. Below are key strategies to ensure a smooth and successful implementation process: 

Best Practices 

 

Technology Integration 

 

Training and Development 

 

 

In conclusion, justifying your automation project requires considering the immediate benefits like efficiency gains and cost reductions, as well as the long-term strategic advantages. By overcoming objections, implementing effective strategies, and staying informed about emerging trends, organizations can position themselves for success in the evolving landscape of logistics. Embracing automation enables efficiency, competitiveness, and growth, making it a strategic imperative for modern businesses. 

In the dynamic world of supply chain management, efficiency and responsiveness are key. Lean Inventory Management (LIM) is more than a simple inventory reduction technique. LIM emerges as a strategic solution, aiming to optimize inventory levels and enhance overall supply chain performance. This approach, deeply rooted in the principles of lean thinking, focuses on maintaining the right amount of inventory to meet demand without excess. 

Inventory is one of the 8 wastes of Lean Principles in Supply Chain management (the other 7 being: defects, overproduction, waiting, unused talent, motion, and extra-processing). With the philosophy of Lean Management, we are looking to reduce the different wastes in our inventory management strategies.  

 

8 wastes of Lean Principles in Supply Chain management

source : kissflow.com

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The Core Principles of Lean Inventory Management

Efficiency and responsiveness are paramount in supply chain management. Lean Inventory Management (LIM) goes beyond mere inventory reduction; it's a strategic solution rooted in lean thinking principles. In this section, we'll delve into the core principles of LIM, focusing on minimizing inventory, accurate demand forecasting, efficient processes, and the importance of supplier collaboration.

Minimizing Inventory 

At the heart of LIM lies the principle of Just-in-Time Inventory. This strategy aims to keep inventory levels as lean as possible, which not only reduces Inventory Holding Costs but also minimizes the risk of stock becoming obsolete or exceeding its shelf life. The challenge lies in maintaining enough inventory to meet demand without overstocking, which can lead to increased costs and reduced cash flow.

Demand Forecasting

The right products at the right time. The success of LIM, and other supply chain optimization strategies, heavily relies on the accuracy of Demand Forecasting. By predicting customer needs accurately, businesses can ensure they stock the right products in the right quantities. This forecasting involves sophisticated analysis of past sales data, market trends, and predictive analytics. It's a dynamic process that requires continuous adjustment and refinement. It should be included in a broader SIOP process (we often add the Inventory part on the classic S&OP to emphasize its impact on the overall chain).

Efficient Processes

Efficient inventory practices mean more than just speed; they involve the optimization of all related processes to eliminate waste and non-value-adding activities. This includes automating manual tasks, improving order processing and delivery systems, and enhancing the overall operational workflow.

Supplier Collaboration

The last few years have taught us a lot about the supply chain disruptions risks. Strong partnerships with suppliers are necessary to diminish this risk without overstocking. This collaboration is about more than just negotiating prices; it involves sharing forecasts, jointly planning for demand, and synchronizing production schedules. Effective supplier collaboration leads to more accurate and timely inventory replenishment, which is crucial for maintaining lean inventory levels. 

 

 

Benefits of Lean Inventory Management

Implementing Lean Inventory Management brings a multitude of benefits to businesses. From cost reduction to enhanced customer satisfaction, LIM offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing supply chain performance. In this section, we'll explore the tangible advantages of adopting LIM practices and how they contribute to overall business success.

Cost Reduction

One of the most significant benefits of LIM is the reduction in overall costs, directly impacting the bottom line and enhancing overall financial health.  By minimizing excess inventory, companies can significantly reduce storage and insurance costs associated with holding large amounts of stock. Additionally, a lean approach helps in reducing waste and improving operational efficiency, which further drives down costs.

Improved Cash Flow

With lower immobilized stocks and higher inventory turnover rate, lean inventory practices free up capital that would otherwise be tied up in stock. This improved liquidity allows companies to invest in other critical areas of their business.

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

By aligning inventory levels closely with customer demand, businesses can ensure timely fulfillment of orders. This responsiveness not only enhances customer satisfaction but also builds brand loyalty and reputation.

Reduced Waste

With the philosophy of lean management LIM tackles different waste such as excess stock, waste of time, and inefficient processes. LIM supports environmental sustainability by minimizing waste associated with overproduction and excess inventory. This approach contributes to a more responsible and eco-friendly business model.

Increased Agility

In today's rapidly changing market conditions, agility is key. LIM enables businesses to quickly adapt to market changes and customer needs, making them more competitive and resilient. 

 

 

 

Implementation Strategies

While understanding the principles and benefits of Lean Inventory Management is crucial, implementing it effectively is equally important. This section will discuss practical strategies for integrating LIM into your organization, including demand forecasting, strengthening supplier collaboration, utilizing inventory optimization software, streamlining processes, and investing in employee training. These strategies are essential for realizing the full potential of LIM and achieving a leaner, more responsive supply chain.

Implementing Demand Forecasting

This strategy is a cross-department project, aiming to analyze historical sales data, market trends, and other relevant factors. Advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms have revolutionized demand forecasting. Inventory Optimization Software that incorporates these technologies can provide real-time insights and predictive capabilities, enabling businesses to anticipate market changes and customer preferences with greater accuracy. 

Strengthening Supplier Collaboration 

Developing strategic partnerships with suppliers involves more than transactional interactions. It requires a shared commitment to efficiency and quality, regular communication, and a willingness to work together to resolve challenges. This collaborative approach can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both parties. Utilizing collaborative technologies and platforms enhances communication with suppliers.

Utilizing Inventory Optimization Software

Modern inventory management is underpinned by WMS. These systems offer real-time inventory control, tracking, automated replenishment, and advanced analytics, providing the tools necessary for implementing LIM effectively.

Streamlining Processes

Process improvement is an ongoing journey. Obtaining durable cost reduction in inventory management involves regularly reviewing and refining inventory-related processes, embracing technological advancements, and always looking for ways to do things better, faster, and more efficiently. Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the organization. Regular process reviews, identification of inefficiencies, and the adoption of Lean Six Sigma methodologies contribute to streamlined processes.

Employee Training

For LIM to be successfully implemented and sustained, it's crucial to invest in employee training. Personnel at all levels should understand the principles of lean inventory and be equipped with the skills and knowledge to apply them in their daily work. 

 

 

In conclusion, Lean Inventory Management is an integral part of a modern strategy for supply chain efficiency. It's a comprehensive approach that requires a holistic view of the supply chain, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a focus on aligning inventory practices with customer needs. By mastering LIM, businesses can achieve a leaner, more responsive, and cost-effective supply chain, poised to meet the challenges of today's dynamic market environment. 

 

In the fast-paced and demanding world of supply chain management, ensuring the safety and well-being of your workforce is of paramount importance. Supply chain personnel work with a variety of equipment, materials, and logistical challenges which jeopardize their safety. In Quebec, in 2022, there were no less than 149 812 work accidents, 24 672 of which were in manufacturing, transport and storage (CNESST, 2023). While the industry knows there are a lot of training programs and procedures that minimize the risks, we, as consultants, often get called on too late, usually because an accident already happened. When the right structure is in place and the guidelines followed, we rarely see workplace accidents. In this article, we will explore the key elements of such training and the benefits it brings to both employees and the organization.  

 

Key Elements of Effective Safety Training 

There are a lot of different safety training programs that can be put in place. However, when selecting an option, it is important to ask yourself which program fits you. Even if a method can be effective in another warehouse or manufacturing plant, it doesn’t guarantee its success in protecting both your production and your employees. The customization aspect also applies inside your solution. Every department and employees need specific rules and expectations. For instance, warehouse personnel might require training on safe forklift operations, while logistics professionals need to understand the safe handling of hazardous materials.  

The learning method used will also have a non-negligible impact on both how your changes will be understood and how they will be applied. Traditional lectures won’t be as effective as interactive learning methods, such as hands-on simulations, workshops, or scenario-based training. This learning approach minimizes employee resistance to current changes, and increase the odds of success in projects down the road. 

Furthermore, training for warehouse personnel is not a one-time event. It should be an ongoing process that includes refresher courses and updates to address emerging safety issues and regulations. A long term approach will be beneficial and help to keep discipline, which is a must to keep the integrity of the program. 

 

 How Safety Training Enhances Supply Chain Success  

Of course, supply chain safety training leads to the reduction of accidents and it’s its main objective. However, it has a bigger impact than you think. While putting in place such measures comes at a price, the ROI is worth it. A study done by Institute for Work & Health (IWH) in Ontario showed that the estimated benefit to cost ratio of occupational safety and health projects was of 1.24 for the manufacturing sector while it was of 2.14 for the transportation sector (IWH, 2022). Fewer accidents mean reduced workers' compensation claims, medical expenses, and legal fees. With well-trained personnel, supply chain operations run more smoothly and efficiently, contributing to overall business success. 

 

Investing in occupational safety and health also has a lot of intangible benefits. First off, it improves the employee morale which has a positive impact both the general productivity and the culture of the company. Adhering to safety regulations and investing in employee well-being enhances the company's reputation and goodwill in industry and among customers. Comprehensive safety training for supply chain workers ensures that they are aware of their industry regulations and can work in compliance with them, preventing legal issues and fines.  

All in all, prioritizing workplace safety training in the supply chain industry is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s an investment in the well-being of your workforce and the success of your business. As consultants, we offer tailored solutions, such as safety audits and formations, that go beyond compliance, ensuring a secure environment where accidents are minimized, and productivity soars. By partnering with us, you’re not just meeting regulations; you’re cultivating a workplace where employee safety, efficiency, and success thrive hand in hand. To know more about the training programs we offer, contact us.  

 

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, digital transformation is no longer just an option; it's a necessity. For supply chain professionals, this transformation holds the promise of optimizing operations, improving efficiency, and gaining a competitive edge. However, the key to a successful digital transformation lies in aligning your digital strategy with your broader business strategy, focusing on the three essential pillars: People, Process, and Technology.

The Role of People in Digital Transformation: The Human Catalyst

Imagine your supply chain as a finely tuned orchestra, with your team members as the skilled musicians. Without the right skills and a collective mindset for change, even the most advanced technology can fall short. This is where the first pillar, People, plays a crucial role.

Skill Development: Start by ensuring your team possesses the necessary digital skills. Invest in training programs that empower them in data analysis, automation, and other technology-driven competencies.

Managing Change: Embrace change as a natural part of transformation. Prepare your team for evolving workflows and processes, addressing their concerns, and fostering a culture of adaptability.

Leadership's Role: Strong leadership commitment is essential. Your leaders should not only endorse digital tools but also inspire innovation. Their guidance and support will set the tone for the entire organization.

Streamlining Processes for Digital Transformation Success

Think of your supply chain processes as the gears that power your operations. To unlock the full potential of digital transformation, these processes must be streamlined and optimized.

Process Evaluation: Commence by scrutinizing your existing processes. Identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and areas ripe for digital enhancements.

Automation and Integration: Embrace technology to automate repetitive tasks. This not only reduces errors but also liberates valuable time for your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Data-Driven Decisions: Harness the power of data for better decision-making. Implement analytics tools to extract valuable insights from your supply chain data, empowering you with a competitive edge.

Agility and Adaptability: A well-crafted digital strategy should inject agility into your supply chain. Be ready to adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics, ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve.

Choosing the Right Technology for Digital Transformation

Now, let's delve into the digital toolbox itself. Choosing the right technology stack is critical for your transformation's success.

  1. Identifying Needs: Gain a deep understanding of your unique supply chain requirements and challenges. This knowledge will guide your selection of the most fitting technologies.
  2. Scalability for Growth: Ensure your chosen tools can scale with your business. Scalability is the bedrock of maintaining relevance as your operations expand.
  3. Seamless Integration: Your digital tools should seamlessly harmonize with your existing systems. This prevents data fragmentation and ensures a smooth flow of critical information.
  4. Cybersecurity Vigilance: Safeguarding sensitive supply chain data is paramount. Allocate resources to robust cybersecurity measures to shield against potential threats.

In conclusion, digital transformation in the supply chain hinges on aligning your digital strategy with your overarching business strategy, focusing on the three pillars: People, Process, and Technology. Your team's collective skills, commitment to change, streamlined processes, and judicious choice of digital tools form the bedrock upon which your transformation rests.

Before embarking on this transformative journey, invest time in formulating a clear digital strategy that seamlessly aligns with your broader business objectives. By diligently focusing on these three pillars, you'll not only navigate the complexities of digital transformation more effectively but also position your supply chain for enduring success in an ever-evolving business environment. Feel free to book a free consultation with our expert in Digital Transformation to find out where you stand.

A warm thank you to Antoine Grand’Maison, Director of Digital Transformation at GCL and writer of this article. 

Logistics plays a crucial role in the performance and competitiveness of businesses. Conducting a logistics diagnostic is an essential step to optimize their supply chain and increase operational efficiency.
However, beyond short-term performance improvements, a logistics diagnostic can also align with a perspective of sustainable transformation.

6 reasons to conduct a logistics diagnostic

1. Reduce Environmental Footprint

Identifying sources of waste and inefficiencies in logistics processes through the diagnostic provides an opportunity to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Optimizing flows, reducing waste, and using more sustainable transportation methods can significantly decrease the company's environmental impact.

2. Promote Circular Economy

The logistics diagnostic can uncover opportunities for resource reuse, recycling, and valorization. Embracing a circular economy approach, companies can contribute to preserving natural resources and reducing waste.

3. Encourage Social Responsibility

Including the evaluation of social practices within the supply chain in the logistics diagnostic allows companies to verify their own and their suppliers' working conditions, ensuring respect for human rights and contributing to a socially responsible supply chain.

4. Strengthen Resilience to Environmental Challenges

Anticipating risks related to climate change, natural disasters, or supply problems through the logistics diagnostic helps companies bolster their resilience to environmental challenges.

5.Demonstrate Transparency

Conducting a logistics diagnostic with a focus on sustainable transformation demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable development. Transparency towards stakeholders is increasingly valued and can enhance customer trust and loyalty.

6. Contribute to a Long-Term Vision

Integrating sustainable development issues into the logistics diagnostic allows the company to adopt a long-term vision for its operations. This involves considering not only economic factors but also social and environmental considerations to build a sustainable future.

In summary, conducting a logistics diagnostic for sustainable transformation represents a decisive step towards optimal and responsible operational performance. By identifying improvement opportunities and addressing sustainable development challenges, companies can not only optimize their performance but also make a positive contribution to society and the environment. It sets the path for a prosperous and sustainable future. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from experts for a comprehensive audit!

For more information and to receive free advice, you can always visit our LinkedIn page.

Distribution network is a set of actors and delivery channels aimed at optimizing logistics and customer satisfaction. Warehouse network distribution analysis is crucial for businesses, including retailers, to optimize their supply chain operations and structure, achieve significant cost savings, enhance customer satisfaction, and improve overall performance.

GCL Group provides network distribution and transportation optimization consulting services to assist businesses in achieving these objectives and strengthening their competitive position in the market for successful business operations.

Here are the primary advantages of conducting an analysis in pursuit of distribution goals:

Cost Optimization

Supply chain networks can be complex, involving multiple locations for production, distribution, warehousing, and transportation sites for stores. Network design analysis helps companies identify:

By analyzing the network design, a company can identify solutions to:

  1. Consolidate or relocate facilities
  2. Improve transportation routes and optimize inventory management, resulting in cost savings and improved profitability

Service Level Improvement

Using information from the network design analysis, a company can also enhance its service levels to customers. By strategically locating facilities to function near customers or markets, a company can minimize delivery times, enhance order fulfillment, and improve customer experience.

Network analysis helps identify gaps in the current network and recommend changes to align the supply chain with customer requirements, resulting in improved service levels and customer relationships.

Risk Mitigation

Supply chains are exposed to various risks, such as disruptions due to geopolitical events, transportation system disruptions, and supplier failures. Network distribution analysis assists business owners in evaluating and mitigating these risks by identifying vulnerabilities in the supply chain network and proposing contingency plans.

For example, diversifying sourcing locations or adding redundancy in transportation routes can reduce the impact of disruptions and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Adaptation and Flexibility

As businesses grow or their operating conditions change, the needs of their supply chain may evolveNetwork design analysis helps a company assess the scalability and flexibility of its supply chain network to adapt to changes in demand patterns, production volumes, product demands, or customer locations. This enables proactive planning for future growth or changing business strategy and conditions, allowing necessary adjustments to the supply chain network to support business operations.

Competitive Advantage

Optimizing the supply chain network can provide a significant advantage to a company by enabling faster, cost-effective deliveries with superior service levels compared to competitors. Through distribution network analysis, a company can identify opportunities to differentiate itself in the market with a superior and efficient supply chain network that is agile and responsive to evolving consumer demands.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Another advantage of distribution network analysis

logistics network analysis can help companies reduce their carbon footprint by optimizing transportation routes and minimizing distance traveled. By identifying optimal locations for production, distribution, and warehousing facilities, a company can reduce transportation distances and greenhouse gas emissions.

In summary, controlling direct distribution channels is a key element for companies aiming to:

It enables informed decisions on the optimal configuration of the supply chain network, resulting in cost savings, faster delivery, and overall supply chain excellence while minimizing environmental impact.

Regular logistic network analyses are crucial for maintaining supply chain quality, aligning with company goals, and adapting in real-time to the target market. This helps businesses effectively serve their customer base and maintain high levels of customer loyalty. Contact GCL Group to learn more about our logistics network analysis consulting solutions.

The decision to choose an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is of paramount importance to a company's digital strategy. Indeed, the ERP selection process is able to encompass almost all the functionalities of a company, making it a crucial aspect of the overall business strategy: finance management, supply chain management, human resources, marketing and sales, project management, production, customer management and even business intelligence.

Therefore, implementing a well-designed strategy using an ERP software may result in initial complexity and maintenance expenses, but it enables long-term cost savings and meets selection criteria.

It is up to the company to make an informed decision about the new systems and solutions that will be integrated into operations. When it comes to supply chain management, the warehouse distribution center is a critical component, and choosing the right ERP system plays a vital role in optimizing this aspect of the business.

To make this selection, a comprehensive approach is necessary, and it must be in line with your expertise and your long-term growth vision.

1. Understand your business context

The first step in choosing the ERP selection criteria consists of an in-depth analysis of the business processes of your company's key departments, identifying the main issues and understanding the long-term growth strategy. You must translate them into functional requirements and build a specification that will be an integral part of the tender documents that will be presented to potential suppliers.

2. Identify the right solutions and potential implementation partners

During this step, it is important to select the potential solutions that will be considered in the bidding process, such as improving warehouse operations for your storage site. It is also important to learn about the different solutions that are available on the market and identify the one that meets the best practices of your industry.

In addition to the suitability of the modules and functional requirements, it is important to question the language used by the system, the support offered by the editor or supplier, the number and types of customers served by the solution and also the maturity of the solution.

In addition, many solutions are often implemented by integration partners, who will take care of the entire solution implementation. It is also important to choose the right partner based on specific criteria, such as:

3. Evaluate the responses to the call for tenders

The suppliers contacted will have to respond in detail to the documents sent to them during the call for tenders, and this, within the prescribed deadlines. When analyzing the responses received, it is important to look at your plan’s qualitative criteria, such as the respect of deadlines or the professionalism demonstrated by the supplier.

Moreover, an in-depth quantitative analysis of the adequacy of the system's functionalities must be performed with your functional requirements. Finally, the solution's capacity to meet them without customization or recourse to third-party solutions.

4. Prepare for demonstrations

Demonstrating the solutions will allow you to familiarize yourself with the system's functionalities, including the technical requirements and user interface. To properly project yourself in the use of the solution, it is important to build a demonstration scenario that will reflect your business processes.

5. Review your supplier contract

When the final decision is made, it is important to analyze each component of your supplier contract and to clarify all the elements that may involve risks for you. Do not hesitate to seek legal advice to protect yourself.

Get support from an expert

Being accompanied by a specialized consultant from the GCL logistics consulting team will allow you to be guided properly throughout the process. You can benefit from the precious advice of an expert and delegating the management of the selection project.

At GCL, we’re always on the lookout for new technologies and upcoming warehouse automation trends in the logistics industry.

With more than 37 years of experience, we help companies reach organizational excellence and overcome various logistical challenges.

Let's explore the warehouse automation trends for 2023 that will help scale your business to the next level.

Warehouse Automation 101

Warehouse automation systems can replace labor-intensive and time-consuming jobs, usually done by employees, with automated systems. This allows employees to focus on quality control and process optimization tasks.

There are two categories of warehouse automation:

  1. Digital automation: as the name suggests, this type of automation uses different software to reduce time-consuming processes
  2. Physical automation: in this case, machines will be purchased to replace tasks originally done by employees. An example of the use of physical automation is self-driving cars.

What are the Benefits of Warehouse Automation?

Beyond helping to optimize operations, having warehouse automation tools helps to reduce the costs of operation for most warehouse managers. When you think about it, warehouse automation tools don’t need health insurance, unemployment insurance, or other operational costs associated with hiring employees.

Beyond reducing costs, having certain tasks automated in a warehouse can prevent the risks of injuries, reduce human errors and lead to higher performance.

Other benefits of using warehouse automation tools include better customer service, retention and better inventory control.

10 Warehouse Automation Trends

 

1. Conveyor System

Conveyor systems ensure systematic and quick handling of items by smoothly transporting materials within an area, and it is a warehouse automation system. Using a conveyor system minimizes employee errors and reduces the risk of injury from carrying heavy items. Beyond providing employees with a more efficient and secure process, it also reduces labor costs.

The most common conveyor systems include belts, rollers, motorized rollers and overhead conveyors. They are especially useful in production lines, and help operations managers to better use their warehouse management tools.

2. Collaborative Robots

Also known as “cobots” these physical automation tools are designed to work alongside employees to facilitate various tasks. Reach new productivity summits using collaborative robots to increase operating speed and overall efficiency.

These collaborative robots can be used for various tasks such as carrying heavy weights, palletizing, inspecting and packing items.

3. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)

Autonomous mobile robots are self-guided vehicles that can navigate your entire modern warehouse space without the help of an operator.

They are equipped with various sensors, allowing them to understand their environment and navigate easily.

These machines will be used to conduct repetitive tasks, such as moving heavy items from one section of your warehouse to another.

We expect these automation technologies to be popular in 2023!

4. Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)

This automation trend for 2023 can be explained as having systems establishing designed routes for various materials. This will seamlessly get materials from point A to point B without requiring an employee to dedicate all his time to the task.

An example of a retrieval system could be a vertical lift model reaching for stocked materials and bringing them down for production purposes.

5. Wearables

With the current possibilities with an Apple Watch, it shouldn't be surprising that more and more wearables are being conceived to help the logistics industry. Tons of wearables are already accessible on the market to facilitate employees in various tasks.

Smart glasses, GPS-tracking bracelets and many more gadgets are already available.

We predict that 2023 will see a rise in various wearables, which have been shown to increase productivity, limit human mistakes and lead to less distraction among employees.

6. AutoStore System

Autostore systems (or equivalent systems) are an amazing solution to process small part orders as quickly as possible. Beyond increasing efficiency, AutoStore systems are also favored in many warehouses due to their unique design, which provides better use of available space and results in lower operational costs.

7. Warehouse Cleaning: Automated mobile cleaning robots

Instead of assigning an employee to cleaning duties, which could take hours, why not opt for an automated mobile cleaning robot?

These robots, perfected during the recent increase in sanitary measures, can be life-changing for your business.

Not only can they disinfect more thoroughly than most humans, but this drive toward automation can simplify your managerial duties!

8. Pick-to-light Systems

This system is incredible for warehouse workers and has been shown to reduce errors and increase efficiency.

When an employee scans a code, lights mounted on storage spaces or racking indicate which item must be taken out to complete the order.

This straightforward system might seem simplistic, but in a huge warehouse automation solutions with thousands of storage racks, it can increase efficiency tenfold and reduce training times for new employees.

9. Voice Assistants

We have Siri on our phones which answers 24/7 any question we may have; why not have something similar in the logistics industry?

Voice picking can often replace the constant overseeing of managers by providing sonic commands via a headset to employees.

The voice-picking system can convey specific information to workers about an order process directly from the headset.

This system improves accuracy, productivity and overall safety.

10. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)

Often referred to as automatic or autonomous guided vehicles, AGVs facilitate material handling using unit loads, forklifts and tuggers that can travel autonomously in the warehouse without requiring an operator or driver.

AGVs allow employees to focus on other important tasks and leave the heavy lifting and transportation to machines!

Final thoughts

Let our team of experts ensure your business is ready to integrate all the upcoming warehouse automation solutions. Do not hesitate to reach out if you wish to obtain quality expertise.

 

 

 

 

 

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