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An efficient warehouse is a profitable one. And the rise of automation, AI and the use of technology is offering businesses new opportunities to maximise their efficiency. This is particularly important in warehousing when time and space are at a premium and margins can be tight.
Small savings add up. Incremental efficiency improvements make a big operational difference when multiplied by every pallet processed. This is one of the reasons why the bulk storage and shipping industry has started to embrace technological innovations at such a pace over the last few years.
An efficient warehouse optimises space and has streamlined stock receipt and handling. Intelligent software solutions can store and process large amounts of data, giving businesses greater visibility across their operations. Drilling down into this data helps to highlight any blocks or areas of improvement. The modern warehouse can be a leaner operation than ever before.
How have Warehouse Trends Changed?
Warehousing is one of the oldest industries. It has a rich past that reaches back to Ancient Rome, where they built warehouses called Horrea to store grain, olive oil and wine. The Romans took their warehouse storage seriously. When Emperor Septimius Severus died in 211AD, his warehouses were said to be stocked well enough to supply Rome’s 1 million inhabitants for seven years.
The demand for warehousing accelerated through the Industrial revolution and into the Twentieth century as the global marketplace expanded. Warehouses sprung up in major cities and towns, lining dockyards worldwide. The development of faster and more efficient transport links, from air freight to the introduction of container ships and lorries, was the key driver for warehousing development.
Fast forward to the modern warehouse, and you will find an era defined by the digital revolution and the rise of E-commerce. The expansion of technology and digital solutions to improve safety and efficiency continues to dominate warehouse trends in 2023.
Leading fulfilment businesses harness technology to maximise their service levels and to empower their staff to deliver a world-class customer experience. Invo Fulfilment provides warehouse services for a diverse range of customers, and we are confident in our quality of service.
There are no hidden charges, and because each business is unique, we’re flexible in our approach to fulfilment. If you’d like to optimise your warehouse storage, please contact us today.
Top Warehouse Efficiency Trends to Watch in 2023
The drive to maximise resources and warehouse space continues to underpin warehousing trends in 2023. The use of digital technology in fulfilment is likely to continue. Computer applications that can synch with each other are becoming the norm as the digitally connected warehouse becomes the industry standard.
Robotics and automation are becoming more economically viable for e-commerce-driven fulfilment services. Artificial intelligence and even VR headsets are being trialled as businesses look to find a competitive edge.
Trend 1: Robotics and Automation
Automatic storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) are not new. Robotic systems have been around since the 1960s when they were used to process heavy pallet loads. What has changed is the size, scale and precision of automation. Technology has evolved from conveyor belts and claw pickers to computerised systems maximised for productivity.
Robotics is ideal for the rapid storage and retrieval of goods. Orders can be processed faster and more accurately than hand-picking. The shift in consumer behaviour to online shopping has led to the growth of a warehouse-to-consumer business model. This has driven progress in automated technology.
Not all types of warehouses will be suitable for large-scale robotics and automation. It takes a heavy investment to equip an automated warehouse, from buying the equipment to set-up and maintenance. They are less flexible and tend to be used by large B2C businesses that work in established markets.
Warehouse automation trends are moving ever smaller. Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and automated guided vehicles (AGV) can be flexible and cost-effective.
This technology offers the efficiency of computerised automation in a more agile and affordable way.
Trend 2: Flexible Warehousing
Flexible fulfilment services can help businesses scale their operations and respond at pace to fluctuating demand. This can be particularly useful for seasonal products, emergencies and other supply chain challenges.
On-demand warehousing designed for lower storage volumes, including self-service options, is now possible. Mobile apps that connect small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses with warehouse space can help bridge the gap for fast-growing companies.
Flexible warehouse services are often necessary for lean, just-in-time supply chains. Short-term leases allow businesses to pay for extra storage space as needed.
Trend 3: The Connected Warehouse brings Increased Supply Chain Visibility
Digital software and cloud technology have revolutionised warehouse management systems (WMS). Up to 95% of the world’s top companies use warehousing technology.
Stock control management has moved away from the clipboard towards smart scanners. Hand-held barcode guns use radio frequency identification technology (RFID) to track goods across the supply chain. They collect accurate information on stock quantities and improve picking accuracy, making the process quicker for warehouse staff.
Recording stock movement accurately means that patterns can be tracked. Warehouse space can be planned more efficiently based on previous information. Live dashboards that show warehouse efficiency metrics make it easier to find where efficiencies can be made.
This information can then be automatically sent to cloud-based software programmes to provide detailed oversight across the warehouse. A real-time view of stock levels and locations is invaluable for warehouse planning. Asset tracking systems (ATS) help warehouses manage stock levels effectively and improve supply chain visibility.
The development of digital infrastructure and cloud-based services is a warehouse trend likely to continue in 2023.
Specialist fulfilment services understand how to utilise the best warehouse innovations to maximise efficiency. Choosing a reliable warehousing partner protects your products and your reputation.
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