How Automated Systems Are Improving Storage and Inventory Management
In the warehousing industry, business owners are starting to see the value in using new technologies to their advantage. Not only do automated systems, such as an ASRS storage system, speed up processes, but they also allow businesses to take on more work than they’ve ever experienced before. More business equals more money, so upgrading to these new ways of working makes sense.
What are Automated Systems in Warehousing, Logistics, and Manufacturing?
Warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing are three industries known for strong reliance on manual handling and repetitive tasks. Traditionally, a human workforce would be employed to handle the heavy lifting and monotonous conveyor-belt work. However, with the implementation of automation into these sectors, employees can be put to better use elsewhere in the company.
Automated systems are technological tools and software that can locate items, remove or replace them on shelves, and manage the stock levels. This technology solves many of the issues prevalent in modern warehousing, such as a lack of space or adhering to strict safety codes.
The Effect of Automated Systems on Storage Management
There are two areas where automated systems can improve efficiency. The first being storage management. Here are the ways automated systems can make a difference.
Using storage space efficiently
Commercial space is costly, so using every square meter wisely is important to get a good return on investment. A warehousing business can only take on as much work as they are able to physically hold in the property, so wasting space on wide aisles for human-operated forklift trucks to pass through is not a smart business move.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) require less space to meander through the warehouse. This means that more room can be dedicated to storage. AS/RS allow for higher stacking of stock and don’t need the wide turning space that forklifts do. Also, these systems are completely computer-operated, so there is no need for a skilled driver to be behind the wheel.
No need for additional commercial property
If storage space is used efficiently, the space you currently have as a business should be more than enough for the time being. A poorly planned warehouse with a less effective use of its storage space will soon fill up. This means that additional commercial property will need to be purchased. That’s double the rent, utilities, and other expenses to budget for.
Improved employee safety
Working at height, operating forklifts, and manual handling put employees at a certain degree of risk. Whilst it is hoped that many are fully trained and are aware of health and safety practices, accidents still occur.
We’re only human, and tiredness or a lapse in judgment can lead to a serious injury. Taking humans out of the area of danger, the warehouse floor, and instead having them work behind the scenes, keeps them out of harm’s way.
How Inventory Management is Benefitting From Automated Systems
The other area of warehousing that has benefited from automated systems is inventory management. Let’s take a look at the advantages of implementing automation in this department.
Keeping track of stock
Stock is money, and when it goes missing or unaccounted for, that’s a loss. Automated systems in inventory management maintain strict control over the whereabouts of stock.
Alerted when stock is low
The advantage of keeping track of stock is that when levels are low, you will be aware of the issue ahead of time. Automatic reordering from regular suppliers can even be enabled to further streamline processes.
Reduces overstock
Low stock is a problem, but so is overstock. Not only does too much stock mean that money is tied up, but it also reduces space in the warehouse. Carefully balancing stock levels with automated systems results in a good level of stock, neither too much nor too little.
Faster finding of products
Automated systems allow you to know exactly where stock is located in the warehouse. This makes finding products much speedier than manual order processing and leads to faster shipping and delivery. Getting the products from A to B in a shorter space of time.
Limits human error
It’s something we can’t eliminate, no matter how well-trained our employees are. They are all susceptible to human error. Long working days and repetitive tasks can exacerbate this problem. However, with automated systems taking over inventory management, the likelihood of errors being made is greatly reduced.
Predicting trends and spotting opportunities
The data gathered by automated inventory management systems can also be used to make smarter business decisions. A seasonal spike in demand could be identified during analysis, suggesting more stock is needed during this time.
The beauty of automated systems is that they speed up lengthy data collection and analysis processes, affording more time for forward planning and strategy.
