Continuing our series on automation, we have now brought up the topic of Warehouse Automation.
Warehouse automation is a significant contributor to the growth and economy of a country. There are approximately 167,610 warehouses worldwide, with more than 80% lacking automation.
The warehouse automation industry is going to boom under Industry 4.0. Robotics, logistics, and other warehouse automation technologies are anticipated to reach a global value of over $22.4 billion.
The need for warehouse automation is immense as the majority of operating budgets for warehouse facilities are composed of roughly 65% labor costs! Warehouse automation also brings safety to the environment. The number of forklift-related accidents alone totals nearly 100,000 per year. This can be safely avoided with warehouse automation.
Let us further understand warehouse automation, its types, and the benefits offered to businesses.
What is Warehouse Automation?
Warehouse automation is the use of technology to manage and control warehouse operations. This can include everything from AS/RS (automated storage and retrieval systems) to robotics and conveyor systems. Warehouse automation aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety while reducing costs.
Warehouse automation can help you improve your bottom line. Automation can help you stay competitive in today’s market by reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
There are different types and levels of automation, and each has its benefits.
Types, levels, and components of warehouse automation
There are four main types of warehouse automation:
- Material Handling: This type of automation involves moving materials within the warehouse. It includes systems such as conveyors, sortation systems, carousels, AGVs and AMRs.
- Storage and retrieval: This type of automation helps store materials in the warehouse and retrieve them when needed. It includes systems such as racks, shelves, and storage containers.
- Picking and packing: This automation helps pick items from racks or shelves and then pack them for shipment. It includes systems such as Robotics, Vision Systems, and parcel lockers.
- Shipping and receiving: This automation helps to accept shipments from suppliers and ship orders to customers. It includes barcode scanners, shipping labels, and tracking software.
Moreover, there are three levels of warehouse automation:
- Basic: This level includes material handling systems such as conveyors and carousels.
- Intermediate: This level includes storage and retrieval systems such as racks and shelves.
- Advanced: This level includes picking and packing systems such as robotics and vision systems.
Component-wise, there are four main aspects of warehouse automation:
- Equipment including material handling, storage and retrieval, and picking and packing systems.
- Software that controls the equipment and manages the data.
- Infrastructure includes the building, power, and communication systems.
- People, including the operators, technicians, and managers.
Together, all these factors contribute to automating your warehouse and improving efficiency.
Broad benefits of warehouse automation
Increases Accuracy – Perhaps the most significant benefit is increased accuracy and precision regarding tasks such as picking and placing items. This is because automation technologies such as robotics and barcode scanners eliminate the possibility of human error.
Faster operations – Additionally, automated systems can often work faster than humans, meaning more tasks can be completed in less time. This can free employees to focus on other business areas, such as customer service or product development.
Improved Safety – Finally, warehouse automation can help to create a safer working environment by removing the need for employees to work near dangerous machinery or lift heavy objects.
Market trends and potential in India for warehouse automation
The potential for warehouse automation in India is relatively high. The Warehouse Automation market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 26.1% during 2022-2027. The major drivers for this growth are the ever-increasing labor costs, land costs, and the need for speed and accuracy in operations.
The Indian Government’s initiative to provide subsidies and tax breaks for setting up warehouse automation systems is also expected to drive market growth. There are a few companies that are spearheading the direction of the warehouse automation revolution.
Yantra is one such company that has an advanced research division and has provided autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotics solutions, which would revolutionize the warehouse automation segment.
Looking for warehouse automation solutions?
Now that you know what warehouse automation is and some of the key benefits it can bring to your business, it’s time to take the next step. Warehouse automation may be the answer if you’re looking for a way to increase efficiency and optimize your operations.
Yantra provides solutions that can eliminate complexities in labor-intensive processes. Our AGVs, Raghav, Vamen
are equipped with advanced Industry 4.0 capabilities, such as remote performance monitoring and auto-loading-unloading accessories. It is user-friendly and does not require any significant shop floor modifications. It is also compatible with non-standard trolleys and has high safety standards. This makes them ideal for use in manufacturing and commercial setups.
Contact us today to learn more about how our solutions can benefit your business, and follow Rucha Yantra’s Knowledge Corner for exciting blogs.