By Darr Equipment

06/18/2020 Thanks to developing technology, warehouse operations look a lot different today than they did two or three decades ago. Before the 21st century made its debut, data entry was a tedious manual process and warehouse workers spent half their time on paperwork. However, advancements in technology have helped warehouses evolve. As time goes on, warehouses are getting smarter; things like warehouse management systems (WMS), blockchain technology, and high-tech robotics (such as an automated warehouse order picker) are making their way to the forefront of the smart warehouse movement. Developing smart warehouse technology can help firms navigate challenges like shortages in warehouse operators, human error, narrowing of delivery windows, and more. Read on as we discuss the features and benefits of the warehouse tech trends of 2020.


Warehouse Management Systems


WMS software automates warehouse tasks and identifies ways to optimize processes. Some of the most recent improvements to WMS include:

• · Voice Technology. This helps warehouse employees free up their hands while verbal instructions are read. This technology reduces the likelihood of a worker misinterpreting information, as it is easily understood.
• · Machine-to-machine Technology. This enables information to be transferred between computers and WMS. This data exchange can help WMS collect and manage information from warehouse machines.
• · Mobile Devices. Devices such as barcode scanners, tablets, and radio frequency identification (RFID) allow WMS to keep an accurate pick list of the materials being used for each order, as well as shipping information.

Blockchain Technology


The integration of blockchain technology in the warehouse systems is another major and recent advancement in supply chain operations. Blockchain is basically used to secure data while making it visible to multiple systems at once. Companies are beginning to see the benefits of using this technology in the areas of equipment, order notifications, vendor/supplier data, and inventory management.


Robotics


While warehouse management systems coordinate warehouse operations and blockchain protects and shares the data WMS use, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can perform physical tasks to fulfill orders. Since AMRs move more quickly and make far fewer errors than humans, they are revolutionizing tasks like packaging and picking pallets. Examples of AMRs include drones, driverless forklifts, an automated warehouse order picker, automated conveyor belts, and so on.


Without a doubt, technology is the key to modern warehousing, but it comes with a price. Automated solutions like AMRs and blockchain are expensive and often require renovations from the ground up for installation purposes. Furthermore, it can take as long as five years for the technology to yield a positive return on investment (ROI). Firms need to have a solid understanding of these challenges and must know how automation will impact their labor forces before investing in AMRs. Software, on the other hand, is less costly and provides quicker ROI than automation. More and more companies are implementing WMS, which has proven to be one of the most advantageous warehousing moves of the decade.


For all of your industrial machine and warehouse needs, contact us at Darr Equipment today. We are happy to supply your business with the best warehouse solutions and industrial equipment around. Whether you are ready to take the plunge into the latest tech solutions or you prefer a more traditional approach, we have got you covered.