Last updated on Dec 28, 2023
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Inventory management
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Warehouse layout and design
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Picking and packing
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Loading and unloading
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Safety and security
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Data and analytics
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Here’s what else to consider
Warehouse operations are essential for any business that deals with inventory, logistics, and distribution. However, managing a warehouse can be challenging, especially when it comes to efficiency, accuracy, and safety. That's why technology can play a key role in improving your warehouse processes and performance. In this article, we'll explore some of the ways that technology can help you optimize your warehouse operations and achieve your goals.
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- Puji Nugroho, S.T., M.B.A Logistic Manager @ Toyoink Indonesia | MBA, Logistic Management
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1 Inventory management
One of the most important aspects of warehouse operations is inventory management. You need to know what you have, where it is, and how much of it you need. Technology can help you streamline your inventory management by using barcode scanners, RFID tags, or QR codes to track and identify your products. These tools can reduce human errors, speed up data entry, and provide real-time visibility of your inventory levels and locations. You can also use inventory management software to automate tasks such as replenishment, forecasting, and reporting.
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- Puji Nugroho, S.T., M.B.A Logistic Manager @ Toyoink Indonesia | MBA, Logistic Management
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Automatic technology in Warehouse is critical support how to provide reliable data in real time to make business decision. Avoiding unnecessary losses in inventory management will give more time to managers to focus to build further company competitiveness
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- Kiran R Logistics | Supply chain | analytics | Management | Synthite industires l Ex-Sunday | Growfit | Swiggy | DHL | Dominos | MBA
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Automation: Using robots and AI for tasks like inventory management and picking.Inventory Management: With barcoding, RFID, and real-time software.Data Analytics: Predictive analytics and AI for better decision-making.Sensors: Monitoring conditions and security.Cloud Computing: Real-time access and remote management.AR and VR: Assisting workers in locating items.Autonomous Vehicles: For inventory counting and deliveries.These technologies enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall productivity in warehouses.
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- Ignacio Gonzalez de la Vega - PMP® Logistics professionals driven by todays challenges
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My point of view is that there are inventory management milestones which are linked to the technology we implement. I would describe this milestones as follows: 1. Medium-accuracy & low-speed : Barcode usage (e.g.,EAN type), in today's customer expectations it does not provide the level of speed we are looking for. 2. Medium-accuracy & medium-speed: 2D / Matrix barcode allow to increment speed as they can store more information, however readers must be able to parse correctly. 3. High-accuracy & Speed: implementing RFID it's a great option but in practicality it's not easy to implement, specially when we consider product types and other physical constraints. I think overall it's a marriage between company culture, tech and IT landscape.
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2 Warehouse layout and design
Another way that technology can improve your warehouse processes is by optimizing your warehouse layout and design. You want to make sure that your warehouse space is used efficiently and effectively, minimizing wasted space and movement. Technology can help you achieve this by using tools such as warehouse management systems (WMS), simulation software, or drones to analyze your warehouse layout and design. These tools can help you plan and implement changes such as rearranging racks, shelves, and aisles, improving lighting and ventilation, or adding automation equipment.
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- Kingsley Chukwuka Internal Auditor
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Today, manual handling machines that could occupy unnecessary space in our warehouses has been replaced with automated conveying systems, robots and AVGs. And Drones are being used in warehouses for stock counting, inventory control, and picking goods. This without doubt has greatly improves the system by accelerating the movement and picking up of goods in the production line, scanning barcodes and improving inventory control, reducing work space, reducing the number of employees involves in a task, and increasing productivity.
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- Ozan Sahiner Entrepreneur
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Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) and robotic pickers, guided by optimized pathways, can significantly reduce human error and the time taken for each pick. Meanwhile, IoT sensors can be placed strategically around the warehouse to monitor environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, ensuring that goods are stored under optimal conditions. This is especially important for perishable or sensitive items.RFID and barcode scanning technologies can integrate seamlessly into a Warehouse Management System (WMS), enabling real-time tracking of inventory levels and locations. Such systems can also sync with demand forecasts and shipping schedules, making it easier to adjust layouts based on seasonal trends or market demand.
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3 Picking and packing
Picking and packing are the core activities of warehouse operations, as they involve preparing and shipping orders to customers. Technology can help you enhance your picking and packing processes by using tools such as voice picking, pick-to-light, or wearable devices. These tools can help you increase your picking and packing speed, accuracy, and quality, as well as reduce labor costs and fatigue. You can also use picking and packing software to optimize your order fulfillment strategies, such as batch picking, zone picking, or wave picking.
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4 Loading and unloading
Loading and unloading are the processes of moving goods in and out of your warehouse, either from suppliers or to customers. Technology can help you improve your loading and unloading processes by using tools such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic arms, or conveyor belts. These tools can help you reduce manual handling, increase productivity and safety, and save space and energy. You can also use loading and unloading software to coordinate your inbound and outbound shipments, such as scheduling, routing, or tracking.
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- Kingsley Chukwuka Internal Auditor
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Technology can improve the loading and unloading of goods in warehouses but cannot replace certain manual handling activities in the warehouses. Of course, heavy loads or goods like heavy equipment and machinery, can be lifted effortlessly with the aid of technology, eg. Forklift, Conveyor, and other Hydraulic machines. But the machine must be operated by personnel making sure that the items on the pallets are properly stacked, arranged, meets standard and specification, and not damaged.
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- oluwaseun Ayedona Warehouse specialist #Advanced Microsoft Excel #Power BI
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The warehouse assistant or clerk must make sure that what is on the delivery note correspond with the goods and always look out for damage or dents on the good before allocating the goods to the bins on the rack.
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5 Safety and security
Safety and security are crucial for warehouse operations, as they protect your workers, products, and assets from harm or theft. Technology can help you boost your safety and security measures by using tools such as cameras, sensors, or alarms. These tools can help you monitor and prevent accidents, injuries, or incidents, as well as alert you to any potential risks or threats. You can also use safety and security software to enforce your policies and procedures, such as training, inspections, or audits.
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- Kingsley Chukwuka Internal Auditor
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Although safety is said to be everyone's responsibility, many hazards can be mitigated with technology. You must agree with me that warehouses have a higher accident rate than other work environments, so safety precautions must be taken to the highest level. For example, using a safety harness when working at height has reduced the risk of falling. Fire alarms and smoke detectors provide immediate warning in the event of a fire. And there are many more.
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- Glen Boyer Currently looking for New Career Opportunities
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Training! Identify who has what skill sets, be it numbers, equipment, critical thinking, training new hires, to leadership. Set each individual to learn more than the assigned job. Most companies will not do this due to compensation. Easier to use programs instead instilling responsibilty in performance.
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6 Data and analytics
Data and analytics are the foundation of warehouse operations, as they provide you with valuable insights and information to make better decisions and improve your performance. Technology can help you leverage your data and analytics by using tools such as dashboards, reports, or artificial intelligence. These tools can help you collect, store, analyze, and visualize your data, as well as generate recommendations and predictions. You can also use data and analytics software to measure and improve your key performance indicators (KPIs), such as inventory turnover, order accuracy, or customer satisfaction.
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- Kingsley Chukwuka Internal Auditor
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Warehousing I say is Data. Invariably, there is no Warehousing without Data. And, with the Automated Storage and Automated Retrieval System (ASARS), data is effortlessly stored and retrieved from the database, and this has not only improved warehousing processes but also reduced the number of employees involves in a task while increasing the productivity.With technology, accurate data can be accounted for, Data and analytics has tremendously influenced the reorder level processes in warehousing. With robust warehouse management system, you can give the accurate report of goods in stock, sold, transferred, goods not in stock, fast moving goods, damage or defected goods, and as well as their date of arrivals with minutes.
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7 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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- Georgios Koligiannis Financial, procurement and logistics consultant (Hellenic Navy)
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Using cutting-edge technology in warehouses will ultimately minimise costs for your organisation and make your operations more efficient and effective. However, there is no size fits all strategy. It depends on the inventory you keep and their value, the size of the existing warehouses and the orders you have to cope with. After evaluating the situation, you can invest in warehouse management software, barcode scanners, RFID tags, and robotics for picking and packing.
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- Travis Ridgel, MBA Warehouse Manager
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Technology also drives the need for a better trained workforce of warehouse professionals. I have seen to many times where warehouse positions are filled with just about anybody. Staffing a warehouse is often considered an entry level position or even worse a retirement home. We should in invest in technology to better out warehouse but we should also invest in the people who use these technologies.
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