Warehouses play a very important role for companies, especially ones that have large inventories. However, many only use their warehouses as a place to store goods without really paying adequate attention to the efficiency of warehouse processes. Warehouses actually act as one of the determinants of the success of a company, because the processes that occur in it can directly impact customer satisfaction. Lengthy and irregular warehouse processes can result in delays in collecting and delivering goods, leading to extended waiting times and potentially lowering satisfaction levels. This is why companies need to make sure the processes that happen within their warehouses are effective and efficient.
In order to be able to ensure an effective and efficient process in warehouses, companies need to understand factors that can affect it. Lots of sources highlight convoluted processes, inaccurate stock calculations, improper goods placement, inappropriate storage systems, and human errors that can affect warehouse efficiency; and all of these are considered internal factors. Then, what about the external factors? Do they have no impact on the processes? Of course, they do, but very few take external factors into account.
External factors, such as natural disasters and government regulations, can surely affect the existing warehousing process. One of the examples is during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia when the government issued new regulations for factory operations. The government wanted the company to ensure the factory operation implements social distancing of at least 1 meter between workers, shift scheduling and staggered breaks, and also provides nutritious food and supplements. Such regulations can force companies to sub-optimally utilize their resources, which results in increased costs. Therefore, it is crucial for companies to prepare their warehouses to be ready in any circumstances, including in unpredictable conditions like the recent pandemic. Some sources mention that companies can make their warehouses futureproof by utilizing technologies that help them achieve efficiency, effectiveness, adaptability, and resilience. One such technology is the use of automation robots.
Automation robots are starting to be widely utilized in warehouses, especially in ones that have high throughput. This technology can optimize processes, increase productivity, and reduce human error. One of the automation robots famously used by many is ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System). ASRS is a computer-controlled robot that automates the process of storing and retrieving goods from warehouses. The combination of hardware and software allows ASRS to improve warehouse efficiency by reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing the risk of human error. Global companies, such as Amazon, Coca-Cola, BMW, and Adidas, deploy ASRS in their warehouses. All of them agree that ASRS allows them to reduce labor costs, improve inventory accuracy, reduce order processing time, and increase productivity. Another plus point of ASRS is that it can operate up to 50 meters high.
Apart from ASRS, another product that can be considered is AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot). AMR is a robot that operates without human intervention. AMR uses sensors and systems to navigate, to pick up and transport goods, and to interact with other machines. Similar to ASRS, the use of AMR can help companies automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, reducing labor costs, and increasing accuracy in inventory management processes.
However, with all the helpful robots available, it is essential to keep in mind that automation does not replace humans but instead fill-in where humans can excel and focus more on high responsibility tasks.
