Developing a picking technique that suits the needs of your warehouse can be a daunting and tedious task, especially if you’re trying to overcome challenges such as diverse inventory and lightning-fast picking goals. Countless other warehouses feel your pain, but the brightest owners decide to incorporate automation into their picking process. Today we’ll be going over the basics of an automatic stock room.
Automated warehouse picking is the incorporation of robotic or semi-robotic technology that is designed to improve the work of human pickers. This concept revolves around identifying repetitive tasks that are time-consuming or error-prone and finding ways to automate them. Although there is a wide range of options to choose from in the world of stockroom automation, the most efficient units work with your team members and can be easily integrated into your existing warehouse process seamlessly.
Inventory Automation
Many warehouses still rely on pen-and-paper methods to keep track of their products. This results in errors related to data entry and transcription, and in some cases, disruptions to overall operations. Automating your inventory management process is one of the easiest and most cost-effective strategies a warehouse can undergo.
Automated Barcode Labels and Scanning
Warehouses rely heavily on documentation to record which items are moving in and out of the facility, why specific items are stored, and general management of inventory. Warehouses save an unbelievable amount of time by automating these processes with barcode labels, rack labels, warehouse signs, and the hardware necessary to read the labels. Barcode labels combined with the right scanning technology can practically eliminate human error.
Automated Vehicles
Forklifts and pallet jacks are among the traditional equipment used to move products throughout your warehouse, but even these units are becoming automated today thanks to automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The key difference is that these automated vehicles don’t require manual operation, they follow digital paths through the facility. AGVs can be implemented in an existing warehouse without a complete overhaul to the layout of your system.