Of course , as many companies state , people are their biggest asset . However , in these competitive times they can also be their biggest cost . Add in the fact that the needs , wants , desires and expectations both of employees and customers have grown beyond recognition , and it becomes clear that our approach needs to evolve . Automation in warehousing has moved up the agenda in recent years for a number of reasons : changing demographics in the labour market have increased labour costs , the changing ways in which customers are shopping and there is an ever-present need for more efficiency , productivity and overall cost reduction .
However , any investment in a storage solution – whether or not it is automated - requires careful consideration . Before any steps are taken , it is important to work out what the best storage solution is , and whether or not an automated warehouse is the most appropriate way forward .
In this way , costly mistakes are avoided
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and your business can achieve the optimum return on investment .
WHAT IS AN AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE ? When we talk about an automated warehouse , we are referring to a system that doesn ’ t rely on people . A storage solution is installed in a warehouse in which the entire operation , including stocking and stock selection , is done via automation and programmed by software .
There are many notable advantages to having an automated warehouse . These include :
• Reduced labour costs
• Reduced energy bills , as they can operate in low level lighting
• Efficiency , as an automated warehouse can operate 24 hours per day
• Lower maintenance
• Elimination of risk of damage from forklifts , which occurs in manual warehousing operations
• Reduced risks of accidents , due to the absence of people
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• High density storage , as an automated warehouse allows for storage at a greater height
An automated warehouse is particularly wellsuited to locations where labour and land costs are high . An automated warehouse can have a small footprint , but make up for this with greater height , so reducing the amount of land being occupied .
SHOULD YOU INVEST IN AN AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE ? As we have seen , there are many advantages to an automated warehouse , but that does not automatically mean this is the right option for your business .
Here are a few questions to ask yourself :
Will I achieve my return on investment ? An automated warehouse can represent a significant outlay , but can save costs on land purchase and , in the longer term , wage and energy bills . Will your operation be able to
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1 tand 2 : Two examples of a semi-automated warehouse . |