FEATURE
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
© Cold Link Africa
The Acrow stand at Big 5 Construct exhibition 2023 .
time monitoring , predictive maintenance , and enhanced warehouse performance ."
" Automation isn ' t just about efficiency ; it ' s about driving value throughout the supply chain . I urge businesses to adopt a forwardthinking approach and leverage technological advancements to stay competitive in an evolving market landscape .
“ Automation streamlines processes , reduces errors , and enhances throughput , thereby improving overall efficiency in warehouse management . Moreover , it helps in optimising space utilisation , which is crucial in large-scale warehouse environments , and ensures safety for both products and personnel — a crucial factor in warehouse operations . Efficiency and reduced labour costs are therefore the obvious benefits .
“ IoT-enabled devices can enhance real-time monitoring and data analytics in warehouse management , thereby enabling more informed decision-making and proactive maintenance strategies ,” he suggests .
Albrecht highlights efficient maintenance as a significant advantage of automated systems . " This capability minimises downtime and ensures continuous operation , critical for meeting customer demands without interruption . Maintenance complexity is another challenge , particularly concerning the specialised maintenance required for automated systems . Despite advancements , ensuring these systems operate at peak efficiency demands significant attention and resources .”
However , alongside these benefits come certain challenges . Albrecht points out that automation requires significant upfront investment and a robust technological infrastructure . " The initial costs can be substantial , and there ' s a critical need for ongoing maintenance and upgrades . Finding and retaining skilled workers remains a persistent challenge , so it is important to invest in education and training to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to operate and maintain automated systems effectively .”
Albrecht identifies concerns of job displacement as a significant issue . " While automation can create efficiencies , it also displaces jobs . Consequently , it is imperative to implement proactive measures to educate and upskill the workforce , aligning with the evolving demands of automated warehouse environments .
" Such investment in education and training can empower the workforce to adapt to technological advancements . By nurturing skilled talent , businesses can bridge the skills gap and drive sustainable growth in automated industries . Furthermore , there is real difficulty in finding skilled workers willing to work in demanding warehouse environments . Retaining skilled staff is therefore as challenging as finding them , given shifting preferences among newer generations entering the workforce .”
EMBRACING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION
Albrecht describes the potential impact of automated systems on space utilisation , saying he has seen companies go into business rescue due to storage space shortages . “ Automating warehouse processes can optimise space utilisation efficiently , converting previously underutilised areas into productive storage zones .”
Discussing cost implications , Albrecht emphasises the financial benefits of reduced labour costs associated with automation . " By replacing manual tasks with automated processes , businesses can streamline operations and allocate resources more efficiently .”
Efficiency stems from accuracy in automated systems in contrast to potential errors in manual operations . " Even well-trained staff can make mistakes due to fatigue or environmental factors . Automation mitigates these risks , enhancing accuracy and minimising errors in product handling and order fulfillment .”
Regarding scalability and design flexibility , Albrecht cites recent project successes where modular automation solutions were implemented . " Modular systems allow for phased implementation and scalability . Businesses can adapt these systems incrementally , aligning investments with operational growth and evolving customer demands .”
20 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • November / December 2024