systems and information gleaned from barcodes , robots can move parcels to and from any area in a warehouse .
Notably , they take the strain from warehouse employees , with Prime Vision robots able to handle items weighing up to 35 kg . Furthermore , robots are more space efficient than sortation machines and conveyors , allowing businesses to achieve more throughput in smaller spaces . This is great for large warehouses wanting to increase capacity , or smaller facilities making do with what they have .
The clincher for robots in an environment of fluctuating demand is that the fleet can seamlessly expand or contract depending on requirement . During Black Friday , more robots can be added to sort to new destinations , meeting demand in existing spaces without putting unnecessary strain on employees . Following the seasonal rush , the number can be reduced , allowing a more efficient approach to lower demand . When combined with automatic storage and retrieval systems ( ASRS ) from other suppliers , which maximise available racking
space and warehouse capacity , Prime Vision robots give existing facilities the means to seamlessly scale operations .
In terms of temporary facilities , robots are an excellent choice too . As well as making efficient use of space , robots can be transported anywhere . Prime Vision specialises in these relocations for its US customers , moving an entire fleet and setting up new operations in a week . This gives companies complete flexibility while providing a low-risk method to test local or meet high demand .
Deciding whether to scale up or down
But how can a business decide to scale up or down with any accuracy ? The answer is to use Prime Vision analytics software to turn operational data into actionable insights .
Across a warehouse operation , data is being generated from management systems , scanners , sorting machines , robots , personnel and trucks . For retail and
e-commerce companies , sales data from physical and online stores further supplements this . By collating this data and using analytics software to spot trends , businesses can scale operations in the most efficient manner .
This ensures that warehouses are adequately prepared and react accordingly to spikes or falls in demand . Therefore , facility managers can ensure service levels are maintained while maximising profitability . Nobody can see into the future , however software analytics enable postal , e-commerce and delivery companies to at least
make an educated guess , while any short-term decision making can be informed by a data driven approach .
Consistency of service in uncertain times
Fluctuating demand presents many challenges to the logistics sector . However , automation technologies such as robots and analytics software allow operators to maintain a flexible and efficient service throughout . With the support of an automation expert such as Prime Vision , postal , e-commerce and delivery companies can capitalise on every market condition , consistently overcoming the challenges of uncertainty .
There are multiple approaches to scale up and down with demand , but robots are probably the most eye catching .
For further information , please visit www . primevision . com
Issue 67 PECM 121