ERCOME COVID-19 SETBACKS WITH
E AUTOMATION
he COVID-19 pandemic is quickly shifting the way warehouses operate and , with the help of changing consumer demands , will encourage new opportunities for automation . Warehouses of all sizes are increasingly turning to automation to maintain “ social distancing ,” reduce the number of staff that must physically show up to work and decrease the number of human touch points .
TA great number of essential workers
have been affected by COVID , leaving companies on the front lines to implement new safety processes . While the spread of the virus has been serious enough to warrant shutdowns , many businesses have been able to continue operations with the addition of new health measures . The best ways to keep staff healthy is to reduce the number of workers who are in the building at any given time . This strategy , however , directly alters production , which is more critical than ever for essential companies , especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries .
A 2020 Automation Study found that those companies in e-commerce ( 66 %); grocery , food and beverage ( 59 %); and logistics ( 55 %) are most willing to invest more in automation at this time . With social distancing becoming more common in the workplace , automation and connected solutions can help continue operations where traditional labor physically cannot . The use of automated technology , guided work solutions and computer-controlled equipment is seen as very important by companies for future competitiveness . Warehouse execution software , order picking technology and robotic solutions – currently three of the most widely implemented solutions – are most expected to receive further investment soon , according to the study .
Recent consumer studies show a 28 % increase in online purchases globally . Buying online and then picking up in-store is also expected to increase by more than 60 % in 2020 . Consumers want seamless buying and delivery experiences , and companies are adapting by deploying micro-fulfillment strategies ; relying on automation solutions to improve speed and accuracy of
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