The Satellite Review Magazine The Satellite Review Magazine Vol 2 | Page 34

OPTIMIZE WAREHOUSE
OPERATIONS

5 STRATEGIES FOR

Optimizing

WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS

By John Hinchey

VP of Sales, Westfalia Technologies, Inc.

F

rom SKU proliferation, to
e-commerce, to increasing
customer demand, changes and
trends in today’s supply chains have
significantly complicated the warehousing industry. Now, as warehousing
organizations look for new ways to
stay ahead of these shifts and challenges, many are embracing automation
technology to drive new efficiencies.
However, when it comes to automating
their warehouse, some organizations
are unsure where to start. Some have

34

The Satellite Review

relied on the same facilities, the same
processes and the same homegrown
systems for years. To help jump start
your efforts, here are five strategies for
optimizing warehouse operations with
automation:
1. Retrofit Your Existing Facility
with a High-density AS/RS
Introducing a high-density automated
storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) to
your existing facility will instantly im-

prove your cube utilization. You’ll be
able to store more product in the same
(if not smaller) amount of space, and
eliminate the need for new construction or off-site storage – costly options
that produce little ROI. Often, an
AS/RS can minimize your overall
building footprint by up to 50 percent,
when compared to a conventional
warehouse. At the same time, you’ll
better-position your facility for growth
and have room to accommodate new
SKUs.

www.WestfaliaUSA.com