Contents
Table of Contents
The Warehouse potentials to Supply Chain 2
Traditional and Automated Warehouse 3
Technology for automation of Warehouse Operations 7
Risks of Deploying Technology in Warehouse 9
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, effective supply chain management is crucial for organizations to remain competitive. Warehouse management is an essential component of supply chain optimization, as it involves managing the storage and movement of goods from the procurement of raw materials to the distribution of finished products (Ramaa et al., 2012; Trab et al., 2018). The traditional view of warehouses as cost centres have also shifted, with warehouses increasingly seen as potential value producers (Manzini, 2012). This article explores the potential of warehouses to add value to the supply chain and an organization, comparing traditional methods with the application of technology and automation.
Effective supply chain management requires a continuous flow of commodities, from the procurement of raw materials to the distribution of finished goods (Ramaa et al., 2012). Warehouse management is a vital component in optimizing the supply chain as it enables the efficient storage and movement of goods. They also offer a safe environment for storing materials, which helps maintain the quality of goods and reduce the risk of damage, loss or theft. Warehousing plays a crucial role in adding value to the supply chain by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire process.
One of the primary benefits of warehousing is that it enables companies to store products closer to their customers, thereby reducing transportation costs and lead times (Sainathuni et al., 2014; Faber et al., 2018). This can result in faster order fulfilment, improved customer satisfaction, and increased profitability. Warehousing also allows companies to manage inventory more effectively by providing a centralized location for storing and tracking goods (Fichtinger et al., 2015). This helps to minimize stockouts, avoid overstocking, and optimize order quantities, which can lead to significant cost savings.
Another important role of warehousing is in facilitating the consolidation of goods from multiple suppliers into larger shipments (Ramaa et al., 2012). This can result in reduced transportation costs, improved efficiency, and increased sustainability. Warehousing also enables companies to perform value-added activities such as kitting, labelling, and packaging, which can increase the value of the products being stored (Laber et al., 2020).
By performing these activities in-house, companies can avoid outsourcing costs and maintain greater control over the quality and consistency of their products. In addition to these benefits, warehousing can also help companies to manage risk by providing a buffer against supply chain disruptions (Kuruba et al., 2019). By maintaining safety stock levels in a warehouse, companies can ensure that they have sufficient inventory to meet unexpected demand spikes or supply chain disruptions. Warehousing can also help to mitigate the risk of damage or loss during transit by providing a secure location for storing and transferring goods.
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A traditional warehouse is a physical space where companies store their products until they are ready to be shipped to customers or retailers. Traditional warehouses are typically operated manually, with workers using equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks to move and store goods (Kuruba et al., 2019). They are commonly used by businesses of all sizes and across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce.
According to Karásek (2013), the primary purpose of a traditional warehouse is to provide a safe and organized environment for storing goods. Traditional warehouses often have various sections, such as receiving, storage, and shipping areas (Weidinger et al., 2018). The receiving area is where goods are brought in and inspected, while the storage area is where they are stored until they are ready to be shipped out. The shipping area is where goods are prepared for delivery to customers or retailers.
Traditional warehouses are often used for storing and moving goods in bulk. They are typically designed to store products on pallets or in large containers, which are then moved using equipment such as forklifts (Krittanathip et al., 2013). This type of Warehouse is useful for businesses that require large-scale storage and transportation of goods, as it provides ample space and the necessary equipment to move products quickly and efficiently (Boysen et al., 2019).
Despite its many advantages, traditional warehousing has some limitations. For example, it is often associated with higher labour costs, as the majority of tasks are carried out manually. In addition, traditional warehouses may not be able to handle certain types of products or materials, such as hazardous chemicals, which require specialized storage and handling.
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Figure 1 An example of a traditional warehouse.
An automated warehouse, also known as a “lights-out warehouse,” is a type of Warehouse that uses automated technology to store, retrieve, and transport goods. Unlike traditional warehouses, automated warehouses rely on advanced technology, such as robots and conveyors, to carry out tasks (Boysen et al., 2019). The primary advantage of an automated warehouse is its ability to operate 24/7 with minimal human intervention. This type of Warehouse is particularly useful for businesses that require high-speed, high-volume storage and retrieval of goods (Weidinger et al., 2018). Automated warehouses are also able to handle a wide range of products and materials, including hazardous materials that may require specialized handling.
The operation of an automated warehouse typically involves a network of sensors, conveyors, and robots that work together to move goods through the Warehouse (Du et al., 2020). When a product is received, it is scanned and assigned a location within the Warehouse.
The product is then transported to its assigned location using a conveyor system, where it is stored until it is ready to be shipped out. When an order is received, the automated system locates the product and sends a robot to retrieve it (Custodio & Machado, 2020). The robot then transports the product to the shipping area, where it is packaged and prepared for delivery. Throughout the entire process, the automated system tracks the location and status of each product, providing real-time information to warehouse managers.
Automated warehouses offer a number of advantages over traditional warehouses, including increased efficiency, reduced labour costs, and improved accuracy. By using robots and other automated technology, businesses are able to store and retrieve goods more quickly and with greater accuracy, than is possible with manual processes (Atieh et al., 2016).
This can result in faster order fulfilment, improved customer satisfaction, and increased profitability. Despite these advantages, automated warehouses also have some limitations (Custodio & Machado, 2020). For example, they require a significant investment in technology and infrastructure, which may not be feasible for all businesses. Additionally, the highly automated nature of these warehouses can make them less flexible than traditional warehouses, which may be better suited for businesses with changing inventory needs.
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Figure 2 automated warehouse
The integration of technology in warehouse operations has seen significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. This adoption of cutting-edge technology, according to Atieh et al. (2016), has revolutionized the traditional Warehouse, and businesses have begun to realize its benefits.
RFID Technology: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. The adoption of RFID technology in warehouse operations has resulted in a reduction in manual labour and an improvement in accuracy (Popova et al., 2021). RFID tags can be attached to products, pallets, and containers, allowing for real-time tracking of their location and status. This technology has also enabled businesses to achieve automatic inventory management and order tracking, thus reducing the risk of human error and improving overall efficiency.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS): Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are computer-controlled systems that are used to store and retrieve goods automatically from a warehouse. ASRS uses a combination of conveyors, lifts, and robotic arms to transport goods from one location to another. The adoption of ASRS technology has enabled businesses to achieve high-speed, high-volume storage and retrieval of goods (AbdelGawad, 2015). ASRS technology has also enabled businesses to reduce labour costs and increase productivity, thereby improving overall efficiency.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are software applications that are used to manage warehouse operations. WMS provides real-time information on inventory levels, order status, and shipping information. It also enables warehouse managers to optimize their operations by providing information on the location of products, picking routes, and replenishment schedules. The integration of WMS with other systems, such as RFID, ASRS, and voice-picking systems, has enabled warehouse managers to have a comprehensive view of their operations, leading to improved decision-making and cost-effectiveness (Ramaa et al., 2012).
Voice Picking Systems: Voice Picking Systems are technology solutions that enable workers to receive instructions via voice commands. These systems are particularly useful for reducing errors, increasing accuracy, and improving productivity. Voice-picking systems use speech recognition technology to translate voice commands into text, which is then transmitted to a WMS. The WMS then sends instructions back to the worker via a headset. The adoption of voice-picking systems has resulted in a reduction in errors and an increase in productivity, leading to improved overall efficiency (Haase& Beimborn, 2017).
Robotics: Robotics technology is increasingly being used in warehouse operations. Robots are used to perform a variety of tasks, including product picking, packing, and transportation. Robotic technology can help businesses reduce labour costs, improve accuracy, and increase efficiency. Robots can also be used for hazardous material handling and can work in extreme temperatures (Ramaa et al., 2012). The adoption of robotics technology has enabled businesses to reduce costs and improve productivity, leading to improved overall efficiency.
Drones: Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that are used for a variety of purposes, including inventory tracking and monitoring. Drones can be used to monitor inventory levels in real time and provide visual data on the status of products. This technology is particularly useful for businesses that require high-speed, high-volume storage and retrieval of goods (AbdelGawad, 2015). The adoption of drones has enabled businesses to reduce labour costs and increase productivity, leading to improved overall efficiency.
While technology has many benefits in warehouse operations, there are also risks associated with deploying technology. One of the main risks is the cost of implementation, which can be significant. The adoption of technology requires businesses to invest in new hardware and software, and the cost of implementation can be high, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (Inam et al., 2018).
Another risk associated with deploying technology in warehouses is the potential for system failures. If a warehouse management system or other technology fails, it can result in significant disruptions to the supply chain. This can lead to delays in the delivery of products, customer complaints, and lost revenue (Haase & Beimborn, 2017). The adoption of technology also requires businesses to invest in training their employees. New technology requires new skills, and employees may require extensive training to use new systems effectively. Training can be time-consuming and costly, and there is always the risk that employees may resist the adoption of new technology (Haase & Beimborn, 2017).
There are also security risks associated with deploying technology in warehouses. The use of RFID tags and other tracking systems can result in the potential for data breaches and cyber-attacks. This can lead to the theft of valuable data, and businesses may be held liable for any damages resulting from such breaches (Boysen et al., 2019). Finally, there are ethical concerns associated with the deployment of technology in warehouses. The use of robotics and automation can result in the displacement of human workers. This can lead to job losses and has the potential to impact the communities where these workers reside (Custodio & Machado, 2020).
Effective warehouse management is crucial for supply chain optimization and adding value to an organization. By optimizing warehouse operations through the application of technology and automation, organizations can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage. It is also important to note that the traditional Warehouse has evolved into a highly automated and efficient space with the implementation of robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
These technologies have allowed for faster processing times, increased accuracy, and better inventory management. While there are risks associated with deploying technology in warehouses, the benefits far outweigh them. Technology has also allowed for greater visibility and transparency across the supply chain, enabling businesses to track their inventory in real time and respond quickly to changing customer demands. The integration of warehouse management systems with transportation management systems has further improved supply chain efficiency, allowing businesses to optimize their operations and reduce costs.
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