The importance of logistics automation
Regardless of the sector to which any company belongs B2B (bussines to bussines) or B2C (business to consumer), logistics costs directly impact the price of the product. In a market as competitive as the current one, the logistics optimization and efficiency is clue to ensure the survival of any company.
So far, optimization is based on integrating LEAN processes that avoid inefficiencies, added times and costs to the supply chain, but once optimal gearing is achieved, the possibilities of cost reduction focus on digitization and automation.
Automation possibilities within the warehouse
Within intralogistics, practically all of the existing processes in a warehouse are automatable:
- Truck loading/unloading: Through automatic loading docks or AGVs (self-guided vehicles).
- Identification of loads: Incorporating arches with RFID technology or automatic barcode scanner.
- Internal freight transport (pallet, box, etc…): With the use of motorized transport conveyors, AMRs (autonomous collaborative robots) or AGVs
- Storage of loads on shelves: Installing ASRS systems (automated storage system) with capacity up to 40 meters in height or AGVs forklifts capable of lifting up to 12 meters in height.
- Inventory: Using drones with onboard barcode scanner or with an RFID system with active tags in shelf locations and passive tags on the pallet / product.
- Order preparation (picking): Integrating Good to Person systems, such as; AMRs, ASRS miniload, vertical rotary or shuttle type warehouses.
- Classification/consolidation: With automatic conveyor sorter and transfer systems.
- Packing: Anthropomorphic palletizing robots, shrink wrapping machines and automatic labeling machines.
Industry 4.0 applied to intralogistics
Industry 4.0 is clearly linked to intralogistics. Communication between machines is essential to link the different processes and guarantee the traceability of the product.
It also incorporates technologies such as Big Data for decision making based on the analysis of information, artificial intelligence or machine learning that optimize existing resources by learning from the results obtained.
The incorporation of a WSM or SGA (warehouse management system) that integrates all these technologies is essential to be completely efficient.
Key factors of automation
Automation in intralogistics is not always feasible or profitable. It is essential to analyze each case before the transformation, but there are certain indicators that help us determine the project viability. Here are some of them:
- Work shifts: He payback of automation is directly related to the quantity and cost of resources required to execute the process manually.
- Warehouse volumetry: Generally, the greater height and length of corridors we have, the lower the cost per location will be in the case of a automatic warehouse.
- Low value tasks: Performing tasks such as transportation of goods, warehouse location or product classification, are usually repetitive and easily mechanized.
- Business sector: Sectors such as automotive, pharmacy or textile They are the most inclined towards automation due to their high dynamic requirements.
- Marked seasonality: The number of machines must be calculated to cover the moment of greatest demand, so if the workload is not flat, it is likely that a mixed proposal (manual / automatic), becomes the best solution.
If you are interested in topics related to logistics and merchandise distribution processes, the Master in Logistics and International Trade Management It will help you give a boost to your career as it will serve as a guide to achieve the professional success you need and thus become a qualified professional to perform the different functions required in the sector. Learn from active professionals the reality of a profession that is increasingly in demand.
