Top five reasons to automate your warehouse

The key to successful distribution is to know exactly where each of your products is stored and how to retrieve them quickly and efficiently. How you manage your picking, packaging and shipping operations will play a huge role in the overall success of your business. Automating your warehouse can provide many benefits, some of which we have discussed below…

1. Save space

With rental prices being so high, many new distribution companies find themselves leasing a smaller warehouse than they had originally hoped for. Automating your warehouse operations can make the best possible use of limited space and help to free up additional space for storage. Many companies that offer total solutions for material handling are able to design bespoke systems, created for the space available.

2. Improve productivity

Unlike humans, machines can offer the advantage of non-stop productivity. They can work twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, without needing to stop for a cup of tea or go home to their families! You will also find that automated picking systems work much quicker than people, meaning that they are able to process a higher volume of orders each day. Automating your warehouse will provide a high return on investment.

3. Lower staff costs

Having an automated picking system and conveyer belt system will also dramatically reduce your labour costs. Obviously you will need members of staff to oversee the operations, but there will be no need to hire people to pick items for you.

4. Improve safety

Warehouses can be dangerous places, which is why business owners are always on the lookout to improve operations and protocol. Automated storage and retrieval systems will help to improve safety in your warehouse. There will be no need for people to physically lift heavy items or drive forklift trucks. Fewer people in the warehouse at one time will also lessen the risk of accidents.

5. Increase accuracy

Machines are inevitably more precise and accurate than humans. By automating your warehouse you will see a huge improvement in order accuracy, which will lead to much happier customers. You may also want to consider integrating your warehouse operations and automating order management. Every time an item sells and is picked by the machine, it will automatically update your inventory. This not only makes re-ordering much easier, but it also ensures that your website is updated so customers cannot buy something that is out of stock.