Supply chain management (SCM) is crucial for a business’ success. Robotics technology improves warehouse efficiency and lowers costs, boosting service delivery.
Below, we discuss how robotics systems are optimizing supply chain management, from manufacturing to delivery.
Understanding Supply Chain Robotics
Robotics systems, such as robotic picking arms and automated pallet movers, can be leveraged at various stages of the supply chain, including procurement, production, inventory management, and distribution. These systems automate tasks traditionally performed by humans to reduce manual labor and increase efficiency.
Robotics in the supply chain started with simple mechanized arms in production lines, but has since advanced to fully autonomous robots capable of completing complex tasks and assisting in all areas of operations.
Impact of Robots on Supply Chain Efficiency
Robotics solutions significantly increase operational efficiency in the supply chain. Unlike humans, robots can operate 24/7 without fatigue, resulting in higher productivity. This also reduces the risk of human error, which can lead to significant costs from fixing improperly packaged orders or damaged products.
Automated systems, like Prime’s goods-to-person robots, integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS) to help improve order accuracy and inventory management. This speedier, more efficient work results in an accelerated supply chain, improving production and customer delivery.
Integrating robotics into the supply chain also comes with long-term savings and return on investment (ROI). Though initial implementation costs may be high, robots help reduce other costs associated with the supply chain. For example, robots reduce labor costs by automating repetitive tasks, which frees human workers to focus on more complex, higher-value tasks. Faster work also means faster order fulfillment, keeping customers satisfied and coming back for more.
Supply Chain Robotics and Sustainability
Warehouse robotics also help businesses meet their environmental sustainability goals. By streamlining the supply chain, robots reduce energy consumption in warehouses related to transportation. Robotics systems, such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), maximize warehouse space as well, helping facilities save on costs related to building size, footprint, and maintenance.
Companies that use supply chain robotics often see savings in energy costs and reduced waste due to improved precision. Higher picking speeds and accuracy rates minimizes the need for reproducing or repackaging incorrect or damaged orders, which saves energy and raw material costs. By reducing the use of materials and energy, warehouses decrease their carbon footprint, allowing consumers to shop guiltlessly.
Robotics systems are also highly scalable. As business needs grow and shrink, robot usage may be scaled up or down without a proportional increase in labor costs or human resources. Robots can often be easily added or reprogrammed to handle increased workloads, allowing companies to expand operations and manage higher inventory volumes with fewer errors and delays.
Robotics and Inventory Management
Robots are also particularly useful in improving inventory management. AS/RS, for example, integrate with WMS to manage and track inventory with minimal error. From picking and packing to sorting processes, robots can store and ship goods more accurately than human workers alone.
Many modern robotics systems use sensors to analyze and predict inventory needs, and automate restocking as necessary when integrated with WMS. In all stages of the supply chain, these vision systems and scanners can verify and track inventory, ensuring that all data is accurate. This reduces the risk of overstock and understock situations, which improves inventory turnover and reduces holding costs. It also reduces the risk of customer dissatisfaction and decreases costs associated with returns, as fewer errors results in happier customers.
Robotics, Safety, and Quality Control
Warehouse robotics also improves safety and quality control. Robots are used to perform tasks often dangerous to humans, such as lifting heavy items, working in hazardous environments, or handling toxic materials. By relying on robots to perform these tasks, the risk of workplace injuries is minimized.
Robotics systems are also highly consistent. Robots help maintain product quality by precisely and safely transporting goods through the supply chain. Autonomous systems may also help facilitate quality checks to quickly identify product defects and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Considerations When Implementing Robots
Though supply chain robots have many benefits, there are a few challenges to consider before implementing them. For one, initial investment costs may be high. It’s important to evaluate your available budget and all associated costs to ensure a successful integration.
After implementation, robots also require regular maintenance and troubleshooting when technical issues arise. Existing employees must be trained on how to use the technology and troubleshoot effectively. Processes must be established to ensure that updates and mechanical fixes are completed as needed.
Operators need to ensure that robotics systems are compatible with established warehouse systems and processes. Robots must be integrated properly with existing systems to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Warehouses looking to implement supply chain robots should also consider risks associated with data privacy. Concern must be taken regarding the risk of data leaks, hacking, and other digital threats that may come with new technology. Safety processes and protocols must be applied to automated systems to ensure that customer and employee data remains secure.
Final Thoughts
The integration of robotics into supply chain management is becoming a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive field. Supply chain robotics helps warehouses increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety in the workplace. As more and more industries embrace automation, robotics will become increasingly prevalent in the supply chain to streamline operations and meet consumer demands.
Contact us to schedule your workflow assessment and learn more about integrating supply chain robotics into your operations.
