In the past five years, Warehouses have only gotten smarter, and it’s mostly due to the forward-thinking technologies created and implemented. These advances have enabled businesses to reduce overheads, whilst still maintaining high levels of service, which in today’s global climate is preferred.

However, it’s not only about reducing the risk to the workers involved, these technologies have caused a revolution of the industry, thus enabling much smaller warehouse companies to be able to competitively function in an already competitive market. Here are some of the top technologies we suggest for Warehouses of the future:

1. USE A CLOUD-BASED WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (WMS)

WM systems have a few great advantages over in-house systems, with practically no downtime and seamless integration. There is no hardware involved, resulting in less IT staff on the payroll, as well as saving on the space required to host such technology.

However, what’s most transformational about a WMS is it allows business to define and enforce new Warehouse processes en masse, reducing the risk of errors and lowering safety issues, whilst increasing productivity.

2. INTRODUCE SMART SHELVES AND ROBOTIC PICKERS AND PACKERS

Using technology in the pick and packing process is not a new concept. However, as the technology has developed it has become a core technology that is essential for a smooth-running distribution line.

New developments, such as smart shelves and integrated tracking systems, have meant more increases in efficiency due to precise item locations. Ultimately the robotic pickers ease the bottlenecks often caused by human limitations and therefore increases output significantly.

3. UPDATE WAREHOUSE TO REDUCE ENERGY OUTPUT

A UN Global Goals aligned development is the introduction of energy-saving technologies. These changes are as simple as replacing fluorescent lighting with LED alternatives within the warehouse.

Other energy-saving initiatives use technology as a tool to calculate where energy can be saved i.e. big data analysis to identify where product waste can be cut down, as well as discovering optimal warehouse layouts because less space equals less energy.

4. INVEST IN NEW HANDHELD DEVICES

If your workforce is located on the warehouse floor, a key technology to invest in is up-to-date handheld devices. Not only do they increase the efficiency of any human workforce, but they also allow workers to have immediate access to correct data, anytime, and anywhere in the warehouse.

These small handheld devices can include various support technologies, such as voice technology. So rather than manually having to type, workers can enter picks with their words. Saving precious seconds each time, which soon build up to massive savings. Updates to design have also made them more durable, long-lasting and can include a wearable ring barcode scanner, which introduces a hands-free benefit. A hidden COVID secure benefit.

5. INTRODUCING DIMENSIONING TECH

Some new technology may seem simple on the surface but can effect great change within the whole supply-chain process in the warehouse. Dimensioning tech is one such technology. By using the tech to automate measurement and verification in the receiving process, it reduces error dramatically and saves time.

Also when integrated with the check-in process, the system can take multiple photos to be kept on record to enhance customer satisfaction and provide evidence for any potential future issues, a proactive action rather than the old-style reactive approach.

As technology continues to evolve, we can start to see the full revolution of the modern Warehouse. It’s key to ensure any Warehousing solution you use is modernising and keeping up with development to ensure you the best and most cost-efficient service.