The key element in any logistics business is the warehouse. So much so, that in 2018, American companies spent $1,5 trillion (R22,5 trillion) on logistic expenses.

If we look at the food and beverage industry, for example, these warehouses are typically mixed case warehouses, meaning that there are a significant number of products under one roof.  Now, each store will have its specific requirements in terms of products required as well as in what quantities. What this means is that every day these warehouses will need to pack different orders for the different stores. If we now throw in special packing requirements such as separating kosher food, you can see how difficult this is on a large scale. 

Automating the process 

In days gone by, most of these processes were done manually by humans. However, with businesses now requiring more efficient processing of orders, as well as being less tolerant to errors, there has been a movement towards the automating of these processes to minimize errors and increase overall efficiency. 

Besides limiting the amount of manual intervention and reducing the complexity of the process, another benefit of automating these processes is that the number of items that stores order can be reduced too. Because of the smart technology, stores no longer have to order a complete pallet, which could impact their storage space and result in oversupply. Orders are also packed optimally to ensure that they won’t be damaged in the transport process. 

Finally, the accuracy of these robots is unmatched – all guesswork on what went out and when is removed in its entirety. Quite simply, machines do not make as many errors as humans do. 

Introducing robotics into your operation

The benefits of introducing these systems are clear but many businesses are still reticent to change as they believe it will require a substantial overhaul of their existing equipment, processes, and warehouse space. By their inherent design, robots can integrate into existing systems seamlessly, and as they are customizable, they can fit into existing warehouse spaces without the need for new premises or warehouse redesign. 

With world-renowned businesses such as Alibaba and Amazon investing in robotic logistics, the picture can’t be clearer that this is indeed the way to go when setting your business up for the future. 

By combining TSI Central Station’s Digital Control Tower with robotic logistics, you will have a holistic view of your supply chain at any moment, and accurate metrics that enable better stock-keeping, tracking and delivery lead times. Book a demo and we’ll show you more!