By Thomas R. Cutler
One of the benefits of warehouse automation includes increasing speed. Automated systems instantly identify the locations of all items in a particular order increasing speed.
Warehouse automation systems optimize routes and maximize productivity during the product retrieval process. Warehouse automation speeds up inventory management processes by using the technology to automatically count items.
Maximizing space is another advantage in automating warehouses. Utilizing lift trucks that complete product retrieval and storage tasks reduce the need for wide aisles that accommodate large pallets and pallet jacks and workers.
AS/RS systems also use conveyors and lift trucks that reduce the amount of space used for aisles.
By reducing human error, warehouse automation can simplify inventory management, allowing for more accurate inventory counts and related inventory data.
Goods-to-person
LinkMisr International is a leading industrial company specialized in manufacturing shelving and racking systems now serving North America.
Recently, Simon Armanious shared more about how the Egyptian company is an advocate for goods-to-person automation. Simon noted that LinkMisr was established in Egypt in 1993 and now has four factories.
In nearly thirty years the company has grown significantly and sustained its position as the market leader in Egypt and other countries in the Middle East, Africa, and North America.
LinkMisr owns and manufactures its products in four plants with total area of 28,000 sq m (more than 300,000 sq ft) using the most modern equipment.
The manufacturing facilities include an automatic shelving roll forming line, powder coating painting line, and uprights and beams roll forming line. The demand for on-time delivery is non-negotiable.
Many warehouse automation systems bring the products to the worker, rather than the worker going to the products. As a result, foot and equipment traffic throughout the facility is decreased, enhancing overall warehouse safety.
This can also reduce product damage by reducing the need for warehouse staff to manually move products from location to location.
As warehouse and distribution managers look to streamline operations, improve efficiency and production, and reduce costs, warehouse automation is on the rise.
The benefits of warehouse automation are numerous. For warehouse managers just delving into automation, one of the first benefits realized is a reduction in manual errors.
The cost per error ranges from $50 to $300. When multiplying the error cost by the 1%-3% error rate, represents a significant impact on the company’s bottom line.
Warehouse automation benefits
Ninety percent (90%) of all warehouse automation destined for North American installations use products manufactured elsewhere. Using manufacturers who guarantee rapid material handling product delivery is essential when e-Commerce is driving a dramatic increase in warehouse utilization.
Flexibility is the hallmark of recommended solutions tailored to suit customers’ warehouse requirements. LinkMisr is proud to be the first African-based manufacturer at MODEX.
At a time when supply chain disruptions continue from other regions of the globe, and hiring warehouse workers nearly impossible, a unique opportunity for innovators becomes the new imperative.
Material handling experts who wish to be considered by LinkMisr should contact
Simon Armanious at Simon.Armanious@linkmisr.com or call (647) 884-3624.
About the author: Thomas R. Cutler is the President and CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based, TR Cutler, Inc., celebrating its 23rd year. Cutler is the founder of the Manufacturing Media Consortium including more than 9000 journalists, editors, and economists writing about trends in manufacturing, industry, material handling, and process improvement. TR Cutler, Inc. launched two new divisions focusing on Gen Z and the African manufacturing sector. Cutler authors more than 1000 feature articles annually regarding the manufacturing sector. Over 5000 industry leaders follow Cutler on Twitter daily at @ThomasRCutler. Contact Cutler at trcutler@trcutlerinc.com.
