By Sally Miller, global CIO, DHL Supply Chain
As the deployment of robotics and automated solutions accelerates, we are seeing supply chain and logistics operations transform.
Over time, initial concerns that robotics would replace the human workforce have gradually given way to a deeper understanding of how these technologies complement and enhance human roles.
The integration of robotics and automation into supply chains is proving to be a powerful tool which works alongside employees to drive efficiency while reducing manual strain and creating new career development opportunities.
Across the sector, the introduction of robotics has been a catalyst for innovation and process improvement which goes far beyond simply adding new technology to an existing operation.
By stepping back and assessing their supply chains holistically, businesses can effectively identify the areas where automation can make the most impact, keeping in mind that, at its core, optimising operations means optimising human performance.
Relieving strain and reducing stress
In a logistics setting, automation has the potential to drastically improve operational efficiency within logistics, from tackling driver fatigue with in-truck automation and data-driven route planning to ensuring safer, more accurate movement of pallets, bins and cages in warehouses with indoor robotic transport such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR).
The introduction of robotics solutions also helps to improve workplace safety by reducing physical strain and heavy lifting.
For example, collaborative robots or “cobots” are designed to work alongside the human workforce, assisting with repetitive, mundane tasks such as container unloading.
These robots work seamlessly with their human counterparts, promoting a collaborative – not competitive – dynamic in the workplace while also reducing bottlenecks and minimising human error.
Beyond transport and the warehouse floor, automation also has a key role to play in back office functions, streamlining time-consuming, high-volume tasks.
From admin to transport, the shift to automated solutions doesn’t just boost productivity: it reduces stress and creates a more balanced, engaging workload for colleagues.
The appeal of a tech-driven workplace
As industry-wide labour shortages persist, robotics and automation are critical tools for attracting and retaining talent.
The deployment of advanced technological solutions is especially appealing to younger members of the workforce, with one survey showing that 80 percent of Gen Z workers aspire to work with cutting-edge technology while 91 percent say technology influences their job choice when considering similar employment offers.
The appeal of robotics and automated solutions isn’t exclusive to Gen Z, however. Another study found that 89 percent of workers across generations reported higher job satisfaction when automation was part of their work environment.
With robotics helping to free up time for colleagues and increase productivity, employees working at sites which utilise automation often feel a stronger sense of gratification as a result of contributing more value-adding work.
Employees increasingly view automation as a career-enhancing tool, with the International Federation of Robotics reporting that 70 percent of workers believe automation will create opportunities to qualify for higher-skilled roles.
This avenue to unlock new learning and development opportunities is one of the most valuable aspects of automation. With robotics and automation handling more labour-intensive tasks, employees can focus on upskilling or even exploring leadership opportunities.
This transition not only helps colleagues to develop professionally but also ensures that businesses have a prepared and enduring workforce equipped to manage and optimise new and evolving technologies.
Prioritising training
As supply chain organisations seek to establish these strong and lasting workforces, it’s critical that they turn their attention to providing high-quality training opportunities. A recent study by the National Skills Coalition revealed that 92 percent of jobs now require digital skills, even those that traditionally didn’t.
Yet, according to a PwC survey, only 40 percent of employees feel their companies are offering the upskilling opportunities they need.
To stay competitive in recruitment and retention, supply chain businesses will benefit from helping their workforce acquire the technical, digital, and analytical skills that will enable them to thrive in an increasingly automated environment.
By focusing on both nurturing the right talent and investing in the right technological solutions, businesses can ensure an innovative and effective operation which benefits from both the irreplaceable critical analysis of a human workforce and the precision and efficiency of robotics and automation.
About the author: Sally Miller is the global CIO for DHL Supply Chain, where she has been for almost 20 years, starting with the role of vice president IT Americas in 2005.
