The use of robotics in warehouses has become increasingly popular. According to GlobeNewswire, the warehouse automation market is expected to reach $36.4 billion by 2028. These numbers shouldn’t come as a surprise. Warehouse robots can help boost efficiency, cut operational costs, increase inventory management accuracy and more.
Businesses that take advantage of this technology can gain a competitive advantage. However, integrating automation requires a clear plan. This detailed guide explores the practical approaches to implementing robotics in warehouses so you can confidently create a smarter, more efficient warehouse.
Does Your Warehouse Need Robotics Technology?
Before implementing robotics, automated systems or specialized software in your warehouse, it’s essential to ask yourself an important question — is it relevant for my particular warehouse?
To qualify your business, you’ll need to evaluate the environment in which the robots would operate and the tasks they’d have to carry out. The following characteristics may indicate that your warehouse is ideal:
- Your warehouse has clean, smooth and dry floors
- There are many repetitive tasks
- You’re having challenges with maintaining consistency and accuracy with your repetitive tasks
- You have challenges sourcing and retaining your staff
- Some of your operations involve physically demanding or potentially hazardous tasks
- Your business is experiencing rapid growth and you need to scale your operations quickly
- Your warehouse has long horizontal runs or vertical movements
How to Implement Robotics in a Warehouse
To successfully implement robotics technology, you need a streamlined approach that involves five key steps.
1. Define Success and Return on Investment (ROI)
Defining success early on can help you determine the level of ROI needed to make the robotics implementation worthwhile. This might include calculating the direct labor savings, reduced expenses, costs to train operators and the maintenance of these robots.
2. Train Employees
Training all your employees is essential when you plan to implement new systems. This will help ensure they know how to use the tools properly while also maintaining proper safety.
To train your staff, start by focusing on the purpose and benefits of the technology you plan to introduce so that they, too, will see its value. You also need to provide hands-on training tailored to their individual roles and focus on technical operations and troubleshooting. In addition, it’s essential to provide safety training and protocols so that your team can safely operate all these new systems.
3. Involve IT
Involving your IT team can help ensure a smooth and successful integration. Robotic systems rely heavily on data and software to function alongside your existing systems, and your IT team can play a key role in helping to assess infrastructure compatibilities.
To involve IT, engage them early in the planning process and encourage collaboration between them and the robotics vendors you’re considering. You can also prioritize open communication to help you make the most suitable choices.
4. Choose the Right System for Your Needs
There are many different types of warehouse robotics and automation systems. The best systems allow you to automate the transportation of goods within a warehouse, reducing labor costs and minimizing human error. Yale robotic forklifts are a leading example of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) designed to enhance efficiency and safety in material handling. They also enable operators to switch between automatic and manual modes, an essential flexibility for warehouses.
5. Choose the Right Partner
The last and probably the most important step in how to automate a warehouse is partnering with the right team. Integrating robotics technology in your warehouse is only possible with the right partner. The right partner will bring expertise in robotics and operational needs to customize solutions that improve efficiency and grow your business.
For example, Burns Industrial Equipment can be the ideal partner for this journey. As a leader in robotic forklifts, we’ve proudly earned the Yale Dealer of the Excellence award for 28 consecutive years. We have decades of expertise in robotic forklifts, material handling and automation solutions, and we can offer the right solutions to meet your warehouse needs.
Benefits of Warehouse Robotics
If you’re asking yourself — Why should I automate my warehouse? — The answer to that lies in the advantages that this route offers.
1. Increase Accuracy
Human errors can be costly to warehouse operations. However, robotic systems allow precision in handling, sorting, picking and tracking inventory. This helps guarantee accuracy in warehouse operations and order fulfillment.
2. Automate Repetitive Tasks
Warehouse operations usually involve a lot of repetitive, tedious tasks. When you implement robotics technology, you have the opportunity to automate these tasks and allow your human staff to focus their time and energy on the more delicate tasks that may require industry expertise and critical thinking.
3. Flexibility and Scalability
While robotic systems can handle repetitive tasks, they can also be reprogrammed for different applications in warehouses that handle diverse items. This flexibility can also be ideal when there are seasonal peaks and a need to scale operations and adapt quickly.
4. Reduce Accidents
Some warehouse operations, such as retrieving inventory from extreme heights, can be time-consuming and dangerous. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4.7 injury and illness cases per 100 full-time workers in warehouses in 2023. By implementing robotics technology, you can help reduce these accidents and create a safer environment for your staff.
5. Improve Overall Efficiency
Robotics technology allows you to streamline processes such as picking, packing and shipping. The systems are also equipped with sensors and can connect with your warehouse management system (WMS) to help you improve analytics. In addition, they help reduce the number of human errors that may occur. All this contributes to enhanced warehouse productivity and efficiency.
Challenges of Warehouse Automation
While there may be many benefits to implementing robotics technology, there are also a few challenges to be aware of:
- High initial costs: Transitioning to an automated warehouse requires infrastructure, software and technology investments.
- Integration: Robotic systems are often highly complex and must integrate seamlessly with your current WMS.
- Regulatory concerns: Any robotics technology needs to comply with existing safety and workplace regulations, which can vary in industries and states.
- Technological maintenance and reliability: Sometimes systems shut down, and mechanical failures occur.
- Human workforce dynamics: Shifting to automation requires training your current workforce while also facing possible resistance from them.
Confidently Move Into Automation With Burns Industrial Equipment
Implementing robotics in your warehouse is the ideal solution if you’re looking to stay competitive. The above points can help you streamline your processes, enhance productivity and improve overall efficiency.
Burns Industrial Equipment is an authorized Yale dealer. Contact our dedicated team today to explore our range of solutions tailored to your needs so you can take a step forward in creating a more efficient warehouse.
