From autonomous mobile robots to real-time tracking systems, technology developers have reshaped the warehousing landscape with a myriad of automated solutions. Designed for speed and ease of use, modernized enterprise technology promises to accelerate order throughput without compromising accuracy. With 82% of warehouses projecting significant inventory growth and another 86% planning to expand warehouse facilities, automated solutions provide crucial speed to create adaptable systems. However, failure to properly outline a modernization plan can lead to multiple stressors such as:
It is estimated that only 35% of warehouses truly know where and how to start optimizing operations. Maturity models and roadmaps have become useful tools to assess operational levels and track growth opportunities, yet proactive planning is still foundational to best implement enterprise systems. In gaining a clear picture of your current systems’ efficiencies, solution providers can design a custom solution that grows alongside your operations to meet future challenges without reframing your entire facility. To accomplish this, experts recommend evaluating modernization needs with the following questions:
Question 1: Which supply chain challenge is impacting your operations the most?
Outside challenges have long pressured warehouses to fulfill orders faster under shifting compliances and standards. Nevertheless, some challenges are more pertinent than others depending on your inventory. For example, distribution centers handling apparel must be prepared to accommodate a 20.8% return rate. Similarly, cold chain facilities must adhere to several compliance codes as they move food and pharmaceutical products. While several challenges may be impacting your business, try to pinpoint a handful of issues to resolve. To do this, try matching your constraints to probable causes such as:
In assessing major obstacles, you can gather measurable performance indicators to ensure your solution’s success.
Question 2: How are you gathering data for decision-making?
Most modern warehouses are used to operating on a top-down model where administrators determine which products to replenish based on communication with other members of the supply chain. However, the e-commerce boom has virtually shifted this model by creating sudden demand spikes and shortening fulfillment workflows to mere hours. Warehouses operating with Just-in-Time replenishment are now transitioning to a “Just-in-Case” model where potential high-demand products are stored preemptively to mitigate stockouts. To avoid unnecessary overstocking, data must be gathered in real-time from the picking aisles. When monitoring stock levels, warehouse leaders can convert gathered data into:
Question 3: What immediate goals do you expect from your solution?
Obviously, businesses expect increased ROI and diminished operating costs, but these goals may take time to unravel following implementation. Nevertheless, your solution provider should be able to outline possible key performance indicators (KPIs) like:
While different solutions may create unique benefits, automated data capture and RFID scanning have been shown to boost inventory visibility to 99.9% when replacing manual systems. Moreover, in measuring KPIs during piloting and training, your team can adjust solutions to tackle secondary issues, establishing scalability before challenges disrupt your workflows.
Question 4: What is the comfort level of my workforce regarding technology?
Another disruptive factor to consider is your workforce’s comfort level with novel technologies. This is where a clear picture of your warehouse’s maturity level can come in handy since workers using fewer digital devices may not be ready to adopt predictive analytics and RFID. Even the most innovative technology will be a hindrance if your front-line workers aren’t on board with your modernization plan. Zebra’s latest vision study shows that three-quarters of warehouse decision-makers involve warehouse associates in the procurement process.
Although every modernization solution comes with a learning curve, certain technology features help diminish adoption rates for faster productivity. For example, Zebra’s latest generation of enterprise mobility leverage:
Question 5: Can you repurpose your current technologies today and tomorrow?
It’s been mentioned previously; however, scalability is crucial to surviving in today’s volatile supply chains. Change is the only constant businesses can expect in the digital age. As a result, long-lasting modernization strategies should seek to maximize usage from your devices through tailored connectivity networking and a reliable support system. Verify scalability before deployment by selecting:
Modernization isn’t an Option. It’s a Necessity.
Next-evolution technologies such as predictive analytics and robotics are only expected to increase in popularity across the globe. As a matter of fact, research indicates that 8 in 10 warehouse decision-makers already see improvements with deploying novel technologies such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), yet to reach that level of maturity, certain digitization steps must be taken first. Failure -or delay- to do so may set businesses back, hindering profitability and customer satisfaction.
As an experienced leader in warehouse modernization, Heartland works alongside leading technology players like Zebra to customize optimization plans for seamless implementation and scalability. Walk through these preliminary questions with our specialist team to evaluate your warehouse’s maturity level and project a growth plan that sets your teams up for success.