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A Guide to Robotics in Supply Chain

Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 26, 2023  /  Subscribe 0

In the age of online shopping, e-commerce giants have set high standards that smaller companies and warehouses may struggle to keep up with. According to data from Santa Clara University, more than 60% of consumers expect their orders to arrive within three business days of their initial purchase. How can smaller businesses meet this demand without increasing costs and amplifying potential safety hazards?

This is where introducing robotics to the supply chain industry comes in handy. What once seemed like the stuff of science fiction is now a growing reality, and it may be time for your company to take advantage of it.

What kind of supply chain technology exists today? What is the purpose of incorporating robotics into the supply chain?

Read on for our complete guide to robotics in the supply chain, why it matters, and how you can stay on top of these changes.

Types of Technology Available Today

Is the concept of robotics in the supply chain completely new to you? If so, the best place to start is by learning about the different types of technology that are available today. Let's take a closer look at the three most common types of robotics being used for supply chain fulfillment in 2023.

Autonomous Mobile Robots

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are more powerful than they appear. Though they’re some of the smallest robots in the supply chain industry, these robots learn their surroundings at a rapid pace and adapt to changes without human input. If the typical path in your warehouse is blocked by equipment, pallets, or human workers, AMRs will quickly find a new (and safe) route to move pallets and carts without the assistance of human labor.

Labor Reduction Technology

Human labor continues to decrease with robots like depalletizers, which use a combination of things like machine learning and gripping technology to automatically unload pallets. This kind of labor reduction technology is designed to work alongside or independent of humans and can speed up mundane tasks. Not only does this allow your human workforce to focus on more complicated tasks, but it also reduces the need for repetitive movement, which can lead to injuries and workplace accidents.

Artificial Intelligence

Since the dawn of long-distance order fulfillment, humans have been in charge of picking, sorting, and returning inventory. This is a time-consuming process, and it accounts for a large amount of profit loss in the form of lost or damaged inventory. Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence, you can now utilize automated storage and automated retrieval systems in your warehouse.

Benefits of Robotics in the Supply Chain

During the pandemic, we witnessed just how delicate the supply chain really is. The scaling back of industries across the globe was swiftly followed by a mass uptick in consumer demand, and the supply chain’s recovery time wasn’t on par with consumer expectations. Let's take a look at how the benefits of robotics in the supply chain can prevent a repeat of this outcome while invigorating the supply chain to meet the needs and desires of the modern consumer.

Improved Efficiency

Embracing robotics in the supply chain can lead to improved efficiency in the form of

• increased productivity

• reduced error

• reduced hours spent on revision

Robotics can take on the task of low-value, labor-intensive work so that your human workforce can stay focused on more complicated tasks and warehouse management.

Cost Reduction

During the pandemic, industries scaled back for a variety of reasons, from government protocols to reduced consumer demand. This led to lower profit margins, which made rehiring a large and robust workforce difficult.

Robotics is becoming more accessible due to a decrease in cost. By adopting robotics, you can reduce your payroll without slowing down productivity. Plus, increased efficiency and decreased error will widen profit margins by reducing costly liabilities.

Reduced Safety Hazards

The pandemic also brought the need for employers to protect the health and safety of employees into focus. Now, workers are more concerned than ever before about limiting risk in the workplace.

As we mentioned earlier, robotics can handle many of the tasks that involve heavy lifting and repetitive movement. They can limit the amount of hands-on work your human workforce has to do in the warehouse. This will reduce safety hazards and workplace accidents and decrease liability, missed work, and worker's comp payouts in turn.

Staying On Top of Supply Chain Developments

The world of robotics is changing at a rapid pace. Over the last few years, we've seen major developments in

• artificial intelligence

• self-navigation

• sensory and response capabilities (e.g., visual and thermal awareness)

• regulatory reform and policy

• reduction in the cost of previously unattainable technology

For the modern industry professional, it can start to feel like you're missing important developments in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, the Houston chapter of ASCM is here to help.

At ASCM, we offer an ongoing calendar of educational opportunities for those who are entering the supply chain and logistics industry. These educational opportunities will allow you to

• receive industry-specific APICS certifications

• discover the latest trends and changes to implement in your own supply chain business

• network with other supply chain professionals

Not only can this increase your competitive edge as an individual, but it can safeguard your supply chain business from obsolescence.

Stay Educated With ASCM Houston

Robotics in the supply chain is changing the way you can do business. The key is making sure that you stay on top of these developments and know when to implement them. ASCM Houston can help.

To reap the benefits of your local ASCM chapter, sign up for a membership. Become certified in supply chain management and logistics while staying on top of educational and networking opportunities.

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