Before You Invest In Warehouse Automation, Request a Technology Roadmap

It’s hard to know what the economy will be like a year from now, but one thing is for sure: the future of warehousing is increasingly automated.

Warehouse Automation Trends recently surveyed more than 1000 supply chain executives working in 3PL, consumer goods, manufacturing, eCommerce, and retail. The respondents included Chief Supply Chain Officers, CTOs, and others in an executive-level role in finance, HR, or IT.

More than 85% said they plan to implement automation in the coming year. Their reasons for investing in automation varied:

• 25% mentioned the labor shortage
• 22% were motivated by supply chain disruptions
• 18% cited increased direct-to-consumer purchases

Whether you’re on the fence about adding automation or know you need to modernize but don’t know where to start, the experts at SST can get you from where you are to where you want to be.

Unlike other vendors who simply want to sell you new products, we provide a technology roadmap.

Nothing is More Expensive Than Regret

If you choose the wrong automation solution or configuration, you won’t know until the technology is installed and money spent. A technology roadmap will help you maximize the return on your automation investment and avoid:

• Disappointment Alley
• Wrong Way Drive
• The Unrealistic Timeline Roundabout

How to Create a Technology Roadmap 

The first step is to identify the biggest problem areas in your operation. For example, an ASRS is a good solution for a facility that’s running out of room and wants to improve efficiency, but for an operation with plenty of space looking for a productivity boost, there are lower-cost solutions that are much easier to implement.

An operation that wants to improve order picking accuracy and speed would benefit from AMRs (autonomous mobile robots). But a facility that has plenty of pickers but is always short on forklift operators should consider an automated transport system like one of the AGVs (automated guided vehicles) shown in the video below.

If you’re not sure where to start or are having trouble narrowing the field, ask:

• What activities generate the highest labor costs? In many cases, it’s movement (employees walking around or transporting materials around the facility).
• Where do unexpected costs crop up most often? Is it overtime? Customer refunds or reships due to picking errors?

Answering the two questions above can help you uncover the best opportunities to automate.

Be sure to identify areas where you don’t have issues. When you know what’s working well, you can avoid wasting money solving problems you don’t have. 

If you want to automate all aspects of your operation, we can help you do that, but we also support a gradual approach to adding technology. In our experience, the best results come from automating one process at a time. For example, after adding a conveyor system, you may decide you want AMRs that are conveyor-compatible. 

Once you’ve identified your top-priority issues, ask “Who will be affected?” Get stakeholders involved from the very beginning, including line-level employees. During discussion sessions, ask your team to consider both current and future operations. 

By getting input from all affected departments, you can:

• Identify choke points
• Develop an accurate timeline
• Choose a solution that fits the ebb and flow of your business
• Manage expectations

Keep your IT team in the loop as well. Most high-tech warehouse systems require dependable internet/intranet connectivity. The last thing you want to do is have your new system stall out due to insufficient bandwidth.

Conduct a site audit with an industry expert to avoid buying something that won't work with your exciting setup. AGVs and AMRs underperform in facilities with steep grades, uneven or severely cracked flooring and some warehouse robots need clearly defined travel pathways that are free of obstructions.

This is not to say that operations with high-traffic or narrow aisles can't use automated transport vehicles or AMRs. Some picker robots are explicitly designed to work around people and in narrow aisles. The point is: be sure you're investing in technology that suits your operation, a technology roadmap helps ensure that happens. 

SST offers a free, zero-pressure site audits. The assessment includes:

• Mapping how people and equipment move throughout your operation
• Identifying where robots and personnel may cross paths
• Answering stakeholder questions
• A list of options tailored to your operation

Warehouse Automation is More Affordable Than You May Realize

Whether you’re interested in adding your first warehouse robot, transitioning to a fully automated warehouse system or anything in between, we're here to help every step of the way.

We offer financing to cover your entire investment, including installation, configuration, software, etc. Flexible payment terms for cyclical or seasonal businesses are available and you can choose either a capital or operating lease.

• Capital leases start with either $0 or 15% and end with a one-dollar buyout at the end.
• With an operating lease, you have the option to buy the equipment at a predetermined price, extend the lease or return the equipment.
• Lease contracts are available for 36-84 months

Not ready to commit long-term? We can provide a subscription-based utilization model. The upfront cost is very low and you can start with just a few robots.

The Right Partner --> The Right Solution

SST is committed to helping businesses in Georgia and Florida run safer, more profitable operations. We’ll take the time to get to know your business and recommend solutions based on your operation, budget, and timeframe. 

Our experts will create a custom technology roadmap to help you avoid:

• Unrealistic expectations about what the technology you're implementing can accomplish
• Purchasing something new that won't work with your existing set up
• An unrealistic time frame for implementation and acceptance within your organization

There are plenty of companies that can sell you the latest and greatest technology. But our goal isn’t to sell you equipment. Our goal is to be your long-term partner in success.

Ready to get started? The first step is easy. Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation.

Contact us online, by phone at (800) 226-2345 or in person at one of our ten locations throughout Georgia and Florida

GEORGIA: Albany, Macon, Midland, Valdosta
FLORIDA: Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa, Winter Haven

Further Reading
4 Ways Automating Will Benefit Your Warehouse
5 Signs It’s Time to Automate Your Warehouse
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Automatic Storage System (ASRS)?