Noah Maynard, principal solutions architect with Berkshire Grey, discusses how leading warehouses are deploying robotics and automation for competitive advantage.
Automation and robotics in the warehouse are well past the stage of early adoption. While such tools have yet to be fully embraced, “there are folks out there being very innovative, using it as a differentiator in their business,” Maynard says.
When it comes to automation, there’s a definite sense of urgency among operators looking to meet rising and ever-changing customer expectations. One challenge spurring adoption is the cost and availability of manual labor, which is no longer sufficient to support modern-day warehousing.
In looking to apply automation to their facilities, top brands stress value as a major criterion. But it’s more than a question of saving on the wages earned by a human worker, Maynard says. Leaders are looking beyond the warehouse floor to the impact of automation both upstream and downstream in the supply chain. “They’re thinking about the impact to the whole vertical, taking a broader view,” he says.
The hallmarks of a successful automation solution include flexibility, simplicity and scalability, Maynard says. Warehouses need systems that are suited not just for current operations, but for the years ahead. “Nobody knows what’s around the corner. Automation that can adopt to a wide range of options and futures is key.” Needs are changing in the short term as well, he adds, as distribution operations constantly adjust to seasonal demand.
“Simplicity” means technology that can be seamlessly integrated into legacy systems and provide a favorable experience for the human user. Training should be rapid and straightforward, so the facility can achieve maximum productivity as quickly as possible, Maynard says.
For an extended discussion of this topic, join us for a webinar presentation presented by Berkshire Grey and SupplyChainBrain on October 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. Eastern. Access the registration page here:
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