Artificial intelligence and machine learning are optimizing warehouse operations, says Chad Zollman, chief sales officer at TGW Logistics Group.

Much has been written about artificial intelligence (AI) software and robotics in the warehouse from a technology and functionality perspective. Far less has been written about the broad question of who “owns” this type of “smart fulfillment” in an organization.

Warehouse operators have been squeezed from all sides in the past two years as a result of surging demand, more complex fulfillment, space limitations and a shrinking workforce. 

COVID-19 caused e-commerce to surge as brick-and-mortar businesses closed, workers were sent home, shopping migrated online, and shipping demand pivoted to parcel.

Consumer buying habits have shifted radically toward eCommerce, putting pressure on fulfillment centers to process more orders, more quickly with existing resources.

We know that this labor crunch is no joke, and surging e-commerce demands, the “Great Resignation”, and supply chain disruptions have not made it any easier on companies’ bottom line. It’s clear that companies can no longer rely on abundant labor to run warehouses or factories.

Robotics make it easier for operators to manage productivity in a time of severe labor shortages, says Karen Leavitt, chief marketing officer at Locus Robotics.