The top business priorities for supply chain organizations over the next two years are increasing productivity and efficiency (29%) as well as improving resiliency, continuity, risk and security (29%).

With the rapid adoption of automation and robotics, then, it’s important to explore how advanced technology can improve worker safety.

In automated cold-storage warehouses, WMS, automated receiving technologies, computer vision systems, algorithms, visibility platforms and machine learning capabilities all work in tandem to create end-to-end process automation.

Nick Maffucci, strategic account executive with OX, describes the state of warehouse automation, and where it might be going in the years ahead.

Noah Maynard, principal solutions architect with Berkshire Grey, discusses how leading warehouses are deploying robotics and automation for competitive advantage.

Omnichannel retail continues to place higher flexibility requirements on warehouse operations.

Hostess has teamed up with Promethium to increase the accuracy and speed of data available regarding movement of goods in its warehouse.

The success of automating at large scale in big warehouses relies on companies being willing and able to rethink their entire supply chains, says Jonas Swarttouw, vice president customer and business development for North America at NewCold.

Automation can help warehouse operators overcome their labor challenges in many ways. But the implementation process requires careful consideration and planning.

Warehouse decision-makers face some genuine hurdles in moving toward the widespread adoption of automation and robotics. But the benefits make it well worth the investment.