Flexibility and Scalability - when to consider automation for your business
Growing businesses will reach the point where their existing logistics operation is no longer able to handle increasing demand. At some stage, limitations in space, a growing number of SKUs or other bottlenecks, will stretch the capacity of existing picking and distribution systems. This is when many companies begin to consider the benefits of automation, not only to cover immediate shortfalls in their operation but also to future-proof their businesses.
How then can business owners decide if automation is the right direction to head as the business expands? According to SSI Schaefer managing director, Brett Thirup, most companies enquiring about automation are well aware of the current pain points in their business, even if they’re not fully aware of all the potential solutions.
“It doesn’t always mean that the solution is to jump straight to a high level of automation,” explains Thirup. “You may currently be relying on people to move stock from one end of the warehouse to the other. You might just need to install a conveyor or an 16 www.ftdmag.co.nz 17
WHEN TO CONSIDER AUTOMATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS
automated guided vehicle (AGV) system to do that for you. Often, putting some automation in your logistics operation can be the right answer.”
WHEN YOU’VE RUN OUT OF ROOM
For many businesses, increased storage density can allow operations to remain on their existing site, rather than moving to a new location. Where space is limited and the SKU range is large and growing, a mezzanine level or even a full automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) can be good options.
“One of the key issues we hear from our customers is, ‘I’ve run out of room’,” says Thirup.
“Getting more storage in the same floor area, increasing your stock holding or SKU range; allowing you to stay on the same site, can be a big bonus.”
It’s not always about big automation solutions or completely transforming your business. Semi-automated picking solutions can deliver a significant boost in efficiency, from technologies that prompt pickers to follow
computer-calculated factory picking paths to optimise walk times, to establishing ‘fast picking’ areas where the highest performing 20% of SKUs can be picked in a dedicated manner. Of course, while these lower-cost solutions can still achieve very high efficiency gains, businesses that already have well-developed logistics solutions in place will tend to require more complex and robust automation solutions such as robotic palletising and piece picking.
“Robotic palletising, robotic picking and AGVs are big in fast moving consumer goods particularly,” says Thirup. “That’s really where a lot of the focus is in the space now. By introducing robotics, you’re boosting efficiency while sparing staff from those back-breaking heavy lifts, removing some of the safety issues.
“Any business manager will always be on the lookout to see what they can improve. “So they naturally want to investigate whether automation is an avenue they should be following.
Fortunately, the options in automation are vast. The journey can be everything from just a conveyor or a couple of AGVs, all the way up to ASRS solutions and robotic picking and palletising systems, and you can make progressive steps along your journey. Some businesses aren’t ready to jump to everything all at once, but there are options in between. Scalability and flexibility is key – in this ever-changing environment it’s those who are flexible that will come out on top.