How technology is revolutionizing receiving
By Ray Marcano
Technology is all around us and shapes much of our daily life. That includes warehousing, and how goods get to the public. Software, data, and other technological improvements have all resulted in more efficient processes across the delivery chain. Here are a few ways technological advances have improved warehousing. In all cases, these new technologies cut labor costs while improving speed and efficiency and increasing accuracy.
Technology is revolutionizing receiving
Receiving used to be a manual process, with several touch points by several employees along the way. An item comes in the warehouse, gets documented, is then sent to storage and later shipped --- all with check-ins along the way. Now, technology is making warehouses more efficient. One person can receive, scan and check a shipment before sending it out to be stocked. Companies are developing cloud-based technologies specifically for warehouse receiving and inventory use. Voice commands make it faster to carrying out warehousing tasks. Smartphones and tablets can scan merchandise and keep records all in one place. Radio frequency identification technology can automatically scan items in large volume and do so faster -- and at higher speeds-- than any other method available.
Real-time data results in better customer service
Traditionally, warehouse data gets stored every day or even weekly. That can create a delay in tracking items through the supply chain. With real-time data gathering, there’s no waiting for information; you can get the information you need immediately. The warehouse can be more responsive to customer needs, which results in increased satisfaction the quality of interactions improves.
Efficient fleets and better planning means better results
Efficient delivery is just as important as the warehouse process, and technology helps. Waiting several days for delivery isn’t the norm anymore. Customers increasingly demand same-day or next-day delivery, challenging fleets to make more stops in a day. GPS systems help navigate traffic and speed arrival times. Electronic logging devices measure driver and truck performance, Cameras and tracking devices provide a level of safety since the company will always know the location of the driver and truck. But these devices can also return valuable logistics information that can improve performance for the customer. Inefficient routes can be optimized or eliminated; real-time data gives better information on delivery.
Technology makes the warehouse more efficient
Warehouse Management Systems --- now used by more than 85 percent of distribution center operators --- result in greater efficiency through the supply chain. The old-school paper forms and manually data entry into spreadsheets – both labor-intensive processes -- are being replaced by scanners. In addition to saving time, scanners cut down on errors from manual entry and save money since companies don’t have to pay for as much paper --- or incur the cost of a lost paper document, which can be anywhere from $350 to $700. Computer systems connected between supplier and third-parties allow for seamless transfer of information. Software helps warehouses organize goods more efficiently, making it faster to pick those items. And, the fully automated warehouse can operate around the clock, driving up productivity and profits. Warehouses are also branching out into more than just storage facilities, to product customization, just-in-time packaging, and more.
Technology is all around us and shapes much of our daily life. That includes warehousing, and how goods get to the public. Software, data, and other technological improvements have all resulted in more efficient processes across the delivery chain. Here are a few ways technological advances have improved warehousing. In all cases, these new technologies cut labor costs while improving speed and efficiency and increasing accuracy.
Technology is revolutionizing receiving
Receiving used to be a manual process, with several touch points by several employees along the way. An item comes in the warehouse, gets documented, is then sent to storage and later shipped --- all with check-ins along the way. Now, technology is making warehouses more efficient. One person can receive, scan and check a shipment before sending it out to be stocked. Companies are developing cloud-based technologies specifically for warehouse receiving and inventory use. Voice commands make it faster to carrying out warehousing tasks. Smartphones and tablets can scan merchandise and keep records all in one place. Radio frequency identification technology can automatically scan items in large volume and do so faster -- and at higher speeds-- than any other method available.
Real-time data results in better customer service
Traditionally, warehouse data gets stored every day or even weekly. That can create a delay in tracking items through the supply chain. With real-time data gathering, there’s no waiting for information; you can get the information you need immediately. The warehouse can be more responsive to customer needs, which results in increased satisfaction the quality of interactions improves.
Efficient fleets and better planning means better results
Efficient delivery is just as important as the warehouse process, and technology helps. Waiting several days for delivery isn’t the norm anymore. Customers increasingly demand same-day or next-day delivery, challenging fleets to make more stops in a day. GPS systems help navigate traffic and speed arrival times. Electronic logging devices measure driver and truck performance, Cameras and tracking devices provide a level of safety since the company will always know the location of the driver and truck. But these devices can also return valuable logistics information that can improve performance for the customer. Inefficient routes can be optimized or eliminated; real-time data gives better information on delivery.
Technology makes the warehouse more efficient
Warehouse Management Systems --- now used by more than 85 percent of distribution center operators --- result in greater efficiency through the supply chain. The old-school paper forms and manually data entry into spreadsheets – both labor-intensive processes -- are being replaced by scanners. In addition to saving time, scanners cut down on errors from manual entry and save money since companies don’t have to pay for as much paper --- or incur the cost of a lost paper document, which can be anywhere from $350 to $700. Computer systems connected between supplier and third-parties allow for seamless transfer of information. Software helps warehouses organize goods more efficiently, making it faster to pick those items. And, the fully automated warehouse can operate around the clock, driving up productivity and profits. Warehouses are also branching out into more than just storage facilities, to product customization, just-in-time packaging, and more.
