In the warehousing industry, it is always important to look to the future. Even if things are running smoothly now, there is always the potential for challenges to come up in the future. From supply chain disruptions to increased demand for sustainability, it is important to stay in front of the shifts in the industry by continually implementing technological innovation.
Warehouse-related technology continues to grow at a rapid pace, and these developments will only increase productivity and safety throughout the industry. The importance of continued innovation in the warehouse cannot be understated.
Warehouse managers should not become set in their ways to the point of resisting the ever-changing scope and utility of technology. Even when things are going well, there is always room for improvement. Making those improvements while things are going well could keep you from having to make urgent, reactionary changes when something goes wrong.
Even well-positioned warehouses are constantly considering ways to anticipate supply chain problems before they start, leading many to implement future-proofing efforts. By constantly innovating and upgrading to new technology, many businesses are able to strengthen the resiliency of their supply chains.
There are a few examples of innovations that could dramatically reshape the supply chain in the months and years to come. Some of those innovations include:
Automation is revolutionizing both picking and packing in a warehouse setting. Manual picking has always been inefficient, and errors are common. The same is true with packing, where errors could result in unnecessary shipping costs. Given the increasing costs of shipping, this is a major weakness for many companies.
Automating these aspects of warehousing operations could improve efficiency and reduce the risk of injuries. Both acute and repetitive stress injuries are common during these parts of the job.
Mobile storage or warehousing is growing in popularity. Even companies with dedicated warehouse space have found that also relying on mobile options greatly reduces costs and improves delivery speeds. In many cases, it could be possible to reduce the amount of warehouse space needed in favor of relying on mobile options.
Mobile warehousing is especially useful in improving last-mile logistics. In certain areas, mobile storage could be used as a logistical hub, or the central point for last-mile logistics, which could avoid bottlenecks and improve delivery time.
Radio-frequency identification, or RFID, is a developing technology that has become popular in warehouse settings. These devices provide workers with a warning when they get too close to dangerous hazards like forklifts or other machinery. This technological innovation could protect your workforce from injuries and save you thousands of dollars in workplace injury payouts in the long run.
Constantly innovating is good for worker performance, safety, and morale. New technology like proximity sensors could help workers avoid serious injuries, while hands-free communication devices could speed up countless tasks.
These innovations are helpful for both long-term and gig workers. If you are struggling to meet your labor needs when volume is high, HapiGig is a new, digital platform designed to connect warehouse workers with facilities seeking gig labor.
Labor shortages don’t have to be disruptive to your warehouse’s operations when you rely on the innovative technology of HapiGig. Reach out right away to learn more about the importance of continued innovation in the warehouse.