Jun 30, 2022

Due to the impacts of labor shortages in warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics industries, many decision-makers consider equipping their facilities with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and wonder if their facility is ready for AMR technology. Pickers in fulfillment centers are picking more items per hour by allowing AMRs to take over the time-consuming task of delivering completed orders to their next destination. Studies show that orders of robotic machinery have increased by 37% year-over-year, and using robotics in your warehouse can reduce your costs by 25-30% since workers are able to increase throughput without extra straining labor. It may sound difficult and time-consuming to install autonomous systems, but it’s actually gotten easier. The only thing a warehouse needs is floor space for charging docks that are easily installed. More businesses are choosing this method too, as studies show that 4 million commercial robots are to be installed in over 50,000 warehouses by 2025. Without AMRs, costs could rise and businesses could suffer more from the impacts of labor shortages as warehouse operations will be unequipped to handle more rising customer demands.

Intelligent AMRs improve throughput, efficiency, and productivity while working alongside people in fulfillment, distribution, and manufacturing environments. Next generation robotic solutions help businesses optimize picking and warehousing operations for more accurate and accelerated order fulfillment, it equips teams with:

1. Reduced training times and lower stress - Implementing fast, user-friendly technology solutions makes workers job’s easier and lets them get accustomed to it more than other systems. Reliable and efficient technology solutions like AMR’s simplify integration and deployment and help workers safely navigate warehouse environments. This minimizes the impacts of labor shortages because when your workers have more help, workflows are smoother and more accurate.
   
2. Boosted data accuracy and analysis - Choosing to enhance your warehouse with AMRs and reliable automation solutions equips your workers with enhanced data access and asset visibility, so they can pinpoint asset location. This improves inventory management and asset tracking in your warehouse to a level which accurately meets demands. Heartland’s reliable automation solutions and Fetch’s AMRs enhance inventory accuracy and streamline picking to optimize warehouse operations.
   
3. Minimized errors and storage costs - Errors caused from manual operations and device failure increase downtime and drain expenses. However, using robots reduces the risk of mistakes in manual, routine operations performed in a warehouse by ensuring data information is smoothly transferred within the warehouse. Smoother warehouse operations limit errors and minimize costs, which helps reduce the impacts of labor shortages.
   
4. Improved individual productivity - Autonomous mobile robots reduce the time pickers spend walking around the warehouse by as much as 60%. This helps workers spend more time working on tasks instead of walking around the warehouse trying to locate products. Spending more time working on tasks optimizes warehouse productivity to meet demands and limit labor shortages from impacting warehouse operations.

Choosing the correct robotics solutions in your warehouse helps minimize the impacts of labor shortages. Contact us today to start exploring automated systems developed to address the challenges of demanding supply chains and prepare your workflows for future changes with adaptable solutions.