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How Logistics Automation is Helping Companies Meet Delivery Needs
In recent years, consumers’ and business buyers’ delivery expectations have increased. Next day delivery is a new trend that many businesses are implementing to meet increasing business demands. Some ways logistics service companies meet such requirements is through the introduction of logistics automation through the use of different processes such as cartonization, bar coding, and cloud computing. The definition of logistics automation, as explained by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, is the application of computer software and automated machinery to improve the efficiency of logistics operations.
Cartonization is the process of using data from an online order to choose the optimal size package for any given order (Florida Tech). This technique can help companies spend less time on the aspect of determining which box to use for each order and shorten the planning process. As a result, using the correct packing material enables companies to ship less per week/month/year. In the long-run, companies are saving money on the packages that they were able to condense. Another consequence of this technique is the declining use of raw materials through the optimization of the planning process. Overall, companies can ship faster, meet their quotas more often, and decrease their expenses, all of which leads to a more optimal shipping process.
Bar coding, as explained by Dr. Ali Kamali, is utilized through the use of a scanner to identify inventory items during storage, retrieval, pickup, inspection, and dispatch. Kamali explains that this technology has many different advantages. For example, it can reduce human error through the use of the symbols displayed by the scanner. In addition, it also reduces paper work and process lead time. It also increases logistics system productivity speed, as data is entered into the system faster that is more accurate and reliable. Overall, bar coding can expedite the shipping process and help companies meet their next day delivery goals.
Cloud computing is the process of using broader network access to deliver computing resources across a network, and all computing resources can be pooled together geographically to provide services to multiple consumers and therefore achieve economies of scale and specialization (Kamali, 2019). Cloud computing is fundamental for companies to meet customers’ and buyers’ delivery needs. This process enables people to connect different components in logistics operations and make processes autonomous. Therefore, companies are able to generate work at a much faster rate.
Cartonization, bar coding, and cloud computing are essential factors of logistics automation that help companies meet such high demands of delivery currently seen. Cartonization helps accelerate the planning process; bar coding reduces human error, paper work and process lead time, and it also increases logistics productivity; and cloud computing makes processes autonomous. Overall, all three methods are examples of how logistics automation is helping companies meet their delivery needs.
Contributor: Melissa Grinan
References:
Gao, H. Ethical Questions Behind Automated Warehouses. Rensselar Lally School of Management.
Kamali, A. (2019). Smart Warehouse vs. Traditional Warehouse- Review. Coimbatore Institute of Information Technology.
Florida Tech Marketing and Communications. (2018, December 11). How Automation is Optimizing Warehouse Operations. Retrieved from https://adastra.fit.edu/blog/campus/extended-studies/how-automation-is-optimizing-warehouse-operations/.
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