Companies must be clear that technology and its implementation in production and distribution systems is a key point for business development and success. Being aware of technological trends and developments that positively impact supply chains and logistics is essential to face the changes that are foreseen in the future. With the automation of different warehouse processes it is possible to obtain great benefits.

The benefits of an automated warehouse.

Automating warehouses has many advantages in terms of improvements in the company's supply chain processes, addition to this, it is possible to obtain the following advantages:
 

• Costs reduction
• More profitable spaces
• Time saving
• Risk reduction
• Decreased errors
• Better stock control
• Greater security
• Most satisfied customers

Automation myths.

Many people are reluctant to automate their warehouses because they believe that a large investment is needed, which in turn will not pay off. But as we have seen previously, having an automated warehouse is related to its profitability. Other people assume that automation will have an impact on jobs, however, the incorporation of new technologies allows improving human capabilities, allowing teams to carry out tasks more quickly, efficiently and strategically. As it is a high cost investment, it is important to achieve its maximum return; the integration and use of these technologies should be based on a prior study of the specific needs of the company.

Before implementing new technologies.

It is essential to take into account the infrastructure, technology and training of personnel, in order to open and close more operations cycles in less time and to satisfy market demands. Storage must take into account the type of products, the technology to handle them, whether they require a cold chain, whether they are dangerous substances, and the infrastructure must also comply with legal requirements and regulations for handling goods. Currently, among others, electronic commerce demands different collection centers. The task of managing a warehouse is arduous, and before implementing new technologies you need to answer the following questions:
 

• What exact problem do you want to solve?
• What is the height available in your warehouse?
• What type of merchandise do you handle?
• Do you work with or without lots?
• How many orders do you prepare per day?
• On average, how many lines does each order have?
• On average, how many units does each line have?
• If you work with full volumes, for example, closed cardboard boxes, how many enter the warehouse per hour? And how many are leaving?
• How many people are assigned to your logistics operation (reception, picking, etc.)?

These are some questions that will help you make the best decisions for the automation of your warehouse.

Next week we will talk more in depth about the types of warehouses and the systems used.