How to future-proof logistics

by Marco Astore.

What?logistics managers?need to do to future-proof logistics and enable companies to be efficient, improving consumers’ and operators’ experience.

Over the last 30 months, logistics managers have had to deal with several complexities in order to ensure cost, quality and on-time delivery.

Some of the main challenges include managing the complexity and?uncertainty?related to the current business situation, inventory optimisation, integration and collaboration between various actors such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers, new emerging technologies, sustainability and?cybersecurity.

It is therefore necessary to think and act both strategically and tactically to determine the direction to take.

Future-proofing warehouse logistics requires implementing?innovative and flexible solutions?to ensure efficiency, adaptability and long-term sustainability. Here are some tips to help you implement future-proof warehouse logistics.

Automation

Automation is now a key strategy for future-proofing logistics, because it can bring various benefits and advantages in?material handling?and?picking operations.

Investing in automation technologies such as?automated guided vehicles?(AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated picking systems nowadays. These systems can significantly increase the efficiency of warehouse operations, reduce errors

Investments in automation technologies such as?collaborative robots?(cobots), autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated picking systems. These systems can improve efficiency of warehouse operations, reduce errors and increase speed of repetitive tasks.

Manual operations can be tedious, repetitive and, above all, subject to errors.

By adopting automation, logistics managers can focus on more complex and critical tasks, leaving simple, repetitive tasks to machines.

Focusing on AMR robot adoption, some of the main benefits include:

1. Material handling:?AMR robots?are used for moving materials and items within warehouses and distribution centres. They can lift and handle heavy items (up to 1500 kg) safely and efficiently, minimising errors and increasing productivity.
2. Picking and packing: AMR robots are able to pick (collect) objects from?shelves?or boxes and prepare them for shipment. They can recognise objects, pick them safely and pack them correctly, thus eliminating need for an operator for repetitive tasks.
3. Warehouse management: AMR robots can perform periodic stock checks and keep track of items in warehouses. Using sensors and scanning systems, they can identify products, check quantities and report any discrepancies. This helps to improve inventory accuracy and avoid problems such as missing products or wastage.
4. Path optimisation: AMR robots make use of?advanced planning algorithms?to determine the most efficient paths within an environment. This means they can avoid obstacles, calculate the shortest distances and minimise travel time. This results in faster execution of tasks and better utilisation of available space.
5. Adaptability and scalability: AMR robots are highly flexible and adaptable to a company’s needs. They can be easily configured to handle different types of loads and adapt to different layouts and arrangements. Furthermore, they can be easily scaled up by adding or removing units, enabling effective peak demand management.

Cloud Computing

Adopting?cloud computing?is bringing several advantages and benefits to companies operating in the logistics sector.

Due to an increasingly segmented supply chain, companies need advanced technology platforms that allow them to view, in real-time, the product process from raw material to delivery to the customer.

This, in order to be able to make quick decisions to meet consumer demand.

Cloud computing, in particular, facilitates process optimisation in transport and delivery management, reduction of waits and costs, increased transparency and traceability of orders, and real-time management of materials.

• Cost reduction: Using solutions based on big data, predictive analytics and cloud computing can reduce overall operational costs in logistics. Inventory optimisation, operational efficiency and accurate demand forecasting help reduce waste and storage costs. In addition, the use of cloud computing reduces investment in costly and complex IT infrastructures, enabling companies to cut operating and maintenance costs
• Increased productivity: Cloud technology can reduce production times, decrease errors and increase efficiency at every stage of the logistics process. Data collected can reveal problems such as delays, excessive transit times or inefficiencies in deliveries. Using this information, it is possible to make targeted improvements to optimise the production flow and reduce delivery times.
• Improved transparency and traceability: With the use of cloud computing-enabled technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), you can monitor and track products throughout the supply chain. This provides greater traceability on the location and status of products in real time, enabling more efficient management and response to any problems such as loss or damage.
• Improved service quality: Being able to provide customers with real-time information on the status of shipments enables companies to improve service quality and customer satisfaction.
• Predictive and data-driven analysis: Using cloud computing, logistics companies can use accurate reports to support strategic decisions. This data can provide information on market trends, customer demand and supplier performance, identifying possible areas for improvement.
• Optimising inventory management:?With big data analysis and predictive algorithms, it is possible to analyse historical sales data, demand patterns and other variables to accurately predict future inventory needs. This helps avoid overstocking or product shortages, optimising inventory management and reducing associated costs.

Flexibility and Scalability

To future-proof logistics, it is crucial to consider flexibility and scalability when designing a working environment.

Flexibility makes it possible to adapt quickly to changes in the market and new customer requirements, while scalability makes it possible to manage increases in the volume of activities without compromising efficiency.

More specifically, one of the elements to consider when talking about flexibility and scalability is material handling.

Having efficient handling is crucial to increasing ROI and reducing costs and downtime between tasks.

Using modular and flexible?trolleys, workbenches and?flow racks?can help improve logistics flow and increase the flexibility and scalability of operations. Here are some key points to consider:

• Modular trolleys: Using modular carts makes it easy to configure trolleys to specific needs. These carts can be customised to store and move different types of goods, such as boxes, pallets, totes. In addition, modular carts can be equipped with additional accessories, such as adjustable storage compartments, shelves, hooks, for greater flexibility in organising and transporting goods.
• Flexible workbenches: Modular workbenches can be set up according to different operational requirements. They can be equipped with height-adjustable worktops, shelves and drawers for organising the necessary tools. The flexibility of the workbenches allows them to be adapted to different operations, such as packaging, labelling, assembly, improving the efficiency and workflow of logistics activities.
• Modular flow racks: Flow racks, or gravity flow racks, are designed to allow a continuous flow of goods along production lines. Using modular flow racks allows you to adapt the configuration of the racks according to the size and characteristics of the products. It is possible to adjust the inclination of the shelves, use dividers and modular dividers to subdivide product ranges and optimise the use of available space. This system helps reduce handling time and simplifies the picking and replenishment of goods.
• Safer and more ergonomic working environment: the use of modular and flexible solutions provides equipment that improves comfort, safety and ergonomics for material handling activities. They enable employees to perform tasks better, faster and easier.
• Flexibility in space allocation: The use of trolleys, workbenches and modular flow racks allows for greater flexibility in the warehouse layout. These elements can be easily moved and rearranged, allowing the working environment to be adapted to specific needs. Flexibility is particularly useful when dealing with changes in demand, new products or the need to reorganise logistical activities.
• Easy expansion and reduction: The modular design of trolleys, workbenches and flow racks allows easy expansion or reduction of logistical operations. If there are changes in demand or growth in activities, additional modules or elements can be added to handle higher volumes. On the other hand, in the event of reduced activity or restructuring, you can remove unnecessary modules to optimise available space.

Collaboration between customers and suppliers

Collaboration between customers and suppliers is essential to build future-proof logistics.

Communicating openly and transparently, by sharing data and practices, is crucial to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned on common goals, enabling more accurate supply chain planning.

Involving suppliers from the earliest stages of product development, organising training sessions, identifying and managing risks, and defining key performance indicators (KPIs) can significantly contribute to optimising and improving logistics, reducing the impact of any supply chain disruptions.

Reducing environmental impact and contributing to sustainable development

Putting?environmental and social aspects?first is essential to develop a logistics system that is effective, efficient, and respectful of the environment and the people involved.

Using?backshoring strategies?to keep production closer to demand helps minimise disruptions, reduces logistics related to product handling, and decreases environmental impact.

Promoting ethical business practices, adopting corporate social responsibility policies that address issues such as inclusion, diversity, occupational safety, embracing technological innovation and new solutions, helps to create a cost-effective and successful long-term logistics system.

Sources

• https://www.logisticamente.it/Articoli/15260/intelligenza-artificiale-e-robotica-al-servizio-della-logistica-abb-svela-la-tecnologia-visual-slam/
• https://www.digital4.biz/supply-chain/strategia-supply-chain-come-costruirne-una-a-prova-di-bomba/
• https://www.multimac.it/journal-detail.php/news=le-supply-chain-ad-alte-prestazioni-che-traggono-il-massimo-dalla-produttivita-umana-e-dalla-potenza-della-tecnologia-sono-la-chiave-per-realizzare-la-visione-dell-industria-5.0
• https://robertopizzo.it/come-il-cloud-computing-sta-cambiando-il-settore-della-logistica/