Innovations in Warehouse Technology

Warehouses are equipped to do so much more in today’s logistics industry than ever before. Gone are the days of dirty, cluttered warehouses whose sole purpose was to store goods. Now, logistics leaders possess state-of-the-art warehouses that actively help streamline and maximize efficiency for supply chains. 

The introduction of technology into warehouses has taken them to the next level. Successful operations worldwide are now driving profit for businesses, largely thanks to technology and more streamlined processes like inventory management, picking and packing, and storage. 

From Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Leaning (ML) to programs like Warehouse Management Systems, the types of technology in warehouses cover a wide array of uses. Companies like Amazon employ robotic arms and drones to automate processes in their warehouses. Other assisted picking tools like pick-to-light systems also help humans speed up their picking process and minimize errors. 

From an inventory standpoint, various scanning devices or Internet of Things (IoT) devices provide simplified management techniques. Barcode scanners, RFID scanners, or handheld scanners help warehouse staff electronically and manage inventory levels and even item locations. These are especially helpful in larger warehouses. 

Successful warehouses don’t need to employ every available technology, but an effective warehousing strategy is critical in any successful supply chain operation. From factors as simple as geography to more complex variables like adopting new technology, it is essential to carefully think through every part of your warehousing operation.  

Innovation in Inventory Management: 

• The continued advances of predictive analytics and machine learning are allowing warehouses to stay ahead of inventory management. Predictive analytics use historical data to forecast upcoming demand and allow a warehouse to stay ahead of their inventory needs.  

• Platforms like Inventory Planner, Linnworks, and Cin7 are all Inventory Management Systems that leverage automation to simplify inventory processes for warehouse managers. They can integrate across hundreds of ecommerce channels and provide a simplified dashboard to save time and effort across the board. 

Order Fulfillment: 

• Embracing technology takes order fulfillment to the next level. Augmented reality and wearable devices are one of the newer waves of technology helping pickers speed up their process while also providing safety recommendations in some cases. 

• Digitizing the picking and packing process is a quick way to streamline that portion of the fulfillment process and move past the need for paper slips. Put-to-light and pick-to-light systems are streamlining processes across the industry. With up to a 99.9% accuracy rate, these systems are easing the burden on warehouse personnel and speeding up the fulfillment process. 

Outside of technology, geography plays a major factor in warehouse strategy. Access to major highways, airports, or rail yards makes any warehouse that much more valuable to operators and customers alike. Foreign Trade Zones are another key benefit to consider for warehouses that handle large amounts of international business. They help streamline supply chains by helping defer some duty payments, even if they’re technically coming through the US. 

For example, Scarbrough’s warehouse in Kansas City is strategically located in one of the most beneficial travel avenues in the country. With access to an international airport, multiple major interstates, and railroads, we are uniquely positioned to distribute goods efficiently across the US. Thanks to these factors, we can reach 90% of the US within 48 hours. 

Scarbrough Warehousing takes advantage of many technological offerings to create one of the most efficient and successful operations in the industry. Our fulfillment rates are world-class, and we have a two-day delivery window to nearly 90% of the US. If your business could benefit from storage, fulfillment, distribution, or more, contact us today to find a solution tailor-made to your unique needs.