How Technology is Changing the Warehousing Industry
With the arrival of cloud-based warehouse management systems, warehouse operators can access data visibility like never before.
The warehousing industry has come a long way over the years. Gone are the days of handwritten logs and manual ledgers. Now, warehousing operations are leaning full-tilt into cutting-edge technology that improves efficiency, saves costs, and serves customers' needs.
Rapid warehousing transformation has arrived in the wake of these technologies. From automation to machine learning, these tools radically alter how 3PL warehouses strategize and operate. This new frontier offers exciting possibilities for warehousing logistics.
Innovation is Surging in 3PL Warehousing
A broad array of innovative technologies are finding their way into the everyday workings of warehouses nationwide. These new assets are streamlining operations in exciting ways.
The arrival of advanced AI and machine learning technology has allowed warehousing operators to leverage predictive forecasting and data analysis. These insights inform decision-makers every day. With the arrival of cloud-based warehouse management systems, warehouse operators can access data visibility like never before.
New technologies are found at work on the warehouse floor, too. Workers can use voice-activated technology for assistance with picking and packing orders. RFID and advanced barcode systems have improved tracking and inventory accuracy, while blockchain technology has bolstered the transparency and traceability of products. Warehouses are even using drones and autonomous vehicles to track and process inventory.
Companies are Putting New Technology to Work
These technologies are already seeing significant real-world usage. Many prominent companies have adopted cutting-edge systems to help refine their warehousing and logistics operations.
Perhaps the most notable of these applications is in Amazon's vast order fulfillment network. The E-Commerce giant employs a sophisticated system of robotic arms to help sort, pick, and package orders. Yet, Amazon is far from the only adopter of advanced technology in warehousing.
Other warehouses have employed a new AI-driven automation software to help calculate highly efficient order fulfillment strategies. Known as inVia Robotics, this technology can map the most efficient tactics for moving goods through fulfillment. inVia predicts an eventual quadrupling of client productivity through the use of their technologies.
Blazing a Path for 4PL Services
One of the most significant effects of the technology boom has been the emergence of 4PL warehouse brokerage providers. These services reach beyond traditional warehouse operations, acting as facilitators with help from cutting-edge technology.
The 4PL moniker stands for fourth-party logistics provider – a business that manages an entire supply chain. Modern 4PL providers can display all your inventory across multiple facilities, vendors, and locations thanks to new data technology. They'll leverage such data to assist with logistics data and analytics, business and strategic planning, change management, and more. Scarbrough Warehousing proudly pioneers these 4PL services as part of its broader initiatives.
Maintaining the Human Element
Advancements in technology have drastically raised warehousing's efficiency ceiling with data visibility, AI assistance, and more. Businesses are finding new ways to flourish as a result. However, it remains essential to appreciate the human element of logistics operations.
AI forecasting and automated systems can rapidly accelerate repetitive, monotonous tasks – but tackling complex problem-solving or creating non-traditional solutions takes a human touch. That ability to improvise and adapt makes humans irreplaceable in this business. Warehouses still need real people with problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and adaptability to handle complex situations.
Blending technology's ever-growing capabilities with humans' creative capacity is the clear path forward for success in warehousing. With Scarbrough Warehousing, you can expect both. Contact our team today.
The Scarbrough Group
7280 NW 87th Terrace, Suite 300 Kansas City, Missouri 64153