Automation ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
such as Warehouse Execution Systems help to optimize operations and Pick-to- Light technology can transform the speed and accuracy of stock picks , improving responsiveness and reducing the costs associated with unnecessary product returns .
Improving staff well-being : Manual handling injuries are still surprisingly widespread within retail , with around one million working days lost due to handling injuries every year . In addition to the impact on staff , this is a significant business expense : what is it costing in delayed order fulfilment when staff are off sick or must be replaced by temporary staff ? Automation can radically reduce the need for employees to carry heavy items , as AMRs take over much of the heavy lifting and carrying . By reducing the physical demands on staff , a company not only cuts the risk of injury but also frees up staff to undertake added value roles – such as quality assurance . Together these changes can make the working environment more accessible to a broader pool of potential talent .
Improving seasonal agility : Adding robots also provides contingency , especially at peak season , with the chance to rent additional units giving retailers a quick , low-cost way to scale up resources . In addition , the simplicity of Pick-to-Light systems , where lights guide staff to the right location for each pick or put , means that staff require minimal training to become productive . Even occasional agency staff can be as effective , efficient , and accurate as long- standing employees .
Getting started
The good news for companies is that these technologies can be added without disruption or upheaval . It is a simple process to add one or two AMRs into one area of operation to reduce the amount of time spent walking by humans . An AMR can be used at the end of an aisle , for example , to then transfer goods to the packing area , allowing staff to concentrate on picking rather than walking miles around the warehouse . There are no complex integrations to worry about . An AMR can be summoned by an individual pressing a button when the goods are ready to be moved ; or triggered by a simple light beam .
Not only can this automation be introduced seamlessly to the existing set up , but AMRs can even be trialed without cost with the right business partner . The only change that may be required is to clean up the environment : while AMRs can navigate around empty boxes and polythene shrink wrap , they will have to slow down to avoid these hazards , thus reducing their overall efficiency . Training staff to tidy up as they go
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