Today, we'll look at six of the most important logistics technologies that are changing the way Warehousing and Distribution Services work and making them better:
1. Drone deliveries are adding last-minute delivery capabilities
Retailers and e-commerce companies are still competing for market share by offering delivery in two days, the next day, or the same day. The need for fast delivery has made people more interested in using drones for the last mile of delivery. In turn, warehouses face even more pressure to fulfill orders faster and with greater accuracy to keep up with demand.
2. Ability to use GPS makes it possible to track shipments in real-time
When RFID tags are combined with GPS, it is possible to track shipments in real-time and more accurately while they are shipped. These improvements in GPS-based fleet management give a clear picture of the logistics delivery channel from beginning to end. Better visibility makes it easier for retailers, distribution centers, and end customers to talk to each other because all parts of the distribution chain can see where orders are at any time.
4. AI is making picks faster and more accurate.
AI is brought into the Logistics and Distribution Services by using collaborative mobile robots. This makes picking faster and more accurate. These mobile warehouse robotics systems, like Chuck from 6 River Systems, use AI to figure out the best picking routes and keep warehouse workers from having to take long or pointless walks. Chuck tells workers where to go next, so they stay on an efficient path and focus on the next most important task.
5. Automation-as-a-Service makes operations possible to grow or shrink as needs change.
Keeping supply and demand in balance is as essential as ever, but it takes flexibility. Automation-as-a-Service technologies are becoming more popular, which makes it easy for warehouses to scale up or down their resources to meet changes in demand. These systems can give you more freedom when managing costs, priority deliveries, and distribution channels.
Logistics technology innovations will continue to change the whole supply chain landscape for a long time. In a demanding environment, warehouse and distribution in the UK who are able and willing to adopt new and functional warehouse capabilities will give themselves an edge.
