We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » ProMatDX 2021: To automate or not to automate?

ProMatDX 2021: To automate or not to automate?

An overview of automation technologies gives conference attendees the lay of the land—and advises them to “do the math” to decide what’s best for their operation.

April 13, 2021
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

Accelerating e-commerce activity, labor challenges, and the need to deliver an omnichannel business experience are all driving the trend toward warehouse and distribution center (DC) automation, but is it the right path for every organization?

Jim Barnes, CEO of supply chain technology and consulting firm enVista offered a high-level view of the evolution of automation technology for fulfillment operations on day two of ProMatDX, an industry conference being held online this week. Barnes described the wide range of automation technologies in use today—including everything from automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) to robotic palletizing to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs)—and how they can help speed operations to keep up with fast-changing business requirements. But he cautioned that automation isn’t always the right answer, and offered four key takeaways for figuring out if it’s right for you:

  • Run the math. Automation is not for everyone, but if designed correctly, with the right flexibility, then it is a game-changer.
  • Pick the right partner who understands how to integrate all aspects of the four walls … It starts with data, end-to-end process design, enabling technology, and the right talent (experience).
  • It requires a different level of associate. Workers must move from pushing boxes to asking ‘why am I pushing boxes and how does this system work?’
  • Post go-live support and maintenance are key to a successful automation project.

ProMatDX 2021 takes place April 12-16 online.

Logistics Technology Warehousing
KEYWORDS enVista
  • Related Articles

    Shift to automate may permanently reduce workforce

    Navis Customers Report Eagerness to Automate Terminal Operations to Improve Optimization and Lower O

    Why You Need to Automate Your Procure-to-Pay Process

Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

Kearney launches “supply chain institute” as more companies seek resilience plans

Trucking industry lobbies for leverage in transition to zero emissions

Safety will be top of mind on National Forklift Safety Day 2023

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Survey: most Americans unaware that truckers face shortage of parking spaces

  • Best practices in logistics sustainability

  • Supply chain executives not yet seeing expected results from technology investments

  • Postal Service plans to seize items mailed with fake stamps

  • Inflation drops again as interest rate hikes hit home, NRF says

Featured Video

20221107korber large vs

Enhancing Customer Experience with Your Supply Chain Strategy

Viewer Contributed
With the rise of e-commerce, many businesses have had to transform their warehouses to handle online orders in addition to regularly scheduled inventory shipments. This means warehouses need more information than ever before to ensure they can meet customers' needs. As a result, companies need to select warehouse...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Guide to Pallet Rack Safety

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • A shipper's guide to navigating post-pandemic holiday freight

  • THE NEW WAY TO WAREHOUSE: 4 Innovations in Automation & Robotics to Boost Warehouse Productivity

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing