Automation of logistics and warehouse systems includes the implementation of technologies for goods flow management, internal transport, and order picking systems. It uses mobile robots, automated storage systems, and advanced WMS (Warehouse Management System) software to optimise warehouse operations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.
Automation of Logistics and Warehouse Systems
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles): Automatic transport units for moving goods.
- Automatic shelving: Systems for dynamic storage and retrieval of goods.
- WMS software: Warehouse management systems for controlling inventory.
- RFID systems: Tracking the movement of goods and managing product identification.
Industry usage
- Distribution centres: Automated order picking and sorting systems.
- E-commerce warehouses: Automated shelving and AGVs in online warehouses.
- Pharmaceutical industry: Automation of warehouses for drugs and medical supplies.
- Retail logistics: Optimisation of inventory management and order fulfilment processes.
- Transshipment centres: Automation of material handling of goods.
Importance for the economy
Automation of logistics increases the efficiency of warehouse operations, reduces storage costs, and minimises human error. The introduction of automated logistics systems enables companies to process orders faster and manage resources more efficiently.
Related technologies
Mechanism of action
- Logistics automation systems are based on a combination of automated shelving, AGVs, and WMS software. RFID devices collect data on the location and condition of goods, while WMS software processes this data to dynamically control AGVs that deliver goods to the appropriate warehouse locations.
Advantages
- Efficiency: Increasing the speed of warehouse operations.
- Precision: Minimisation of errors in order picking.
- Savings: Reducing storage and transport costs.
- Scalability: Ease adaptation of systems to changing requirements.
- Cybersecurity: Automation to eliminate the risk of accidents associated with manual handling of goods.
Disadvantages
- Implementation costs: High initial cost of installing automated systems.
- Integration problems: Difficulties in integrating with existing ERP systems.
- Loss of jobs: Replacing workers with warehouse robots.
- Dependence on service providers: Risks associated with long-term technical support.
- Risk of cyber attacks: Exposure of automated logistics systems to attacks.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- AGVs: Automated transport units for warehouse operations.
- WMS software: Warehouse management systems.
- RFID systems: Technologies for tracking goods movement.
- Integrated shelving: Automated storage systems.
- Network infrastructure: Stable links for real-time communication.
Required competences
- Warehouse management: Knowledge of WMS systems.
- Logistics automation: Implementation and operation of automated warehouse systems.
- AGV programming: Configuration and management of mobile robots.
- Data management: Logistics data processing and analysis.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting automation systems from threats.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: High energy consumption in automated warehouses.
- Raw material consumption: High demand for metals and electronic components.
- Emissions of pollutants: Indirect emissions from electricity.
- Waste generated: Electronic waste from decommissioned AGV equipment.
- Recycling: Difficulties in recycling complex electronic systems.
Legal conditions
- Safety standards: Certifications for automated transport systems.
- Environmental standards: Energy consumption and emissions regulations.
- Intellectual property: Patents for innovative logistics systems.
- Occupational safety: Regulations for safe operation of AGVs.
- Export regulations: Export control of advanced logistics technologies.