Why pressures like labor shortages, tighter cycle times across channels, and the need to stay competitive on cost are causing companies with fulfillment and production operations to look at automating their material handling.
From manufacturing to distribution, the entire supply chain is looking for answers to mounting pressure, especially given labor shortages, tighter cycle times across channels, and the need to stay competitive on cost. These pressures are causing companies with fulfillment and production operations to look at automating their material handling.
As a result, growth for automation solutions is on the rise, from the more traditional “fixed” automation like conveyors, to newer types of automation including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). MHI’s 2019 Annual Industry Report’s survey found that 14% of supply chain participants surveyed are using autonomous vehicles and drones in their operation today, but this is expected to reach 30% within two years. Such growth projections reflect the industry’s need for efficient operations in this era of serious labor shortages. As MHI’s Industry report states, automation is being adopted “with a goal of streamlining operations and making them safer, quicker, and more reliable.”
