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In an increasingly complex supply chain and materials handling environment, keeping unforeseen variables low – and increasing efficiency – is critical to keeping operations running smoothly. From intuitive warehouse design to implementing highly effective and highly efficient software and technology systems, creating a standardized workflow around the twin principles of risk assessment and mitigation can improve returns while fostering a work environment that champions employees and warehouse managers.
To understand how technology and software systems can improve operations, industry leaders must first seek to diagnose organizational inefficiencies affecting their operations. Next, they should consider how applying the right techniques to minimize these failures can enable their organization to reinforce best practices comprehensively and effectively.
Understanding supply chain inefficiencies and their impact
The biggest contributors to increasing supply chain disruptions often go unnoticed. After all, most potential operational threats are a combination of multiple factors in a dynamic operating environment that act in concert to slow operations and reduce efficiency, making them difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to resolve.
Take, for example, warehouse congestion, a common problem that can significantly reduce productivity if left unaddressed. On the surface, congestion may seem simple to manage. But congestion comes from multiple potential weaknesses, including equipment malfunctions, human error, outdated software and legacy technologies. From cyber threats to training issues to a seasonal workforce that makes it harder to standardize business operations, the process of understanding and mitigating bottlenecks is more complex than managing individual variables in the empty.
For these reasons, identifying gaps in a modern warehouse requires a proactive approach that involves identifying and preventing underlying challenges. Before they become a larger and more complex problem.
Use technology and software to proactively identify inefficiencies
While the nature of supply chain management has undoubtedly become more complex over time, technology solutions designed to improve efficiency make these complexities easier to manage.
For example, consider the problem of human error resulting from suboptimal training. One of the most significant advancements in warehouse operations involves the implementation of virtual reality (VR) simulation technology that can help new trainees develop the skills needed to succeed in the warehouse without having to impact on daily operations. VR simulators serve as flexible and scalable educational tools that leverage cutting-edge technology to help staff become more efficient and develop operator skills, creating optimized conditions for all employees.
Tools such as integrated equipment detection and notification systems and operator securing systems can also help warehouse operators improve their work environment. Systems like these use intelligent speed limits, real-time object detection, operator notifications and more to improve employee environmental awareness, even in high-traffic areas. In this way, equipment detection and notification systems continually highlight and reinforce crucial operator standards and best practices, intuitively educating employees and developing talent across the enterprise.
Finally, capturing data through telematics systems can help warehouse managers better understand and resolve operational inefficiencies. Whether it’s increased visibility, better equipment maintenance, or greater efficiency in people, processes, and warehouse operations, data collection and analysis of that combined data is powerful ways in which businesses can reduce immediate defects and prevent future scenarios at the same time.
The Future of Technology and Risk Mitigation
These powerful new emerging technology solutions all demonstrate an important growing trend: a shift toward holistic data collection and implementation that drives optimization while simultaneously streamlining processes.
After all, data is only powerful if it is properly analyzed and implemented. That’s why warehouse managers should seek to create a connectivity and productivity ecosystem that strengthens the integration of equipment, workforce, technology and data collection systems. Additionally, warehouse managers need to understand how analyzing combined data from different elements of their warehouse ecosystem provides insight into how efficiently their warehouse is operating. Just as deficiency conditions are interconnected, so are identification and mitigation systems, solving operational challenges in a highly efficient manner.
The business benefits of mitigating risk through improved technologies
The key to success for companies navigating the future of supply chain management lies in viewing new technologies as essential elements in developing an overall strategy that drives operational excellence. From VR simulation technologies to equipment detection and notification systems to integrated connection systems, telematics and more, adopting new and better solutions to long-standing operational challenges can help organizations take get ahead now instead of catching up later.
Indeed, executives who refuse to view risk management as anything other than a means to avoid costly setbacks are ignoring a crucial business advantage: the advantage of leveraging software and technology solutions to create warehouse operations resilient, efficient and lean, ready to meet the future challenges of the sector. By staying informed of new technology trends and solutions, businesses can expect a strengthened framework that addresses warehouse issues for comprehensive, efficient and transformative results.