When we speak of “automation” in a supply chain, people may think of drones carrying packages and self-driving trucks. Those indeed are ideal applications of the automation technology, but automating your supply chain means much more than that.
When we speak of “automation” in a supply chain, people may think of drones carrying packages and self-driving trucks. Those indeed are ideal applications of the automation technology, but automating your supply chain means much more than that.
With new advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, automation technology is capable of executing tasks people used to do manually. Furthermore, it can get the job done with added benefits such as:
Here are some examples of areas in supply chains where automation technology can be applied:
Automation in the logistics industry will play an increasingly important role in helping all processes to run smoothly in less time with less labor. The valuable human resources can then be allocated to focus on tasks that require human skills such as building relationships and decision-making, which drive value for the entire business.
While automating supply chain applications and facilities is imperative for growth, limitations still exist. Not everything can be or should be automated. Supply chain processes include some tasks that require humans’ mobility, dexterity, and critical thinking. The companies that see the most success with automation will have leaders who take care to implement the right automation systems at the right time and integrate these systems well to support their human resources.
