There is a steady increase in the dependency of several industrial sectors on automated systems, especially on robots for performing tasks more efficiently than human workers. This also indicates the growing trend in the technology sector, with advanced computer systems now running machines within the workspace that interact with human co-workers. This trend is building some fear for human workers that robots will take their jobs away. But that is not the case when considering logistics and shipping companies, they automate their business to tackle labor shortages.
The monotony of some jobs makes it impossible to recruit and retain employees such as bank jobs including boring and repetitive tasks 24×7 and also in factories where the jobs are repetitive and also risky up to some extent.
The labor shortage in the logistics and shipping sectors
In an earlier time, the main reason for automating businesses was to reduce labor costs, But now it is the unavailability of staff. Logistics providers hired a record number of employees but most of them reportedly dropped out after the first few days. Big names in the industries have been vocal about automating their business.
Some general benefits of switching to automation in warehouses
Companies that invest in robotic technology experience several practical and obvious benefits to their operations. Most organizations benefit from robotic technology in non-obvious ways, such as reduced packaging costs and increased efficiency.
- Improved productivity warehouse
may increase efficiency while maintaining quality by implementing robotic technology. Warehouse operators will be able to handle far more goods each day. When deployed with human employees, robots can improve accuracy and speed up tedious procedures.
- Lower errors
Human error may be expensive for companies. They might make a loss if they have to redo work to fix an error. Robots drastically save warehousing costs by doing tasks perfectly the first time, every time.
- Adaptable Workforce
Robotics enables warehouses to swiftly fulfill rising capacity demands. During peak seasons, for example, it might be difficult to acquire and train new employees rapidly enough to meet demand forecasting estimates. Because of their ability to work around the clock without compromising quality, robotics makes it easier to handle increases.
- Customer satisfaction
Customer satisfaction will rise when delivery times are accelerated, and human errors are minimized. Customer service is essential for the survival and growth of any business. The sooner your organization can perform flawless processes, the more clients will return. You’ll leverage warehouse operations to gain a competitive advantage.
Big names wanted to deploy robots in warehouses due to labor shortage
Amazon seems like the leader in the deployment and development of warehouse automation. It has always been experimenting with robots in warehouses such as a new group of robots called Sesame street. The amazon warehouses consist of several robots for performing various tasks. Reportedly Amazon’s direct labor savings from this technology range from $ 3 billion to $ 4 billion annually globally.
Amazon first bought Kiva systems in 2012, the only recognized manufacturer of warehouse robots at that time. Now Amazon has almost 200,000 robots on different sites. These warehouse robots have helped Amazon to accelerate its growth in two key business sectors: online shopping and logistics. Amazon has long been considered the world’s greatest online retailer, but it is now also one of the top ten logistics companies.
Is it worth using more and more robots in warehouses due to labor shortage?
Almost all innovative logistics platform realizes that robotization opens up great opportunities for such business to tackle challenges including labor shortage. From an operational standpoint, robotics provides effective solutions to productivity and security challenges. This is a genuine opportunity for businesses to revamp their structure and business strategy. These businesses will not only automate existing processes but will also develop new operating patterns that are robot friendly.
