Tips For Improving Warehouse Efficiency With Smart Warehousing

Smart Warehousing A Future Development Trend

What Is a Smart Warehouse or Automated Warehouse?

Smart warehousing, also known as an automated warehouse, is an advanced storage and inventory management system designed to optimize efficiency in storing and distributing products. It leverages modern technologies such as smart storage devices to automate processes, minimize errors, and enhance productivity. The standout feature of smart warehouses is their ability to automate all aspects of management, transportation, and storage of goods within the facility.

Differences Between Smart Warehouses and Traditional Warehouses

Smart warehouses and traditional warehouses differ significantly in their design, management, and operations.

Automation and Management Control Systems

• Smart Warehouse: Equipment like automated forklifts, robots, automated cranes, and conveyor systems are computer-controlled and continuously execute tasks according to pre-set commands. Automated inventory management software tracks every aspect of warehouse operations, including the timing of imports and exports, quantities, specific locations, and expiration dates (if applicable).
• Traditional Warehouse: In contrast, traditional warehouses rely on manual labor to perform tasks. Workers often manually handle goods, use manual forklifts and manage inventory by handwritten records. This process is prone to errors and consumes more time.

Space Optimization

• Smart Warehouse: Integrated storage devices with automated movement systems accurately identify goods and shelf locations, allowing for efficient space utilization and cost savings.
• Traditional Warehouse: Traditional warehouses often use fixed shelves and lack flexibility in arranging goods, which can lead to wasted space due to suboptimal utilization of pathways for cargo vehicles.

Resource Reduction and Increased Output

• Smart Warehouse: Nearly complete reliance on machinery and robots to continuously perform tasks without breaks helps save time, reduce labor resources, and increase cargo output.
• Traditional Warehouse: Traditional warehouses rely on manual labor, and output is typically limited by labor capacity and working hours.

Data Synthesis and Analysis

• Smart Warehouse: Synthesizing updated data on the system for analysis and monitoring of inventory, movement speed, and storage progress helps make operational decisions.
• Traditional Warehouse: Traditional warehouses often lack real-time data and the ability to analyze data to optimize operations.

Safety and Security Management

• Smart Warehouse: Typically integrates advanced safety and security measures, including access control systems, automatic inventory tracking, and automatic fault detection.
• Traditional Warehouse: Traditional warehouses may lack advanced safety and security measures and rely more on personnel for security oversight.

Smart warehouses differ significantly from traditional warehouses in terms of design, management, and operation.

Equipment Needed for Designing a Smart Warehouse

The following equipment plays crucial roles in the design and operation of a smart warehouse, optimizing the storage and movement of goods.

1. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)

These are computer-controlled and capable of autonomously performing tasks such as lifting, moving, and stacking goods accurately and efficiently. Automated forklifts help minimize human errors and increase storage productivity.

2. Pallet Runner

A technology-integrated smart robot device that can automatically move pallets of goods within the warehouse and swiftly access shelves. They can handle heavy loads up to 1500kg and efficiently optimize storage space. Pallet runners enhance management capabilities and storage efficiency through process memorization.

Automate storage with Eurorack Pallet Runner

3. Conveyor Belt Systems

Crucial tools for quickly and efficiently transporting and moving goods within the warehouse. They are used to connect points in the storage and distribution process, reducing the time needed to move goods and increasing overall productivity.

4. Goods Lifts

In automated warehouses, these are crucial devices used to lift and lower goods from storage positions to meet retrieval demands. Goods lifts optimize the process of picking and placing goods in the warehouse.

5. Automated Inventory Management Software

It tracks goods in real-time, manages inventory, optimizes goods arrangement, and provides important information about reserve levels or the need for replenishment. This software ensures efficiency and safety in goods management processes.

Using warehouse management software helps businesses assess warehouse status and predict needs.

To understand why these devices are essential for a smart warehouse, you can read more in the article: Forecasting The Market For Smart Warehousing Equipment

Principles to Consider in Smart Warehouse Design

When designing an effective smart warehouse, several important principles need to be considered to ensure smooth operation.

Space Optimization

Using smart storage systems and shelving types is the most effective way to optimize warehouse space efficiently. This is an essential part of warehouse content to construct an automated storage facility.

Safety and Security

Ensure safety for employees and equipment in smart warehouses through safety measures such as collision sensors, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. Protect critical data and systems from threats through layers of security locks.

Optimal Path Layout

Design the flow of goods movement to minimize travel time and maximize efficiency. Ensure that conveyors and pathways in the warehouse are logically designed to avoid conflicts and congestion.

Warehousing Zoning

Divide the warehouse into zones to easily identify the location of goods and facilitate picking and placing orders. Arrange goods based on criteria such as usage frequency or type.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Perform regular inspections and maintenance for automated robots and systems in the warehouse to ensure they operate smoothly and safely. Review repair and maintenance procedures to ensure quick repair readiness to avoid disruptions in the supply chain.

Employee Training

Train employees to use and manage equipment and software in smart warehouses. Ensure they understand how to conduct safety checks and handle emergencies.

Management staff are key factors in operating automated warehouses.

Smart warehouses typically utilize which type of racks?

Four common types of rack used in smart warehouses include:

1. Radio Shuttle Racking

The Shuttle is an automated storage racking system designed to optimize warehouse space and increase operational efficiency. This system utilizes remote-controlled shuttle robots to automatically move pallets along the guide rails of the racks. These robots have a load capacity of up to 1500kg and can operate at a speed of 70m/min.

Eurorack Radio Shuttle Racking System

2. ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) Racking

This system utilizes robots or movable devices to automatically move, store, and retrieve goods. The automatic feature of ASRS can be used in two forms: fixed and mobile systems, with advantages for operation in high-rise warehouses with multiple levels.

3. Mobile Rack

Allows the creation of aisles between shelves when needed and easy closure when there is no requirement for goods unloading. Mobile racks are often used in warehouses with limited space, where optimizing storage space is crucial.

4. Pallet Flow Racking

Pallets are placed at one end of the shelf and move using gravity principles. When a pallet is retrieved, the pallet behind it automatically rolls to the empty position. This system is suitable for warehouses with large quantities of homogeneous goods and aims to optimize storage and quick access.

Pallet Flow Racking is an effective warehouse space saving solution in smart warehouses

Smart and Automated Warehouse Solutions from Eurorack JSC

Eurorack JSC is proud to be a leading provider of smart and automated warehouse solutions with a diverse range of customizable products to meet the specific needs of each customer. With over 13 years of experience and expertise in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and installation of storage racks, steel pallets, cold storage racks, etc., along with a range of solutions to support the most efficient warehouse operations and goods management.

Large enterprises such as Pepsico, Nestle, Vinamilk, Yamaha, DKSH, Lotte Mart, etc., have already used Eurorack's smart steel rack systems, meeting their strict criteria for quality and rigorous inspection processes.

To what we have achieved and continue to accomplish, stands as a testament to the unwavering trust and the reassurance of Eurorack's quality and reputation. We look forward to partnering with your esteemed business on the journey ahead.

Contact Eurorack if your business needs advice on installing an storage rack system.

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EURORACK MECHANICAL JSC

Hotline: 0938 520 379

Mail: info@eurorack.vn

Website: eurorack.com.vn

Address: No. 5/3 Doan Thi Diem Street, Ward 1, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC, VietNam