The evolution of warehouses over the years is well-known, however, the question “how can we do better?”, has held the industry’s hand and motivated it to continue improving and optimizing its operations. Yet with challenges of increasing complexity in supply chains, cost pressures, and labor shortages remaining constant, the ability to keep optimizing modern-day warehouses has been impacted.
The industry, on the lookout to keep improving, and creating more safer and productive operations has now pinned its hope on Intralogistics-the industry’s top buzzword.
What is Intralogistics?
The art of optimizing, integrating, automating, and managing the logistical flow of information and material goods within the four walls of a fulfilment or distribution center. IntraLogistics ,by implementing new methods of connection and interaction, allows information (and materials) to flow efficiently.
While Intralogistics pulls back the curtains from the present challenges that might have not been revealed, the trend has tangible advantages for every warehouse, making the sector its biggest fan.
Why hop on the trend?
Making warehousing cost-effective: Implementation of intralogistics will improve efficiency, which means less overstock, fewer wasted man-hours, a better product time-to-market, and lower costs. Intralogistics focuses on data collection and automation, and enables warehouses to see the long-promised benefits of Industry 4.0 through better interconnectivity. Real-time data provides for real-time adjustments, so warehouses can become more nimble and efficient, regardless of how markets change.
Ameliorating flexibility: With Intralogistics, warehouses can easily adopt new automation strategies, which will yield operations a better ROI from major equipment purchases. IoT equipment provides data on usage and efficiency, which can fit neatly into the overall flow of Intralogistics information. The data obtained by the companies practicing Intralogistics will be generated by high-tech machinery, and over time, which will allow for near-perfect supply chain management. A perfect internal supply chain means the operations are naturally flexible to changes in demand.
Safer Workplace: Intralogistics automate operations including potentially dangerous tasks. Automation brought in through Intralogistics allows workers to work efficiently by removing any unnecessary hurdles.
Future-proofing operations: Micro-fulfillment is here to stay, and warehouses that use an intralogistics approach are positioned to take advantage of that trend. By automating key processes and improving overall operational agility, intralogistics warehouses can function as micro-fulfillment centers without disrupting their primary operations.
Data collection is key in the Intralogistics strategy. Along with the adoption of Industry 4.0 and IoT tools, Intralogistics can help find inefficiencies and promote better communication and connectivity. If warehouse operators don’t shy away from facing their existing inefficiencies and challenges, Intralogistics can be the first crucial step towards better efficiency and throughput.
