By Kate McAfoose, President and Partner, Chang Robotics
As seen in Inbound Logistics Magazine
If your inbound and outbound logistics is not yet including robotics, now is the ideal time to take a closer look at this burgeoning space.
Nearly every warehouse and logistics operation is employing increasingly advanced software and IT to manage their fulfillment functions. However, the inclusion of robotics is still a new idea for many, as operators worry about cost, reliability and potential disruption of workforce.
The newest innovations in robotics-aided fulfillment are rapidly creating benefits too great to ignore. As companies consider their next steps in advanced automation, here are five best practices for using robotics to advance their success:
Warehouse Execution System (WES) Integration.
Remember that your robotics functions are a key component in a holistic warehouse system. It will be important to create a seamless integration of your robotics functions with the warehouse management software and IT systems you currently use or that you plan to acquire. Regardless of the industry – manufacturing, healthcare, food services or e-commerce fulfillment or others – remember that your ability to achieve a full integration will play a significant role in your robotics success.
Advanced Picking Solutions.
Look for robotics support for AI-driven picking solutions for error-proof parts picking, kitting, assembly, sequencing, and other material handling operations. A key here is an eye towards “cobotics” (collaborative robotics) – the ability to maximize the interplay between robotics and their human counterparts for optimal effectiveness, such as advanced displays for assembly instructions and optimal visuals for continual and instantaneous monitoring.
Enhanced Automation for Human + Robotics counterparts.
Many of the most successful robotics implementations are the ones that integrate robotic systems designed to work alongside their human counterparts not to replace them, but to make their roles more productive and efficient. These solutions include autonomous mobile robots (or AMRs), existing pick-to-light carts that can operate alongside human works and other automation infrastructure to ease the carrying, sorting and computing aspects of human employees. These combinations increase efficiency and help to address labor challenges within factories, warehouses, healthcare supply chains, and even airports.
Enhanced Scalability.
As you consider robotics implementation, remember that you are not necessarily looking to replace current functions, but to scale them. From this perspective, in your first robotics implementations, look for easiest possible integration with your current warehouse and manufacturing systems. Prioritize the solutions that can integrate with your existing WMS/MES/ERP system and material handling equipment. This step can help to ensure a smooth implementation process, while also easing the path to future scalability as a company's needs evolve.
From these vantage points, the opportunity for the significantly higher automation robotics can bring should feel like a more attainable horizon. The scalability and power of this technology becomes clear, as a path to a future in which everyone wins.
As seen in Inbound Logistics Magazine
Kate McAfoose, P.E., with 15 years of experience, serves as President of Chang Robotics, leveraging her expertise as both an engineer and a business executive. In her role, she provides oversight across all company facets, from sales and client relations to design accuracy and financial performance. Kate leads with a focus on the company's core values of mentorship, accountability, and faith. Her notable achievements include implementing a hospital robotic pilot in Jacksonville, aimed at saving time for nurses and reducing burnout, as well as spearheading the development of the world's largest autonomous robotic system. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kate is a devoted mother and wife, and she is recognized as a leader in the community, honored with the 40 under 40 award by the Jacksonville Business Journal.
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