Insights: Tips from ProMat 2023 on Automation, Storage Strategies
Storage, automation and practical considerations
This month, we dive into some of the best presentations presented at ProMat 2023, where our own Bryan Gauger and Steel King’s Ryan Wachsmuth teamed up to present tips for storage and practical automation. Muratec’s Scott Matlock dove deep on automation and humanization principles. Also, more on Texas Manufacturing, digital warehousing and more.
Steel King and Cisco-Eagle ProMat: Automation and Dynamic Storage Systems
At ProMat 2023, Cisco-Eagle President Bryan Gauger joined Steel King Manager of Dynamic Storage Systems Ryan Wachsmuth for a packed discussion on how dynamic storage systems and automation enhance each other throughout manufacturing and distribution operations.
Key takeaways
- Dynamic storage is frequently integrated into, or adjacent to automated systems. Nearly all automation requires higher density reserve or stock storage. This helps companies maximize the space they use to operate, which is often a driving factor for automation. “Various types of pallet racking allow for higher density pallet storage,” Wachsmuth said. Lower density storage, like selective racks, are also integrated into many automated systems.
- Processes are key. “Ask yourself, ‘Why are we doing this?’ and create measurable metrics based on answers to that question,” said Gauger. Finding and rooting out unproductive processes is key to successful automated systems. “Don’t automate a bad process.” Key considerations include safety, seasonal or high-demand items, product movement patterns, personnel, downtime and more. Everything should be evaluated during the planning stage.
- Consider your existing layout and process map to identify areas for square foot optimization. Efficiency is directly tied to efficient layouts that don’t require extra effort, transit time or walking, said Wachsmuth . “If you’re looking to increase efficiency, first look at your warehouse’s existing set-up to identify how to optimize the use of its square footage, and how you can make better use of existing storage systems or upgrade systems.”
Read more: Racks, Shelving and Automation: Options for Effective Storage
Muratec: Humanizing Automation
Muratec presented Humanizing Automation with Innovative Systems Integration: The Key to Speed, Efficiency & Lower Costs at ProMat 2023.
Key takeaways included:
- Notes on customized, fully-integrated systems for order fulfillment
- Ways to evaluate and improve processes for storage, transport and sorting and order picking
- A focus on metrics: how to identify them, how to build them moving forward for ROI.
Also: see Manufacturing Today Magazine.
MDM: The Digital Warehouse
Digital automation is defined as the deployment of various technologies to streamline operations in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. These technologies can include mobile data collection, robotics, conveyor systems, automated storage and retrieval, collaborative robots (cobots), AI-driven applications, and robotic process automation.
While distributors and manufacturers recognize the benefits of digital automation, implementation is a challenge. Many companies still rely on manual systems or have only partially implemented automation. According to RFgen’s Digital Inventory Report, only 16% of respondents believe their company’s mobile systems are sufficient for today’s needs–much less those in the future.
Key takeaways
- Focus on better data capture: You can’t improve without the core data. Devices like scanners, mobile devices, and warehouse management solutions give you more reliable and accurate data at scale. This data can give you more information to improve decision-making as your operation evolves.
- Use your tools to improve inventory management: Digital automation technologies increase visibility and impact across the warehouse by providing real-time inventory data. This lets you be more agile and to make shifts as your market evolves.
- Lean into picking accuracy improvements: Digital enhancements to picking methods–things like pick-to-light and barcode scanning, maybe most impactful when it comes to accuracy. Double-digit improvements are common for the right types of implementation.
- Be adaptable and agile: The key thing when it comes to digitizing your operation is the ability to adapt. These solutions integrate with automation hardware like robots, AS/RS and conveyor systems to help you optimize in real-time.
Texas manufacturing
Texas tops the list of the “Fastest Growing & Cheapest States in America for 2023” with a #1 ranking in job growth! More here: https://t.co/75euMER4u6 #TexasWorks
— Texas Economic Development (@TexasEconDev) April 3, 2023
Quick hits
- In The Real Reasons Companies Are Relocating to Fort Worth, Fort Worth Inc magazine discusses the reason companies are relocating to Fort Worth, Texas. Its central location, cost of living, business-friendly environment, low taxes and strong workforce all factor into the Texas city’s growth. Another key is that Fort Worth has invested in infrastructure with innovation districts, supply chain mobility and 10 major universities that align with its strongest industries.
- Axios breaks down the “forever labor shortage”. The big takeaway is that the share of Americans of working age peaked at 67% in 2007 and has declined ever since. It’s expected to be just 61% by 2030. This continues to stress the need to make manufacturing and distribution more labor-efficient moving forward.
- Because trucks move about 72% of American freight by weight, (per the American Trucking Association), the need to deal with driver shortages is critical. Supply Chain Executive lays it out: The industry needs 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade. Recommendations include less road time, more flexibility and making trucking more appealing to women. The article discusses a recruitment, engagement and strategic plan to recruit the next generation of drivers. Increased compensation has helped, but will not be enough moving forward.
Tags: warehousing, Manufacturing, AS/RS
Scott Stone is Cisco-Eagle's Vice President of Marketing with more than thirty years of experience in material handling, warehousing and industrial operations. His work is published in multiple industry journals an websites on a variety of warehousing topics. He writes about automation, warehousing, safety, manufacturing and other areas of concern for industrial operations and those who operate them.