We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
Home » ProMatDX 2021: To automate or not to automate?

ProMatDX 2021: To automate or not to automate?

An overview of automation technologies gives conference attendees the lay of the land—and advises them to “do the math” to decide what’s best for their operation.

April 13, 2021
DC Velocity Staff
No Comments

Accelerating e-commerce activity, labor challenges, and the need to deliver an omnichannel business experience are all driving the trend toward warehouse and distribution center (DC) automation, but is it the right path for every organization?

Jim Barnes, CEO of supply chain technology and consulting firm enVista offered a high-level view of the evolution of automation technology for fulfillment operations on day two of ProMatDX, an industry conference being held online this week. Barnes described the wide range of automation technologies in use today—including everything from automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) to robotic palletizing to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs)—and how they can help speed operations to keep up with fast-changing business requirements. But he cautioned that automation isn’t always the right answer, and offered four key takeaways for figuring out if it’s right for you:

  • Run the math. Automation is not for everyone, but if designed correctly, with the right flexibility, then it is a game-changer.
  • Pick the right partner who understands how to integrate all aspects of the four walls … It starts with data, end-to-end process design, enabling technology, and the right talent (experience).
  • It requires a different level of associate. Workers must move from pushing boxes to asking ‘why am I pushing boxes and how does this system work?’
  • Post go-live support and maintenance are key to a successful automation project.

ProMatDX 2021 takes place April 12-16 online.

Technology Supply Chain IT Warehouse IT
KEYWORDS EnVista
  • Related Articles

    ProMatDX 2021: Think before you automate

    Shift to automate may permanently reduce workforce

    Investments to automate its operations: Intelcom to deliver 42 million parcels during peak season

Recent Articles by DC Velocity Staff

Freight sector missed the boat on strong U.S. economy in Q3 and Q4, FTR says

Sloppy thieves botch trailer heist

Freightos completes plan to go public on NASDAQ exchange, raises $80 million

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Fred Smith is not worried about Amazon

  • Outlook 2023: What’s in store for logistics/supply chain?

  • Ports, maritime operators see tide turning as ocean freight tsunami subsides

  • In Person: Steve Beverly of Penske

  • InPerson interview: Rob McKeel of Fortna

Now Playing on DCV-TV

89cfed30 8aac 4284 960d c8c8c1886e16

Have you checked your read rate lately?

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
No reads. Unaccounted for boxes. Boxes sent to the wrong place. A logistics nightmare! But this nightmare doesn’t have to come true. SICK’s linear line scan camera is what dreams are made of for your logistics operations. And if you’re worried about motion and vibration from conveyor belts...well, there’s no reason...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • The five best applications for robotic lift trucks in warehouse environments

  • Fulfillment Facility Improved Efficiencies by 4x

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • Reusable Packaging for the New Wave of Supply Chain Automation

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing