AI and Industrial Bots' Role in Streamlining Supply Chain Operations
In today's fast-paced world, companies are increasingly turning to automation to streamline their operations and stay competitive. Firms like Symbotic, SSI SCHÄFER, KNAPP, and KEBA are leveraging industrial robots in logistics and supply chains to boost efficiency, speed, flexibility, and productivity. This shift not only reduces labor needs and operating costs but also brings about benefits such as higher throughput, improved service levels, enhanced workplace safety, reduced environmental impact, and overall process stability even in changing market conditions.
The retail and supply chain industry, in particular, is grappling with issues of over- and under-stocking. Automated solutions, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), are proving to be a valuable ally in this fight.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of adopting emergent technologies for businesses to survive and thrive. RPA, AI, IoT, and other technologies are creating streamlined processes, improving productivity, saving time and effort, and leading to cost savings and increased revenues. As Sanghamitra Barman, the Deputy General Manager of RPA at JK Technosoft, notes, these technologies are essential for ensuring business continuity by automating mundane, repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on strategic and value-added tasks.
The retail sector is a prime example of where RPA is making a significant impact. Tasks such as inventory management, invoice processing, stock allocation, customer queries, business analytics, and order processing are being automated, freeing up human labor to focus on more complex and value-adding tasks.
Automation is not just about replacing human labor; it's about augmenting it. Robots and other automated solutions can assist humans in their actions and mental tasks, freeing up time for critical processes. Technologies like AI, RPA, Blockchain, IoT, and self-driving vehicles are expected to revolutionize warehouse management tasks, boost inventory and risk management, enhance visibility, increase flexibility to respond to changing supply chain demands, and improve data analysis, reporting, and decision-making.
In times of less manpower, automation is the only way to keep businesses afloat. The recent disruptions in the supply chain caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19 have highlighted the need to integrate emerging technologies in the supply chain and adopt a digital supply chain business model. Self-driving technologies or automated vehicles (AVs) are expected to reduce congestion, emissions, and commute time, and provide safety and convenience for the elderly and disabled.
In conclusion, the adoption of automation technologies in supply chain management has significantly increased globally over several years. These technologies are transforming workforce design structures, extending proficiency, enhancing productivity, reducing time cost, and boosting the bottom line. As businesses continue to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the integration of automation technologies will undoubtedly remain a key strategy for success.
