Logistics is all about the gathering and improvement of data. Typically, it’s found in industries handling huge amounts of info for the purpose of refining a process, such as transportation. Making sure this process is as efficient as possible is a top priority for those in the logistics world.
Automation is typically found in different ways, such as using machines to ship and sort large products, or software to better sort redundant information or store records. As such, by taking the human element out of basic, repetitious tasks, logistics companies can focus their staff on large scale projects.
There’s a lot involved in creating an efficient environment, but newfound growth in technology creates options for automation to intertwine with logistics business models. As a logistics company, you’re likely responsible for various points of products, shipping, software and delivery. So, there are many ways automation benefits these processes.
1. Mechanical Sorting
As items or products arrive at warehouses, they’re identified and processed into receiving systems. As the total stock amount and other details are accounted for, these products are sorted based on identification via machine into their recipient area. This overcomes the need for manual labor and time consuming organizational requirements.
2. Software Integration
Logistics utilizes automation software to manage all machinery from a single convenient node. This allows for stronger allocation of resources while simultaneously monitoring automated processes for efficiency.
Software can also be used to sort through redundant tasks on the logistics side – anything from tagging digital documents or mass emailing a client base.
3. Real Time Cost Updates
It’s likely that during shipping and freight windows, prices will fluctuate based on weight or other criteria. This drives up the importance for supplies and transportation to be aware of these updates as consistently as possible. Automation then keeps them updated and creates transparency about potential costs to clients. This can save a lot of customer service hassles down the road.
4. Report Assessment and Recovery
Historical data and information about business, workflow operations and customer history can all be accessed through automated software. This process – which is typically time consuming – drastically improves efficiency onsite as employees are able to access important data through simple software interfaces.
It’s also from this, that better predictions about future shipping needs or similar can be made.
5. Error Check
Automation also helps cut down on errors during operation. Since logistics deals with large pools of information on a daily basis, occurrence of errors are likely. Unfortunately, these same errors can be costly and create lag in delivery of operations.
However, through logistics and automation, these errors can be caught and filtered, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency abroad.
There are many other benefits to automation when integrated with logistics, such as improved customer service and increased transparency about the cost of delivered products.
If your logistics company is looking to improve efficiency, but has not yet adopted some form of automation, it’s likely the key to bringing your business to the next level. Contact Stratosphere Networks for more information about automation for your business.