Supply Chain Optimization : Logistics Automation
| Logistics can be broadly defined as a concept that involves arrangement, organization, management and control of flow of resources such as goods, services, personnel, energy, and information from the site of production to the site of consumption. Logistics is an integrated network involving efforts from various sectors such as information, transport, warehousing, inventory, packaging and material handling. |
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Proper functioning of logistics and its support is vital for the proper functioning of marketing and manufacturing whose efficiency can be best improved through automation requiring automated equipment and software. Automation of logistics can be very useful in broad sectors that include supply chain management systems and enterprise resource planning systems.
Automation in logistics involves a wider and complex network of hardware and software devices that are tailor-made according to the process. Some of these devices include fixed equipments such as automated cranes, conveyors, sortation systems and industrial robots. Automated cranes can be used for the purpose of better utilization of the available space in order to store materials. Automated conveyors can transport selected materials from one place to other. Similarly, industrial robots are highly useful since they can be programmed to perform several functions such as palletizing, packaging, picking, unloading and commissioning.
Apart from these equipment, wireless network such as radio data terminals can be introduced for the purpose of connecting people and coordinating activities at various terminals of the process. The overall control over the entire procedure can be executed through the use of various softwares that include integration software, operational control software and business control software.
There are several benefits involved with the introduction of automation in logistics, particularly in warehouses. Some of them include an improved system for receiving, storing, packaging and dispatch of goods from the warehouse. All the goods can be labeled with barcodes that enables a better control on their movement. Apart from this, automation of a system is a cost-control procedure since it requires use of less manpower and greatly reduces the maintenance costs.
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