Steps to consider before you automate
Setting Your Operations Up For Success
Automation can be costly. And it takes a lot of work, time and collaboration to implement successfully. But the results are exponential - reducing operating costs, increasing productivity and staying ahead of the competition
Before you dive in, you've got to do your homework. The last thing you want to do is fail before you even begin. Luckily, you don't have to go it alone. We've done this before - we know what to do and what not to do - to help you build a solid foundation for your warehouse automation journey.
Automation can increase productivity and efficiency by 25-50%
Preparing For Automation
While the next stages of an automation project are important, it's a good idea to take your time and put extra focus in the preparation stage. This will help your operations in the long run. If you don't, you run the risk of wasting crucial time and money by creating a solution that doesn't do what you need it to.
1.
Create A Culture For Change
Regardless of how good your systems are, company culture can make or break any project.
2.
Involve your people
Employees often share solutions that you didn't initially think about. If workers are given the input in the changes proposed, they're more likely to accept them - especially your IT team.
3.
Control the scope
One of the most common mistakes is trying to do too much, too fast. Instead of solving a complex issue right out of the gate, start with a piece of the project.
4.
Define success before you start
- Did it meet throughput requirements?
- Did we speed the process up?
- What are the annual labor hours saved?
- What's the number of employees reallocated?
- Did we make the process less complicated?
- Is the process more accurate?
- Are employees happier and has retention improved?
- Are there any downstream or upstream effects?
5.
Draft The Team
Once you choose what to automate, empower a champion to lead and a supporting team of dedicated internal staff and vendors.
6.
Study The Details
Automation isn't magic. It takes time and planning to implement successfully. Prepare to get more detailed than you ever have.
7.
Anticipate Adjustments
- Look at what happened upstream and downstream - design for the highest volume and seasonal peaks
- Plan for growth - it's less expensive to build in capacity now rather than later
- Be open to change - allow time to test and tweak until it's accurate
8.
Evaluate The Results
It is not only important to see how your operation has improved, but it's essential to recap the project and make adjustments as needed - after completion of the project and periodically into the future.