How Digitalization Will Change Warehousing
Digitalization is transforming warehousing, with technologies such as robotics, blockchain, and AI being used by both large corporations and SMEs. Come read our article to learn more.
When you hear the term warehousing, you may envision a storage facility with large shelves and a few people in charge of what is stored inside. That is indeed what a warehouse is, but what happens inside and around it is probably not what you expect.
Digitalization has drastically altered warehousing. Robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) are all being used in warehouses today. They are being used not only by large-scale multinational corporations at the forefront of technological change but also by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and various types of e-commerce businesses.
Changes in and around the Warehouse
Technology has made warehouses much more automated. Processes are more efficient, need less human involvement, and are less error-prone. For example, sensor tracking makes it much easier to find lost goods than it previously was.
Also, the various operations around warehousing have become more digital, such as shipping or digital cargo transactions or clearing and forwarding. Many of these processes today are directly linked to warehouse operations.
As risk management in international trade becomes more important, especially with high-value goods such as car exporting, warehouses also need to consider risk procedures. And much of that happens with digital tools.
Technology has changed not only the warehouse itself but also the demand for warehouse space. As the trend towards e-commerce accelerates, much more warehouse space will be needed.
A Massive Change to the Benefit of Businesses and Consumers
Looking ahead to the next two to ten years, digital transformation will bring fundamental changes to the way warehouses operate.
From real-time data gathering and increased interconnectivity to warehouse mobility, autonomous vehicles, smart analytics, improved people-technology connectivity, automation, robotics, and real-time inventory management, technology will soon affect all aspects of warehouse operations.
For SMEs and customers, this is a good thing. As warehousing becomes more efficient, shipping times get reduced, and shipping becomes more accurate. Also, processes should become cheaper, thereby reducing the cost for businesses and the end consumer.
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