Recording webinar ‘Future proof fulfilment with robotization’

A series of forces are colliding to challenge the structure and operation of many supply chains and their ability to meet rapidly changing expectations for fulfilment of orders. Amazon Prime, same-day/next-day, the pandemic, shortages of labour, and underutilized retail stores and spaces are now all converging and forcing supply chain leaders to look at new ways to solve these new challenges.

Technologies that were relevant no longer are. Traditional ways to manage warehouse flows, orders and fulfilment choices are no longer keeping pace. It is almost a case of the supply chain facing digital problems but with analogue solutions. Speed, agility and resources aren’t combining fast enough to meet consumers’ needs and compete with new entrants or global behemoths. Robotic fulfilment automation is gaining momentum and fast becoming a key differentiator.

Machine learning and robotics

Several retailers have publicly committed significant capital toward their automation strategies. For instance, Walmart plans to allocate nearly $14 billion for warehouse automation and other business areas. Asos announced $100 million in spending to expand the capacity and productivity of its warehouses. These moves are indicative of an industry-wide focus on automation, now even further accelerated as a response to changing market conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To start creating a supply chain operation capable of rapid flexing and changing requires new technology thinking. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and robotics will be combined to overcome these challenges. Robots will increasingly take on more of the responsibilities inside warehouses, while scarce labour resources will be deployed in more sophisticated software and technology-based roles that will be key to future success. Robotic automation will break old models of capital investment and open a new door to ‘as a service’ operational cost possibilities.

During Webinar Wednesday Sara Gardner, VP product marketing at GreyOrange, shared some key insights into the current fulfilment automation challenges and how to go about future proofing your fulfilment operation.

Missed the webinar?

The recorded session is available on the YouTube channel of Supply Chain Movement. The slide deck is available for download below.