The very essence of a successful supply chain lies in its agility – the ability to swiftly adapt to and manage the constantly shifting customer demands and challenges of the global resource shortages. In this dynamic environment, companies such as SICK have emerged as indispensable allies, helping businesses achieve unmatched levels of flexibility and responsiveness.
E-commerce has significantly transformed the traditional supply chain1. John Butera, Logistics Automation Manager at SICK Australia, notes that with packages generally getting smaller, logistics companies face an increasing pressure to sort, manage, and deliver a vast number of parcels both swiftly and efficiently. According to John, “the stakes in this landscape are immense: even a minor hiccup can disrupt the entire supply chain.”
However, John believes that every challenge also presents an opportunity. Observing the current e-commerce surge, he underscores the critical need for smart automation solutions. Such smart sensors, adept at efficiently sorting and detecting a myriad of packages, equip logistics companies with the means to demonstrate agility in response to the various challenges ushered in by e-commerce.
One of the pillars supporting modern supply chain agility is Industry 4.0, with its emphasis on data-driven decision-making. John emphasises the importance of gathering comprehensive data. Here, SICK’s track and trace systems, particularly Dimensioning Weighing and Barcode Scanning Solutions (DWS), play a pivotal role.
“DWS offers accurate identification, weight, and dimensioning in a single step, optimising the supply chain by ensuring billing accuracy and preventing revenue leakage,” says John.
SICK’s DWS isn’t just about revenue recovery but enhancing operational agility. Its ability to adapt to varied parcel sizes and weights, even as e-commerce trends evolve, is a testament to its agility-centric design.
A responsive supply chain is transparent and traceable. The modern consumer expects real-time updates, making traceability a cornerstone of supply chain agility.
“With the constant scanning and data collection facilitated by SICK’s sensors, logistics providers can ensure parcels are always tracked, providing a seamless experience for the end user,” says John.
Moreover, SICK’s sensors monitor critical logistics infrastructure, like conveyors, in real-time. Predictive maintenance – enabled by tracking metrics like proximity, velocity, vibration, and temperature – ensures that potential issues are flagged before they become major disruptions. This not only prevents downtime but exemplifies proactive agility in action.
Agility also lies in foresight. SICK’s scalable solutions ensure that as e-commerce distribution centres grow, their technological backbone grows with them. The modular nature of SICK’s systems guarantees that logistics providers can quickly adapt and upgrade their infrastructure in line with their evolving needs.
Meik Kettinger, the Key Account Manager for Electronics & Solar at SICK Vertriebs-GmbH, eloquently articulates the spirit of SICK: “We grow with our customers at each new challenge – that’s what drives us each and every day2.” With deep industry knowledge and unparalleled technical expertise, SICK is not only addressing today’s supply chain challenges but is also agilely poised to tackle those of tomorrow.
To find out how SICK can elevate supply chain agility, dive deeper into their innovative solutions today.
References:
1. Stark, M. (2020, February 18). Industry 4.0 ready. MHD Supply Chain Solutions. https://mhdsupplychain.com.au/2020/02/18/industry-4-0-ready/
2. SICK. (n.d.). Move into new dimensions: Sensor solutions for all types of mobile robots. https://cdn.sick.com/media/docs/4/54/654/customer_magazine_sickinsight_mobile_robots_en_im0099654.pdf