Automation is key to survival and success in an era of rapid change. This article by Vanderlande explores how scalable automation helps businesses tackle supply chain volatility, labour shortages, customer demands, profitability challenges, and sustainability goals, enabling them to stay competitive and resilient in a dynamic market.
1. Navigating supply chain volatility with agility
E-commerce continues to grow at an impressive annual rate of 12–15 per cent. Yet, this growth is accompanied by challenges such as port strikes, shipping delays, irregular deliveries, extreme weather, and political instability. Scalable automation provides the flexibility needed to adapt to these disruptions, empowering businesses to expand capacity without increasing their physical footprint. By integrating solutions like shuttles, goods-to-person (G2P) workstations, or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), companies can not only achieve significant boosts in throughput but also build resilience to navigate the uncertainties of a volatile supply chain landscape.
2. Tackling labour shortages with automation
Labour shortages are becoming more pronounced due to retirements, a shrinking workforce, and waning interest in warehouse roles among younger generations. Automation addresses these challenges by streamlining order fulfilment, requiring fewer workers while reducing the physical strain of manual tasks.
In a study conducted at one of our automated sites, employees expressed a clear preference for working in the automated areas over the manual ones. Automated solutions not only simplify workflows, making it easier to onboard and train new employees, but also enhance workplace appeal in a competitive job market. By creating a more predictable, employee-friendly environment, automation helps reduce turnover, boost workforce satisfaction, and position businesses as attractive employers.
3. Enhancing the customer experience
Customer expectations for fast, free shipping, flexible order cut-offs, and damage-free deliveries are driving changes in fulfilment priorities. Automation supports these demands by increasing storage density, allowing for a broader SKU inventory, and ensuring accurate, timely shipments. Automated systems, equipped with sensors, reduce product damage and enable seamless order consolidation, meeting and exceeding customer expectations for quality and speed.
4. Enhancing profitability
Manual picking operations, often the most labour-intensive aspect of warehouses, account for up to 55 per cent of operating expenses. Automation eliminates inefficiencies, enabling operators to focus solely on productive tasks. This reduces costs per unit shipped, boosting profitability. Additionally, automation optimises facility space, minimising the need for costly expansions or new constructions. By maximising the use of existing infrastructure, businesses can mitigate rising real estate and inflationary pressures.
5. Driving Sustainable Progress
Sustainability is a growing priority for consumers and businesses alike. Automated systems contribute by minimising waste through on-demand packaging solutions and optimising transportation efficiency. Battery-powered vehicles and high-density storage solutions reduce reliance on fossil fuels and expand vertical storage capacity, shrinking the operational footprint. These initiatives align with environmental objectives while maintaining efficiency and profitability.
Automation has become a necessity for businesses navigating the complexities of modern fulfilment operations. By enhancing agility, addressing labour shortages, elevating customer satisfaction, driving profitability, and advancing sustainability, automation empowers companies to stay competitive and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. It is no longer just an advantage but a strategic cornerstone for long-term success.
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