Logistics operations are supposed to be smooth, where orders move seamlessly between points. But with manual handoffs and errors, these workflows can break down. Thankfully, automation offers a convenient and easy way to streamline logistics operations, reduce costs, and improve service.
For example, a case study from Cetaris describes how Greenbush Logistics improved its preventative maintenance compliance from 86% to 97% after deploying digital workflows and maintenance software. This is applicable in any industry, not just fleet management. If you’d like to achieve the same in your business, here’s how to make this transformation in your business.
Assess current workflows before automating processes
Before you start automating anything, you need to know what’s actually happening, what’s working, and what isn’t. Without a baseline, you’ll risk automating inefficient processes rather than eliminating them.
Start by mapping all of your processes end-to-end. This includes order entry, packing, shipping, returns, capturing data, etc. Document where you find delays and errors, and use that information to identify which steps would be best automated.
Next, figure out how many man-hours are being spent on tasks like data entry and manual dispatch. These manual processes will drag down efficiency.
Finally, evaluate your current technology stack and integration gaps. If all of your applications don’t talk to each other, automation will only make your silos bigger. You need all of your systems to integrate. If all of your existing systems won’t integrate, then it’s time to move to a new system that can manage all of your needs.
Choose the right automation technologies
Once you know exactly what you’re automating, the next step is deciding how to automate. Using the right technology is crucial. If you use the wrong software, you could end up increasing the complexity of your workflows.
For warehousing, it makes sense to use robotics, conveyors, automated storage/retrieval systems, and autonomous mobile robots. If you’re not managing a warehouse full of physical goods, then you need software that automates data routing and will trigger events. Even just replacing manual data entry with real-time insights collected automatically is one of the biggest benefits of automating a logistics operation.
Where physical goods and machinery are concerned, IoT sensors placed on trucks, pallets, and even forklifts can capture accurate data on the status, location, and condition of both goods and equipment. These sensors can trigger automated tasks like restocking when inventory hits the designated threshold.
Integrate your systems to create seamless workflows
Automation in isolation isn’t that effective. You need your warehouse, transport, inventory, and customer systems fully integrated to avoid mishaps. Data should be produced in one system and fed downstream without manual transfer. This will reduce delays and errors.
Event-driven workflow engines are necessary. Rather than waiting for daily batch jobs, implement real-time or near-real-time triggers. For example, start with events like when the asset arrives, inventory drops, or the route is completed. All of these events should kickstart an automated workflow.
Optimize route planning and automation
If your logistics operations include transport like trucks, vans, or delivery services, automating route planning and transport workflows will make a huge difference. Automation allows you to plan routes based on traffic, driver availability, load consolidation, and service windows. This alone will reduce wasted miles and improve on-time deliveries.
You can also automate dispatch and driver assignment with software that matches drivers to vehicles based on route plan, availability, maintenance schedules, and compliance rules.
Automate warehousing and order fulfillment
Warehousing and fulfillment are usually the biggest cost centers in a logistics operation. When you apply automation here, you get huge gains in speed, accuracy, and cost control. For instance, robots and conveyors reduce manual movement, conveyors can move pallets upon receipt, and orders can be picked, packed, and shipped automatically. You can even automate order validation and the return process for a faster turnaround time.
It’s time to build an automated logistics workflow
Implementing automation across your entire logistics operations will transform how you work for the better. It will create systems and teams that flow seamlessly with fewer errors and setbacks. The key is to assess your workflows first to find out what you need to automate, and then choose the right technology for your use case. When you do, you’ll build a logistics machine that works like a well-oiled machine.
The result will be faster service, lower costs, fewer errors, and a larger capacity to scale. It may be in the early stages now, but in the future, companies that treat automation as a necessity will be the ones that come out ahead.