Automation suitable for SMEs

MANY ATTENDEES quizzed speakers on the suitability of warehouse automation for SMEs.

Traditionally, automation has been focused on larger operations, tackling large volumes and throughputs.

Interact Analysis senior analyst, Rueben Scriven chaired the discussion on automation.

He said: “Five companies spend 50% of the money invested in warehouse automation in the USA. So, what can be done to bring this to SMEs?”

Leading automation OEM Autostore took on the question.

Business development manager UK & Ireland, Jon Brewin (pictured), explained: “Automation doesn’t have to come with large capital investment. We have made a pay-per-pick model available through our partners, so companies only pay for what they use. This can be suitable for any operation, but it opens it up especially to SMEs. You’ll be surprised at the relatively low level of investment needed to make a difference.”

3PLs also have a role to play, argued Exotec’s Simon Jones. Exotec is a pioneering warehouse robotics firm providing tote box handling and storage.

“We’re seeing two major shifts in market,” says Simon. “3PLs can see opportunities to provide systems that deliver significantly lower costs for customers, so they are going to the customer and saying ‘if you renew for longer we can make this investment’.

“The other thing we are seeing is that 3PLs are recognising this kind of tech can be sued to cater to SMEs as a part of a multi-tenant operation.”

Oana Andreea Jinga, co-founder and CCO of Dexory added that while the warehouse is often considered a data black hole, it can be inexpensive to build better inventory control.

Dexory offers the ability to do this through robots and software, available on a subscription model.

“Better inventory control can help the company to more effectively utilise space, for example, and as robots carry out the repetitive inventory scanning, it allows experienced staff at SMEs to be more effectively used to benefit the company.”