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2025 is now in full swing, but with a new year comes new challenges, especially in today’s modern, digital world. However, just as new technology is entering the world for everyday use, it can easily be used to your advantage if you own a warehouse, or manage a distribution centre.
As such, you should be looking into all of the new technology that the industry has to offer in order to streamline your operations as much as possible. It’s extremely likely that your competitors are already using such technology, so jump on board so that you don’t get left behind. So what technology is available to you and how is it set to transform warehouse operations in 2025? Let’s take a closer look:
State-of-the-art warehouse management systems (WMS)
Many warehouse owners and managers will be aware of WMS and the different types of WMS that are available to them. However, the goal posts are constantly changing when it comes to the material handling industry and the technology behind different WMS.
As advancement in technology continues to change, warehouse owners are looking to WMS that are agile and more responsive in order to meet ever-increasing demand as we enter a world that is far more involved in e-commerce than ever before.
Take a look at the different WMS available to you and what you can get with the budget you have in mind. Also, consider what it can do for you and your warehouse by keeping the following benefits in mind. Ask yourself if it is capable of:
- Increasing supply chain visibility
- Forecasting effectively
- Streamlining warehouse operations
- Improving inventory accuracy and management
- Ensuring excellent warehouse safety
- Transforming customer service and the consumer journey
- Building better relationships and lines of communication within the supply chain
Transformation that are becoming data-driven
Warehouses thrive in terms of productivity and output when past data is looked at and analysed. You should be taking previous performance into account to avoid overspending and overstocking. If you’re looking to carry out your warehouse operations backed by facts and data, then incorporate data-sharing between warehouse operatives, different devices and different points along the supply chain. Not only does this improve communication between employees along various supply chain points, but it also instils confidence and swift decision-making that is backed by data.
Automation of order picking processes
Automated picking tools are a great way of streamlining your order picking process. It helps to make the lives of your workers easier and more productive, for one. But it also speeds up shipping times. Therefore, it results in happier and more satisfied customers. A great place to start in your warehouse is to look at radio frequency identification (RFID).
This has the ability to boost productivity and efficiency levels. In addition, it also improves picking accuracy, which is often guaranteed by following this method, when done correctly. Other methods to use include voice automated picking and pick-to-light which can speed up workflows also. You can also adopt automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). They’re useful if you’re looking to redistribute your workforce or downsize your premises.
A warehouse transportation evolution
Warehouses are looking to revolutionise warehouse transportation through the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs). AGVs allow businesses to optimise their storage and retrieval processes seamlessly, and that also includes pallet storage.
AGVs could take the form of any piece of material handling equipment, including forklifts, pallet trucks, order pickers and more. This is because they have the ability to follow digital pathways that run throughout your warehouse. Although this depends on the make and model you choose. You can lay out digital pathways by different means, including magnetic tape and sensor-based navigation systems.
Agile supply chain processes
We have recently touched on the importance of supply chain management and how to make it as agile as possible during busy and demanding periods, so you can read our hints and tips here. But as we enter into 2025, it’s never been more important to ensure agile supply chain processes.
In order to do this, warehouse owners and managers will be looking more and more at advanced material handling technologies to get the job done and to work out streamlined operations for supply chain success.
Use the aforementioned techniques and technologies to make sure your supply chain process is as agile as possible this year. You’ll also find that it will help you in subsequent years. It enables you to stay ahead of the game in the warehousing and distribution industry.
Multi-channel fulfillment
This is a highly-beneficial process. It will become far more critical and sought-after for businesses that are handling orders that have come from a variety of platforms. Those platforms could be anything from e-commerce websites and physical stores right through to online marketplaces.
With this in mind, warehouses have no choice but to adapt by using multi-channel fulfilment techniques and technologies. It can be done with flexible inventory allocation. This is made possible by using high-tech WMS, along with integration across systems in order to ensure smooth order processes. By adopting multi-channel fulfilment processes, requirements can be met without experiencing any overstocking, delays or even damage to stock.
Multy Lift has over three decades of experience in the material handling industry, providing customers throughout the UK with quality material handling equipment that will stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking for forklifts, pallet trucks, reach trucks and more, or are looking for commercial cleaning equipment, chemicals and forklift attachments, we will have you covered. If you’d like further information about our many warehouse solutions, including mezzanine flooring and warehouse racking, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.
