Blog Posts Back-End Infrastructure Key to Effective Robotics
Key Takeaways
- Automation and robotics can help retailers and brands improve fulfillment capacity.
- To ensure optimal performance, take a strategic, data-based approach when designing a fulfillment technology solution.
- The right systems and infrastructure are critical for effective solutions.
Over the next five years, the adoption rate for robotics and automation will jump from 28% to 79%, according to the MHI Annual Industry Report. Many companies are incorporating advanced technologies to help manage ecommerce growth in a challenging marketplace.
“Thanks to recent advancements, automation and robotics can help increase output, improve scalability, optimize inventory and reduce operational costs,” says Perry Belcastro, Senior Vice President of Fulfillment at Saddle Creek Logistics Services.
In a recent conversation with Digital Commerce 360, Belcastro explains how technologies like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), goods-to-person robotics, and robotic arms can help to improve capacity and identifies important considerations for incorporating them effectively.
Following is an excerpt…
Study the data closely. Then research the simplest, most cost-effective [technology] solution that can meet your objectives and deliver the service level your customers expect.”
– Perry Belcastro, Senior Vice President of Fulfillment, Saddle Creek Logistics Services
Leveraging Technology to Optimize Order Fulfillment
How do you identify the best fulfillment technologies?
When designing a technology solution, it’s best to take a strategic, data-based approach. You’ll need consider a number of variables, including average order profile, sales projections, budget, timetable and more. Study the data closely. Then research the simplest, most cost-effective solution that can meet your objectives and deliver the service level your customers expect.
What else should retailers and brands keep in mind?
When implementing new technology, make sure you have the right infrastructure on the back end. You need a strong integration framework to stay nimble as you grow and evolve. Your systems should be able to communicate using a variety of protocols and standards, so you can integrate with other parties’ systems. Secure connections are also essential for data protection and confidentiality.
You’ll also want to give serious consideration to organizational infrastructure. You need the right leadership and labor to support advanced technology initiatives.
For more on leveraging fulfillment technology, read the full article on page 16 in Digital Commerce 360’s latest report: “The New Era for Ecommerce: Managing Challenges in Operations & Technology.” 