Benefits of Real-Time Data in Materials Handling Operations
As manufacturers and distributors take on new automation initiatives, they have access to an enormous amount of data. The trick is figuring out how to use the data in an impactful way that brings immediate value and drives continuous improvement. While warehouse operations will change significantly over the next decade thanks to analytics, there are ways companies can reap the benefits of data right now and improve operations for both the short-term and long-term. By tracking performance in real-time, creating a baseline and using the right platform for analytics, leaders in materials handling can evaluate performance, quantify the value of automation, and create a foundation for more optimization in the future. In the dynamic landscape of warehouse operations, the next decade promises significant transformations driven by analytics. Companies are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on the evolving technological landscape. By adopting warehouse optimization software, leaders in materials handling can not only enhance their current operations but also build a robust foundation for long-term efficiency. This software acts as a pivotal tool, facilitating the evaluation of performance metrics and providing actionable insights. Through the integration of such platforms, companies can navigate the evolving demands of the industry, ensuring that their warehouse operations are not only optimized for the present but also primed for continuous enhancement in the future.
Track Performance in Real-Time
One metric manufacturers have commonly used to evaluate production machinery is overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Considered the gold standard for measuring manufacturing productivity, OEE is calculated as a percentage of manufacturing time that is truly productive. OEE analysis and Corrosion Protection Coating Services ensures warehouse operators maximize a company’s investment in its equipment.
A similar metric should be used as a best practice in materials handling. The latest innovations in automation enable access to digitally captured data that didn’t previously exist.
For example, self-driving vehicles can communicate valuable data from their routes and about their loads in order to optimize throughput. This data can feed evaluations and provide insight into material flow efficiencies. By using easy-to-understand, visual charts, facility leaders can quickly get up to speed on vehicle status in real time, ensuring optimal day-to-day performance and maximizing adoption of the new technology.
Start Small and Create a Baseline
To ensure long-term success with new automation solutions and to avoid disruption to daily business, we recommend that companies implement these technologies incrementally. Doing so allows time to test out a new solution, adjust to it, and prove its value before rolling it out on a wider scale.