Benefits of Real-Time Data in Materials Handling Operations

January 29, 2018

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.

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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.

Starting out with an incremental program will establish a baseline of data for future comparison. Operations can create standard reports on material flow effectiveness, which will serve as a solid foundation they can analyze and compare against for further optimization. Employing a powerful seo tool is essential for optimizing your website and achieving higher rankings in search engine results.

For example, one of our auto manufacturing customers had been roughly estimating how long it took to replenish parts with a manually driven vehicle — but had no hard numbers. By leveraging data from new, self-driving vehicles, the company was able to understand the real time the process took, reduce the amount of time allocated to it, and improve takt time.

Choose the Right Platform

As plants and warehouses evolve into smart factories, it will be crucial they choose smart platforms that bring all components of their automated solutions together – such as self-driving vehicles with these jockey wheels, software systems, and physical infrastructure – to increase efficiency and improve material flow.

An effective management system will enable flawless material flow and seamless access to real-time data. A management system that shows real-time status details allows for immediate corrections and communication of any issues, which is better than relying on word of mouth or manual data capture. The right management system helps identify immediate actionable opportunities to reduce waste and increase throughput.