To Realize Automation Success, Ignore Assumptions and Bias
When it comes to automated forklifts, the technology has advanced to the point that many of the challenges warehouses are currently facing can be addressed with the vehicles that exist today.
The modularity, scalability and flexibility inherent in many of today’s automation solutions enable you to reconfigure and adapt them to changing conditions and new processes. You can also often use software updates to add new capabilities and functionality that has been introduced since you first deployed the technology.
So, while daunting, the pace of technology change should not be a deterrent to your automation journey. However, moving beyond your misconceptions and bias can be one of the biggest hurdles you’ll need to clear on your path to a strategic approach with automation.
Most Common Assumptions and Bias
A common misconception is thinking automated forklifts equally replace manual forklifts and operators. It is important to understand that you are not simply automating a manual task. You need to consider the entire process or workflow affected by the introduction of automation. This will help you determine the right automation technology and the right task that can be realistically automated from a cost/benefit perspective.
When you replace manual forklifts with automated forklifts, you can expect productivity levels to decline initially. While you do gain consistency across multiple shifts, today’s automated forklifts may not complete the desired task in a time similar to that of manual forklifts. You may be able to reduce this time difference by making changes to your processes.
Additionally, if you previously had a negative experience implementing an automation solution in your facility, you may be biased against further exploring the technology. However, it would be a mistake to assume that automation is not ideal for your facility or that the technology is not yet mature enough. To overcome this bias, you need to accept and learn from past mistakes or missteps and determine how your next automation attempt can be more successful.
Keep an open mind and focus on these four key steps:
1. Select the right automation technology and choose applications best suited for automation.
2. Sufficiently plan to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.
3. Identify any infrastructure and process changes needed to support the deployment.
4. Most importantly, do not let a failed first attempt eliminate future opportunities to automate.
For more information, including the common types of warehouse automation and the standardization these technologies can help provide, download Crown’s e-book The Time to Automate is Now: Overcoming the Hurdle of Getting Started.