ERP Consultant Blog

The “Other” Big Benefits of Warehouse Automation

Written by Greg Miles | Thu, Jul 24, 2014

As supply chain and ERP solution technology experts, there are obvious benefits of warehouse automation when our clients implement a warehouse management system (WMS). Several tangible benefits are measured by looking at the return on investment (ROI). More accurate inventory tracking and more efficient picking processes often result in obvious cost-savings and can easily be measured. In our experience, there are also the “other” benefits that warehouse automation delivers that contribute to your ability to increase production, cut costs, stay competitive and help grow your business.

Here’s a list of intangible benefits that are not always easily measured when investing in warehouse automation:

  1. More efficient use of lift trucks will preclude the need to purchase additional equipment
  2. Cycle count routines will be more accurate and less time consuming
  3. Improved customer service as a result of accurate, real-time data
  4. Job enrichment for users
  5. A sense of value in improving operations
  6. Reduced floor space as a result of faster throughput
  7. Tighter purchasing procedures through more timely visibility of vendors incoming products
  8. Automatic cross-docking for critical deliveries
  9. Real-time visibility of goods/materials received can eliminate “stock out” situations
  10. Automatic order sequencing by shipping routes
  11. Eliminate error prone pick lists and paper trails
  12. Reduce or eliminate checking process during order packaging
  13. Increased sales due to ability to trust inventory
  14. Better data can provide management with tools to improve and grow business

Of course the benefits of warehouse automation will vary due to your own unique requirements specific to your industry. The fact remains that these benefits while harder to measure will accelerate a company’s ROI when purchasing and implementing a warehouse management system.

Learn more about Warehouse Management Systems here.

Next Steps:

If you have additional questions about SCM solutions or any other questions about this blog, please contact us here or you can call 717.704.1000 ext.3010. You can also email us at info@icepts.com. Since 1980, iCepts Technology Group has been offering the “Best-of-Class” technology solutions to help companies streamline their Specialized business departments and become more efficient and therefore profitable. Our WMS and ERP consultants have implemented hundreds of systems throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region spanning from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Virginia. We can help your company determine the appropriate technology fit. Discover why customers have been with iCepts for so long; our vast industry knowledge, friendly personnel and superior customer service!

As experienced supply chain management, WMS and ERP consultants and value added resellers (VARs), we provide start to finish services for the solutions we represent Microsoft Dynamics NAV for Distribution and Manufacturing, Accellos Warehouse Management System (WMS), Server virtualization, open source VOIP phone systems and infrastructure and security. We provide services that cover process analysis, implementation, training, security and networking. Naturally, we also provide full ongoing support for years after implementation to help our clients succeed. We are your one stop shop for your business technology needs.

Another version of this blog was posted by iCepts on June 13, 2014: Intangible Benefits of Warehouse Automation that make a Big Difference

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