Innovation and automation: a modern approach to the world of logistics
We previously discussed the main dynamics that are transforming consumption models, which require increasingly high standards in terms of speed and quality.
This is a challenge that companies are called upon to respond to.
In this scenario, logistics is undergoing a transformation, moving away from the concept that relegates it to the final stage of the production chain.
Through a complete paradigm shift, logistics is becoming the nerve center of corporate value movement and, in order to keep pace with an ever-changing reality, it must embark on a path of ever-increasing innovation and automation.
Handling operations are one of the most important stages in the supply chain, especially for the Fashion & Luxury sector; they ensure the proper execution of crucial activities such as quality control, intelligent storage, and just-in-time picking.
To enable processes to be carried out in accordance with quality standards, combining them with the ever-increasing speed of execution required, production lines must be designed with flows capable of managing their complexity.
Thinking about introducing innovative systems into a logistics complex designed with outdated ideas does not help to modernize the approach to handling activities. Instead, it is necessary to innovate starting from the design itself, creating solutions designed to enhance capabilities and follow the development and evolution of the company over time.
There are ideas and tools that can completely redesign logistics processes.
When it comes to inventory organization, for example, fully automated management can be implemented: part of the warehouse could operate autonomously, even at night, preventing pick & pack operations from being interrupted for days and reducing the overall throughput of a logistics facility.
However, this requires the implementation of various preparatory operations, such as the adoption of RFID technology and the automation of hanging garment handling lines.
By designing a consistent flow between entry gates, goods verification, and technical arrival boxes, it is possible to aim for the automation of the entire process of storing the finished product at the end of the order and storing the products.
To increasingly evolve towards a “shipping speed” that meets the needs introduced by the presence of e-commerce and marketplaces, which require fast and punctual shipments, it is possible to introduce packaging stations reached by automated picking sleds. These are connected to lines that recognize the origin of the order and, depending on the expected delivery times, identify the item chosen by the customer through a code and transport it to the packaging points.
Automation is therefore an integral part of the design, so MHART's goal is to support customers by sharing challenges and designing systems that combine speed and quality in execution.
Optimized management of logistics systems can also actively support waste reduction. Take e-commerce returns management, for example: quickly reintroducing a returned product into the sales cycle avoids the creation of surplus stock, which generally becomes obsolete due to long and complex return processes. At the same time, processing shipments in a functional manner and avoiding shipping errors reduces the number of trips made by the courier to pick up the goods.
Adding small components to solve individual problems leads to an unmanageable increase in complexity. Redesigning the overall layout is the way to achieve excellence, and only a reliable partner like MHART can accompany companies on this journey.
