Automation is a rapidly changing and expanding field. Processes, working tools, and technology that enable automated storage systems to run automatically are undergoing rapid innovation. The trends for 2022 will pave the way for increased simplification, agility, and efficiency.
By bringing production and logistics systems to a halt for an extended period of time, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the extent to which automated storage systems may improve supply chain resilience, even in areas where their usage was previously unthinkable. This, combined with labour shortages affecting entire industries, shows that automation is the most effective solution to overcome variations in global supply chains.
The rise of e-commerce appears unstoppable. It is still growing by double digits and is progressively demanding the development of software, services, and products that can adapt to changing needs in an easy and agile manner.
Let’s Take a Look at the Top Five Automation and Industry Trends and Goals for Automated Storage Systems in 2022.
- The Spread of Digital Twins
Digital twins are one of the most intriguing types of automation, and they are poised to drastically alter commercial processes. In a survey, 70% of respondents stated they were thinking about adopting them in the near future.
They are a set of software solutions that strive to integrate the physical and digital worlds, rather than a sort of technology. Digital twins are virtual models of items or processes that are developed for use in simulations utilising technologies like augmented reality, machine learning, and the Internet of Things.
Virtual simulations and copies will enable businesses to determine whether or not to implement new processes or purchase products and machinery, reducing waste and maximising resource utilisation. Furthermore, digital twins can be linked to sensors on automated vertical carousels or automated storage lifts for predictive maintenance. Potential problems and failures can be reported before they occur, and operations can be monitored virtually in real-time.
- Cloud-Native Applications
The most extensively utilised cloud applications in 2022 will be native ones. That is software and applications that are specifically designed to run on the cloud (thus the term “cloud-native”) and meet the enormous demand for speed, scalability, and dependability from businesses of all kinds.
Microservices and container technology are essential distinguishing aspects of cloud-native applications. Microservices are standalone services that execute specialised operations but are meant to connect with one another via APIs. As a result, microservices can be combined in containers with everything needed to use them, and they can also be incorporated into other applications. End customers can utilise the same interface to access a variety of services.
Another distinguishing characteristic is the ability to quickly incorporate user feedback, which fosters the regular release of new solutions.
One of the benefits of cloud-native solutions is that they may be designed flexibly, combining components to meet each company’s technological and infrastructure demands. This means that they are more flexible and nimble to implement than specially written solutions.
- Low-Code Platforms
Low-code automation platforms are intended to allow individuals with little technical knowledge to create apps. They enable employees in charge of arranging work to automate processes by using graphic interfaces rather than sophisticated computer languages. All of this simplifies things for businesses and frees up time and resources that can be used to develop business plans.
Furthermore, because they do not require specialised technical knowledge, low-code automation systems are simple to interface with other programmes, including third-party ones, and they may be launched more quickly.
This means that in the future, controlling the automation of everyday operations will become more straightforward, intuitive, and accessible, allowing businesses to engage in staff upskilling.
- Moving Goods With Drones and Robots
The drive for the employment of robots and drones to transport goods will be fueled further by the continued rise of e-commerce and customers who want increasingly personalised products as well as faster, more convenient, and more practical deliveries.
Drones and robots can be used to mechanically transport items from one section of a logistics plant to another, both in the air and on the ground. They can be used in conjunction with automatic storage systems to create “dark warehouses,” completely automated logistics solutions that allow businesses to reduce costs and eliminate human error through automated operation cycles.
Thanks to the low-code software platforms outlined above, the latest generation of drones and robots is becoming increasingly simple to introduce and administer.
- AI and Blockchains
Due to the obvious and continual use of new technologies, modern working settings provide access to an increasing amount of data. In logistics and supply chains, automatic storage systems, robots, drones, and more easily accessible software have made it easier to obtain fresh data for use in corporate development.
Artificial intelligence can be used to analyse data acquired by automated processes in order to make informed, data-driven decisions, resulting in supply chain optimisation and making the most of the logistics process.
Blockchains, which can be used to contain accurate and upgraded data and information records in networks, can also increase the traceability and transparency of the entire production and supply chain by utilising the massive volumes of data accessible as a guarantee. Because it is possible to monitor and access information about items in real-time, blockchains can help businesses enhance their services and the efficiency of their supply chains.
In recent years, there has been a fast increase in the adoption of automation systems throughout all e-commerce-related industries, with logistics leading the way. Future warehouses will be increasingly automated and data-driven, and supply networks will become more resilient and able to weather market volatility.
If you’ve started an e-commerce business or want to keep up with the times, start embracing automated technologies to handle your logistics.