The supply chain industry is changing and evolving with new technologies, and warehouses globally are adapting to these shifts. What will supply chain logistics look like in 2022? This article will discuss 5 trends that will be important for businesses in 2022 and beyond.
5 Supply Chain Logistics Trends
Trend #1: Faster Processes with Intelligent Automated Integrations in the Warehouse (Hyper Automation)
Supply chains are implementing automated storage solutions in response to consumer demands. The need for quicker processes is going to continue into 2022. The ASRS industry is expected to grow to 12.9 Million by 2027, a 7.2% increase. ASRS solutions are helping warehouses fulfill the need to achieve rapid expansion and production change.
Workers can now automate otherwise time-consuming supply chain tasks for a more flexible warehouse, allowing them to focus on more complex processes. With automated solutions like vertical lift modules (VLMs), robotics, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), warehouse managers and workers can implement faster logistics processes to adapt to consumer demands.
Trend #2: Micro-Fulfillment Centers & Last-Mile Delivery Solutions
Retailers and grocers need a solution to get products closer to the customer by allowing on-demand delivery and cutting down the distance between the warehouse and the customer’s front door. In an effort for quicker delivery of goods and reduced supply chain costs, businesses have started to experiment with micro-fulfillment centers and last-mile delivery options.
Micro-fulfillment centers will continue to rise in 2022, as they are expected to grow 60% by 2026. Additionally, 74% of consumers typically spend 12% more with e-commerce businesses that have superior last-mile delivery services.
We can help your business keep up with micro-fulfillment solutions. McMurray Stern is a leader in automated micro-fulfillment and last-mile delivery solutions that can be implemented in as little as 5,000 feet of space. Put your business at an advantage with:
- Quicker direct delivery, in-store, or curbside pickup
- Better accuracy and efficiency for warehouse growth
- Automated solutions for products needing temperature-control and speed
- Same-day delivery options
Learn more about our strategic micro-fulfillment solutions here.
Trend # 3: Increased Warehouse Efficiency with Robotics
Due to supply chain constraints, businesses are now looking for ways to increase their warehouse efficiency. With the implementation of robotics in warehouses, companies can save money by cutting down on labor costs and speeding up processes that reduce time spent moving products around a warehouse.
Warehouse efficiency is a critical point that businesses need to solve in 2022. In fact, according to a recent report from IDC Manufacturing Insights, “A major share of business leaders (88%) say that increasing supply chain agility is now one of their top three supply chain imperatives.”
Robotics help optimize inbound and outbound processes to create the best solution for supply chains. Robotics can configure automated and intelligent factories with a wide range of applications. Because of the low cost and quick response times, robotics will continue to increase warehouse efficiency into 2022 and beyond.
Our HAIPICK robot is characterized by its high stability and high precision. The robot can replace the repetitive, time-consuming, and heavy manual storage and handling work. Implementing HAIPICK robots in the warehouse can lead to flexible customization, increased efficiency by 80% – 130%, and rapid ROI for businesses.
Trend #4: Continued Labor Shortages Lead to a Hybrid Warehouse
Due to the pandemic and an increase in online shopping, we will continue to see a trend in labor shortages in warehouses. As a result, businesses are looking for automation to fill these roles. ASRS solutions are becoming more common in warehouses because they can automate the picking process.
“We are driving our newer automation business to match the current explosive growth that the industry is currently experiencing,” said Pat Fitzpatrick, VP of Sales & Marketing at McMurray Stern.
ASRS solutions are providing an efficient human-machine collaboration. Thus, creating an operating system with the efficient collaboration of people and automated systems. Investing in automated solutions can only increase your productivity by supporting warehouse workers and improving accuracy and efficiency.
Trend #5: Systematic Reverse Logistics
Reverse supply chains will continue to thrive and grow, with managers looking for ways to increase efficiency in their reverse logistics. In 2022, businesses can expect to see even more growth in this area of supply chain logistics.
The growth of the e-commerce industry has increased demand for efficient returns and buybacks that can help companies sell returned items faster while driving up revenue on used goods. Businesses are now beginning to move their reverse supply chains closer to the customer to speed up the process and cut costs.
Looking to Make Your Warehouse Adaptable in 2022?
With McMurray Stern, you can achieve superior supply chain logistics with strategic micro-fulfillment solutions. With our automated solutions for storage and fulfillment, we can increase your efficiency by making the most of the space in your facility while reducing labor costs. We go beyond ASRS to provide high-speed, flexible automation to adapt to your supply chain for 2022 and beyond. Contact us to learn more!
