Improve the Safety of Your Supply Chain with Automated Storage Solutions

The safety of your supply chain is essential to the success of your warehouse. According to Work Injury Source, 395,300 manufacturer workers and 213,100 warehousing workers were injured in 2019. These statistics highlight the importance of having a comprehensive safety plan in place.

A safe, well-functioning warehouse is a key component of a successful business, and preventing workplace injuries should be a top priority. There are a variety of ways to create a safe working environment for employees, and each facility will have its own unique needs. Investing in automated storage solutions can help you reduce workplace injury, improve efficiency, streamline storage and inventory, and give you the latest in software technology.

Is Production Speed Contributing to Decreased Workplace Safety?

It’s no secret that in recent years, there has been an immense amount of pressure on supply chains to increase their production time and meet consumer demand for quicker delivery. There has also been an increase in workplace injuries. That poses the question… are production speed expectations leading to increased workplace injuries?

Possibly. In many industries, employees are under pressure to work faster and meet ever-growing production quotas. As a result, workers may be more likely to take shortcuts and make errors that can lead to injury.

A Solution to Increased Safety in Your Warehouse

Automated storage can be a safe solution that makes production processes more consistent, efficient, and adaptable while reducing workplace injuries.

The systems eliminate the need for employees to be in close proximity to dangerous equipment and machinery. Automated systems can also help warehouses keep track of inventory and shipments, move items throughout the space, and safely retrieve items. Thus, improving organization and reducing clutter to avoid accidents. Automation also allows workers to fill high-level, safer tasks. As a result, automation can play a key role in reducing workplace injuries in the warehouse.

Robotics, for example, can be used to automate tasks that are unsafe, require heavy lifting, or force repetitive motions.

Some automated storage solutions also have technology integrations that detect interruptions in the aisle of movement. Once detected, the system turns off to prevent injury or damage. Other automated solutions have remotes with emergency switches to help avoid workplace injuries as well.

How WMS Software Contributes to Safer Supply Chains

Along with workforce safety, warehouse executives also have to keep an eye on the daily processes surrounding inventory, shipping, returns, demand, and security. To balance safety, efficiency, and profitability, many businesses are turning to WMS software.

By automating various processes, warehouse management system benefits help reduce the human error that can cause hazards, maximize efficiency, and positively impact the business’ safety and productivity overall.

Other Significant Benefits of Automation

Aside from safety, here are some other major benefits of investing in automated storage systems for your warehouse. Automation can:

• Reduce labor overhead while increasing throughput capabilities.
• Streamline product storage while improving inventory organization.
• Achieve higher storage density within the warehouse footprint.
• Improve warehouse optimized material flows and enhanced ergonomics.
• Group frequent movers together, such as popular and complementary products. Items can be stored in specific locations to speed up the picking, packing, and shipping processes.
• Implement warehouse management software to optimize product storage, optimize labor throughput, and picking strategies.

McMurray Stern’s Automated Solutions

Automated storage and retrieval allow for a higher storage density, freeing up otherwise wasted floor space. Our automated storage and retrieval products are designed to help you safely store and retrieve items and materials with improved accuracy and speed. Our automated storage solution offerings include:

• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
• Robotics
• Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
• Mini Loads
• Carousel Systems
• Shuttle Systems
• Picking
• Cranes
• Lift & Run
• Conveyors

If you’d like to learn more about how automated solutions can improve the safety of your supply chain, among many other benefits, contact McMurray Stern. Our design consultants would love to discuss your needs, timeline, budget, and how to improve your supply chain operations. Contact us today!