How technology is revolutionising material handling in warehousing. Frank Baldrighi, the ANZ BDM at GETAC speaks about the fast approaching futures of logistics.
The warehousing and manufacturing sector is undergoing significant transformation, largely driven by digitalisation and technological advancements. The process of moving materials within a warehouse or manufacturing site can drastically impact capital durability, inventory cost, worker safety, and overall operational efficiency. To remain competitive in an evolving market, organisations must make smarter, faster, and cheaper decisions, particularly when it comes to material handling.
Traditionally, material handling has relied heavily on manual, time-consuming processes and rudimentary tools. However, digital transformation is reshaping industrial manufacturing, operations, and supply chain logistics like never before. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and vehicle mounts are driving material handling innovation.
For example, digital twins can reduce the transition time between physical and digital worlds, speeding up reaction time and enabling quicker adjustments in operations. Similarly, vehicle mounts shorten the physical distance between the operator and technology, making it easier to execute tasks with increased efficiency.
These tools not only capture and analyse data in real-time, but also decentralise the digital interface, giving manufacturers invaluable insights that help to streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, and mitigate human errors. Complementing these are robust warehouse management systems (WMS), which further facilitate seamless material movement and increased operating efficiency.
Bridging the gap with vehicle mounts
As the demand for real-time data access grows, hardware interfaces in industrial settings are evolving. Vehicle mounts are at the forefront of this change, letting businesses attach removable computing devices to various material-handling equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and transport systems.
Vehicle mounts come in different forms, each with unique functionalities. Docking stations, for instance, offer port replication, whereas cradles are device-specific and do not. Such versatility accommodates a multitude of applications, from machines that scan barcodes or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to those involved in the transfer of materials within the warehouse.
The adaptability of these mounting options both facilitates real-time data access and enhances operational efficiency and worker safety. For example, hands-free data access minimises disruptions and lowers the risk of accidents.
While integrating this technology, it’s important to consider how it will fit into daily operations. Mount placement should be within the operator’s reach without obstructing their typical range of motion or creating potential blind spots.
Engineers designing the mount location must consider the operator’s way of working and likely movement patterns. Consideration should also be given to mount durability, factoring in elements like excessive vibration which could dislodge the device, shock, or vibration fatigue, extreme temperature cycles, and dusty environments. The material should be both strong and lightweight, offering the needed resilience without adding unnecessary bulk.
One of the most immediate benefits of using vehicle mounts in material handling is the significant increase in operational efficiency. Demountable rugged computing solutions enable quicker scans which lead to increased material processing and throughput per hour worked. However, it’s not just about speed and efficiency; it’s also about safety. Properly designed vehicle mounts offer controlled access to the computing device only when the vehicle is stationary, reducing the risk of safety incidents. These solutions also reduce vibrations and shocks to the device, extend port replication, and increase safety and security by locking the device in place.
The future is now
The industry is on the brink of a new era in warehouse operations. Cutting-edge technologies, from smart software to robust hardware solutions, are ready to be deployed for optimising material handling practices. These technologies offer immediate gains in terms of operational efficiencies and provide a complete mounting solution—from the dock to accessory mounts like keyboards and printers—that can withstand challenging environments and situations in the warehouse and fit the unique requirements of each facility.
Beyond immediate efficiency, smart technology adoption lets organisations build a resilient and future-proof operational framework. In addition to software, durable mounting solutions for computing devices are integral to this vision. Crafted from high-strength materials, vehicle mounts provide the requisite versatility and robustness for industrial settings.
By embracing innovation, organisations can achieve more than just immediate improvements in operations; they can lay the groundwork for future success. Solutions are now available that offer opportunities to enhance various aspects of warehouse operations, from material handling and asset durability to inventory management and worker safety.