What Will the Warehouse of the Future Look Like?

Automation and the Use of Robots

The use of robots in warehouses is not an entirely new concept, but more advanced robotics is definitely going to be a standout feature of future warehouses. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and Collaborative Robots (Cobots) can all be used together to automate everyday functions in warehouses and reduce the need for human warehouse workers.

AI Technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT)

With increasingly complex warehouse operations becoming the norm, we can expect to see an increased use of AI technologies and the IoT in everyday warehouse functioning. One of the ways we can expect to see this is through machine learning, which involves algorithms that can learn from experience and help improve operations and increase efficiency. With the added use of the IoT, technology like RFID tags, mobile devices, and other communication devices can become more common. This will lead to further efficiency and improved forecasting.

On-Demand Warehousing

We can also expect to see a shift in how warehousing contracts are set up in the future. Long-term contracts might become a thing of the past as on demand warehousing gains popularity. On-demand warehousing would follow a pay-per-use model and allow warehouses to offer their services to platforms like Shopify. On-demand warehousing will lead to fewer set-up costs and allow businesses to make use of warehousing but with limited risks.

Advancements in Analytics

Real-time data and business analytics are vital to helping businesses grow, and this is also the case with warehousing. With advancements in analytics, warehouses can benefit from improved predictions and forecasting, better planning and inventory, reduced supply chain risks, and overall improvements in the optimization of warehouse operations. All of these advancements can increase warehouse efficiency, help warehouses keep up with their competition, and allow them to get a foothold in the future world of warehousing.

In just ten years from today, we can expect to see entirely automated warehouses with hardly one or two human employees. Almost every warehouse will turn towards automation and more advanced technology to keep up with the competition. As warehouses adopt some of the technological advancements outlined here, they can increase their efficiency and keep the supply chain strong.

MIDCOM has been helping warehouses with solutions since 1982. Talk to one of our Specialists about thermal barcode label printers, mobile barcode scanning devices or mobile workstations today. Call now (800) 643-2664.

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