Automation in perishable logistics is transforming how companies operate, which consequently, provides greater efficiency and precision to business.
By integrating advanced technologies and automated systems, organizations can minimize human intervention in critical tasks such as receiving and storing goods.
In this article, we will further explore how automation can revolutionize the food industry and its main trends. Check it out!
What is automation in logistics?
Automation in logistics is the use of technologies and systems that perform tasks automatically, reducing human intervention and increasing efficiency.
With the development of solutions, such as management software and robots in warehouses, automation transforms steps such as receiving goods, storage, order picking and shipping.
In addition to optimizing productivity, it improves accuracy and reduces costs, making it essential for companies seeking a competitive edge. By reducing repetitive and laborious activities, automation saves time and resources, allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
There are two main forms of automation:
- Physical automation: includes the use of robots, conveyors, scanners, and automated storage systems to streamline tasks, such as picking, packing, and inventory control, increasing accuracy and speed.
- Digital automation: uses software to optimize inventory control, order processing and customer management, facilitating access to real-time information and improving the decision-making process.
With these innovations, companies can operate more quickly and efficiently, reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction. In this article, we will explore how these technologies are transforming the logistics industry.
Automation is applied at various stages of the supply chain, such as receiving goods, storage, order picking and shipping.
What are the main benefits of automating logistics processes?
Automation in logistics brings a series of benefits that can radically transform the operations of a company in the food industry. Let’s explore the main ones:
Flexibility
Automation should typically be designed to provide flexibility so that companies can quickly adapt to changing market demands and customer needs.
With automated systems, it is possible to easily adjust the volume of orders and the type of products handled, without the need for major changes.
This adaptability allows operations to keep up with market changes and respond more efficiently, especially in complex environments such as cold chain environments.
The flexibility provided by automation therefore, not only optimizes operations, but also reinforces the company’s ability to respond promptly to customer expectations.
Reduced errors
With automation, the chance of human error is significantly reduced. Automated technologies ensure that product and inventory information is accurate, especially minimizing errors in the order picking and shipping stages.
This accuracy not only increases efficiency, but also increases customer satisfaction by ensuring that orders arrive correctly and on time.
Automated warehouse systems can achieve accuracy rates of over 99.9% compared to the 97% average in manual warehouses.
This high precision not only contributes to reducing errors in orders and inventory management, but also helps to avoid losses, promoting better control and avoiding inventory shortages.
Cost reduction
Automation in logistics can also generate a significant reduction in operational costs.
With machines and robots performing repetitive and laborious tasks, the need for a large human workforce decreases, resulting in savings on wages and training.
This advantage makes automation even more relevant in a scenario of shortage of skilled labor, a current challenge for the industry. Automating warehouses allows companies to maintain efficient and scalable operations, reducing dependence on a large contingent of workers.
Increased productivity
Automation increases productivity by allowing machines and software to operate continuously, while employees can focus on more strategic, higher-value activities.
With processes such as order picking and optimized inventory control, automated warehouses can work faster and more consistently, generating significant efficiency gains.
On average, automation can increase productivity by up to 25% and reduce operating costs by about 20%. These advances contribute to a motivating and efficient work environment, where time is used more strategically.
Examples of automation in food logistics
Automation is essential to ensure accuracy, safety and efficiency in food logistics operations.
In the warehouses, we use a variety of technologies, including warehouse management systems (WMS), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and semi-automated systems such as mobile racking, to optimize space and reduce errors in operations.
- Mobile Racking Systems: Many of our warehouses in the region, such as those in Panama, Chile and Mexico, have mobile racking systems. These mobile racking systems allow you to adjust your storage layout as needed, maximizing space utilization without compromising access to products. Mobile racking is ideal for cold storage environments because it allows for high storage density with flexibility, which is essential for reducing costs and responding quickly to demand.
- AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems): Our warehouse in Chile is equipped with AS/RS systems, initially with a capacity of 10,000 pallet positions, with a planned expansion to 25,000. These automated systems use computer-controlled cranes and shuttles to store and retrieve products quickly and accurately, in sync with the WMS. This solution is especially useful in urban areas with limited space and high costs, where every square meter is valuable.
- Barcode and RFID Scanners: For real-time tracking, we use both barcode scanners and RFID technology. Barcode scanners update inventory accurately and quickly, while RFID technology allows for simultaneous tracking of multiple items, increasing product visibility and control.
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): In some of our warehouses, AGVs help move goods internally, following predefined routes and coordinated by the WMS. These vehicles increase the safety and efficiency of operations, reducing the need for manual handling.
- Automated Warehouse Systems: By integrating these technologies, we can automate repetitive activities, centralize real-time operational data and offer a quick and efficient response to market needs.
These automation solutions, including the mobile racking system and AS/RS, are essential for operations in densely populated urban areas with high land costs.
With these technologies, we ensure efficient cold storage and agile logistics to meet consumer expectations throughout the region.
Main automation trends in the food chain
Artificial intelligence stands out as a strong trend in food chain automation.
Using algorithms and systems that analyze data in real time, which optimizes operational processes and ensures that perishable products are kept at ideal temperatures, minimizing waste due to deterioration.
Another interesting point is that AI allows you to predict demand patterns, manage inventories and improve decision-making.
With systems that continuously monitor and analyze processes, it is possible to quickly identify and correct errors to avoid delays in delivery and ensure product quality.
We offer a range of services to modernize the cold chain and reduce food waste.
We offer services that involve the main technologies for refrigerated and frozen control, temperature and humidity control and storage at room temperature. Our value-added services, in addition to food selection and collection, involve:
- customs warehouse
- weighing and labeling
- inventory monitoring
- truck loading and unloading
- cross-docking and transshipment
It is also important to mention that we have warehouses located in the main cities and ports in the region.
Conclusion
Automation in supply chain logistics represents a fundamental advance for the food industry, promoting efficiency and sustainability
With technologies such as artificial intelligence, AS/RS, mobile racking and tracking systems, companies optimize inventory control, reduce costs and respond quickly to market fluctuations.
This development not only minimizes waste, ensuring the delivery of products in ideal conditions, but also positions companies in a competitive and sustainable manner in a constantly changing market.
Investing in automation means investing in the future of food logistics.
Our experience in protecting your product throughout the cold chain for food makes us a standout choice in Latin America.
