In the competitive world of e-commerce, where every minute counts, an efficient warehouse makes the difference between success and failure. In fact, according to the latest survey by the prestigious consulting firm McKinsey, more than 80% of retailers will increase their investment in automation in the next two to three years. By 2024, as reflected in Shopify data, it is estimated that more than 2.7 billion people will make an online purchase. This incredible demand, coupled with the expectation of fast, error-free deliveries, is leading companies of all types to implement e-commerce intralogistics automation systems.
In this context, the MIM Automation team, which has more than 20 years of experience in the execution and development of intralogistics automation projects, will delve into why these systems are not only an option, but a strategic necessity for e-commerce companies.
Advantages of Intralogistics Automation:
Faster Shipping
According to the latest study conducted by Ipsos for Amazon, 46% of online shoppers consider speed of delivery to be one of the most influential factors when making a purchase. Furthermore, 21% would be willing to pay more to receive their order sooner. Improving processing times is important. So much so that 41.9% of companies in the sector consider improving the timeliness of their shipments a priority, as indicated by the latest study by VDC Research Group.
Incorporating intralogistics automation systems capable of handling large volumes of orders accurately and quickly, such as Interrol sorters, is key to reducing processing times and reducing potential errors. These types of devices come in a variety of designs—such as cross-belt, pop-up, vertical, etc.—and adapt to the unique needs of each customer.
Cross-belt sorters, which come in either a vertical or horizontal format, are one of the most notable systems in this category, thanks to their speed and scanning technology, which allows them to identify each product and send it to its destination via a cross-belt system. Specifically, these systems can sort up to 20,000 products per hour weighing up to 50 kilos in their horizontal format, and up to 12,000 per hour with a maximum of 35 kilos in their vertical version.
Error Reduction
Precise order management, especially in phases such as order preparation (picking) and product packaging, is essential to meeting customer expectations. Companies in the sector are aware of this situation—41.5% already identify the need to optimize their perfect order rate as a priority, according to research by VDC Research Group.
If there’s one thing that defines intralogistics automation systems, it’s error reduction. These solutions feature radio frequency identification (RFID) and scanning technologies with success rates of up to 99%. In addition to sorters and other solutions, another system that leverages the virtues of this technology is autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
This system of vehicles that independently transport packages is ideal for the transport, sorting, and distribution of merchandise in a warehouse or logistics center. These devices move freely throughout the facility, without the need for a guided path, and are capable of avoiding obstacles. Thanks to the cameras and scanners they are equipped with, they know the pickup and delivery destination and are capable of creating alternative routes. Their work is recorded at all times, and this also ensures better product traceability. They have a speed of up to 1.8 meters per second and a battery life of up to 15 hours between charges.
Increasing storage space
Optimizing storage capacity is another of the major challenges facing all e-commerce businesses. In fact, it is a key aspect for 44.4% of companies in the sector, as revealed by the VDC Research Group study. Automation allows for maximizing the use of available warehouse space, as well as improving the organization and access to stored products.
Automated solutions come in a wide variety of formats and designs that allow for the efficient movement of goods in a space that is minimized to the minimum. Spiral-shaped overhead conveyors or sorters are a perfect example of this. Furthermore, thanks to their extensive adaptability and customization capabilities, sorters can adapt their length, height, and layout to the specific needs of each case.
MIM Patchwork Service: A Success Story
A company can integrate and combine different intralogistics automation solutions depending on its needs and objectives.