Receiving goods, the first link in the supply chain, has traditionally been a manual and error-prone process, with high operating costs. Today, innovations such as automatic sorting systems (sorters) or tunnels with radio frequency identification (RFID) readers have revolutionized this essential phase of warehouse work. In fact, as MIM Patchwork Service specialists confirm, “goods receiving is moving toward a future of unprecedented efficiency and precision, thanks to new technologies and intralogistics automation devices.”
A Bottleneck
Goods receiving—or inbound—is one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern logistics. It is still largely performed manually, which increases errors in product identification and location. It also limits processing speed compared to automated systems, which reach up to 1.8 meters per second. These factors generate delays throughout the supply chain and affect productivity and customer satisfaction during critical times of demand.
Automation: A Key Tool
How to overcome these challenges? Intralogistics automation is emerging as a fundamental tool. Automated systems achieve near-100% accuracy in transport, identification, and sorting operations, and there are options capable of processing up to 20,000 products per hour. Some of its key benefits are:
Increased efficiency. Automation speeds up operational processes such as receiving, sorting, and storage. Tasks that take hours to complete manually are reduced to minutes.
Lower labor costs. By eliminating repetitive and manual tasks, companies require less labor and achieve significant savings in wages and training.
High precision. Automated systems minimize errors and ensure more accurate inventories, more accurate order picking, and better shipment tracking. This reduces risks and increases customer satisfaction.
Safe environments. Automation creates a safer work environment by reducing employee exposure to physically hazardous and demanding tasks.
Better demand management. Automated systems allow operations to scale during peak activity periods without the need for additional personnel, while ensuring a rapid and efficient response.
Key Devices
Automation of goods receiving can be implemented partially or fully, either by combining manual devices with automated systems or by interconnecting multiple pieces of equipment using conveyors. Some of the most notable devices for this phase include:
Telescopic conveyors. These optimize unloading in receiving areas. They can be adjusted in length, speed, and direction to improve the flow of goods.
RFID tunnels. These automatically identify items as they enter the warehouse. They eliminate the need for manual scanning and achieve accuracy close to 100%.
Light and heavy-duty conveyors. With belt, roller, or gravity options, these systems adapt to all types of loads and facilitate the flow between warehouse areas or work devices.
Sorters. Automatic sorters, with formats such as cross-belt or pop-up, are capable of processing up to 20,000 items per hour based on customized criteria. They optimize warehouse flow and ensure rapid merchandise location.
Measuring, weighing, and code reading equipment. These new systems combine the power of AI, RFID, and the latest in weighing and 3D vision systems to register merchandise in less than a second. In fact, they are 67% faster than manual processes.
Automation in goods receiving is redefining the logistics landscape. “Companies that adopt these technologies will have a competitive advantage in efficiency and accuracy,” says MIM Patchwork Service. In an increasingly digitalized logistics environment, success will depend on technological integration and adaptation.
Do you want to optimize your receiving processes and take your logistics to the next level? At MIM Patchwork Service, we offer customized solutions to automate your warehouse and maximize your efficiency. Contact us today for a free evaluation and discover how we can help you achieve your goals!