Warehouse Logistics Future is Autonom
- Master Admin
- Jul 31, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 11, 2024
How Warehouse Robotics, AGVs together with SAP EWM Transform Logistics Operations
Warehouse management has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by advances in technology like warehouse robotics, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). When combined with SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), these innovations offer businesses powerful tools to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive. In this post, we'll break down these complex systems into simple, understandable terms while highlighting the business value and performance gains they deliver.
1. The Role of Warehouse Robotics and AGVs
Warehouse robots are smart machines that handle repetitive tasks like moving goods, picking orders, and transporting pallets across a warehouse. Two primary types of robots in warehouse settings are:
AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles): These robots follow predefined paths, often using sensors or magnetic tracks. They are ideal for repetitive, predictable tasks such as moving goods from one point to another.
AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots): AMRs are smarter robots that navigate independently using advanced AI and sensors. They can dynamically adapt to changes in their environment, making them more flexible than AGVs. AMRs can work collaboratively with human workers and adjust routes in real-time, making them ideal for fast-paced, changing environments.
Business Impact:
Cost Savings: By automating repetitive tasks, AGVs and AMRs reduce labor costs and lower the risk of workplace injuries. They can take over physically demanding and hazardous tasks, improving overall safety SAP Community DHL
Efficiency Gains: AMRs can boost warehouse productivity by up to **180%** by optimizing picking routes and reducing worker travel time by **75%**. This means faster order fulfillment and higher throughput DHL.
2. How SAP EWM Makes Warehouses More Efficient
SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) is software that helps businesses manage inventory, optimize storage, and automate warehouse processes. It supports everything from receiving goods to picking orders, with the goal of making warehouses run more smoothly and efficiently.
Key features include:
Task and Resource Optimization: SAP EWM uses smart algorithms to optimize the flow of work. It allocates tasks based on priority and available resources, significantly improving efficiency. Businesses using EWM report up to a **20%** improvement in picking efficiency.
Real-Time Data: EWM provides real-time data on inventory levels, workforce performance, and order statuses. This enables businesses to make informed decisions quickly, reducing errors and bottlenecks.
Slotting and Layout Optimization: EWM helps determine the best storage locations for goods, considering demand and product size, which improves space utilization and minimizes the time workers spend searching for items.
Business Impact:
Reduced Handling and Storage Costs: SAP EWM’s cross-docking feature enables goods to move directly from inbound to outbound docks without the need for storage, cutting down on both handling and storage expenses.
Improved Worker Productivity: The system reduces unnecessary movements by optimizing workflows, increasing the number of tasks completed per day, and minimizing manual errors SAP-Fundamentals.
3. Combining Robotics and SAP EWM for Maximum Efficiency
The integration of SAP EWM with warehouse robotics, including AGVs and AMRs, unlocks even more benefits for businesses. SAP’s Warehouse Robotics platform allows companies to seamlessly integrate a variety of robots with SAP EWM, creating an agile and efficient warehouse ecosystem.
Benefits of Integration:
Scalability: SAP EWM easily integrates with different types of robots, enabling businesses to scale their robotic fleets based on demand. This means warehouses can quickly adapt to changes like seasonal peaks or expansion into new markets SAP Community.
Real-Time Monitoring: SAP EWM provides real-time visibility into the performance of both human workers and robots. By leveraging data from these systems, businesses can monitor operations more closely and make adjustments to improve efficiency.
Reduced Errors and Improved Accuracy: Robotics systems, particularly AMRs, are incredibly accurate, achieving picking accuracy rates of up to **99.99%**. This reduces the need for human intervention in routine tasks and lowers the chance of costly errors DHL.
Performance Gains:
Increased Throughput: By automating complex processes like picking, packing, and material flow management, businesses can significantly reduce the time it takes to process orders and fulfill deliveries.
Cost Savings: The combined use of SAP EWM and robotics reduces labor and operational costs by automating repetitive tasks and improving overall warehouse productivity.
4. Real-World Examples
DHL is a leading example of a company that has successfully integrated AMRs into its warehouse operations. DHL uses over 5,000 Locus Robotics AMRs across its global network, leading to a 180% increase in order-picking speed. The robots have also significantly reduced the physical strain on human workers, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks DHL.
Conclusion
The integration of warehouse robotics and SAP EWM is transforming modern logistics by automating repetitive tasks, optimizing workflows, and reducing costs. The combination of these technologies allows businesses to be more efficient, flexible, and competitive in today’s fast-paced market.
By embracing these innovations, companies can streamline their operations, increase productivity, and ultimately deliver better customer experiences. Whether you're running a small warehouse or managing a complex global supply chain, the partnership between SAP EWM and robotics can help take your business to the next level.
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