OCTOBER 2023 9logisticstechoutlook.comCompanies that integrate automation-focused tech solutions are gaining considerable advantages in their logistic operations Fox Robotics: Their autonomous forklifts can drive into a trailer, pick up a pallet, and place it in a staging lane, increasing efficiency and help to mitigate the persistent shortage of workers. Pickle: It is helping to simplify e-commerce; Pickle is a robot that works alongside humans to unload mixed SKUs and the wide variety of box shapes that exist in the age of e-commerce. Pickle is specifically designed to assist human workers. Inside the WarehouseIncorporating technology in the warehouse helps reduce inefficiencies. Two of our portfolio companies, Fulfilld and Third Wave Automation, have been supporting this approach. Fulfilld: Ensures operational predictability to reduce inefficiencies in the warehouse. Fulfilld is designed to simplify inventory management by leveraging real-time warehouse movement to provide task instructions, more efficient order cycle times, and more accurate inventory traffic. Fulfilld maps against customer demand and broader supply chain disruptions. The insights Fulfilld provides limit inefficiencies that lead to excess waste while increasing productivity and cutting costs. Third Wave Automation: Third Wave's automated forklifts are equipped with advanced detection software including 3D Lidar, cameras, and sensors to gauge and adapt to the warehouse environment. Workers can spend less time placing and pulling items, and focus on more productive and fulfilling tasks. Technology Supplements Human WorkersImagine these technologies incorporated into the full supply chain-- Conduit schedules truck arrivals and departures based on real time insights. Trucks are loaded and unloaded with the assistance of Fox Robotics, freeing up employees for other jobs. Third Wave Automation forklifts take product to and from the staging lane, simplifying a time consuming process. Along the packaging line, Pickle robots help maximize worker efficiency. Tasks are intelligently split between humans and technology across all the previous examples by Fulfilld's orchestration engine.In this example, technology is not replacing any warehouse employees, but maximizing productivity to meet demand.Although these types of technologies often get a negative reputation as job destroyers, they are not designed to replace full time employees. Instead, they aim to automate repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more fulfilling and productive work. In the face of the industry's labor shortage, this is crucial. Companies that integrate automation-focused tech solutions are gaining considerable advantages in their logistic operations. Technology is key to solving many of the logistics challenges we face. Tech companies, 3PLs, and corporations across all industries must align on solving the toughest challenges in order to keep the global economy humming.
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