Automating warehouse operations can significantly improve a business’s quarterly performance. Team members get valuable support, and customers enjoy better order experiences.
Business owners in any industry can find warehouse automation equipment in Virginia to enhance their companies’ operations.
Top factors to consider
The best warehouse automation equipment varies by team. Employees working on conveyor lines and moving supplies across large storage spaces use different tools. The most effective automation upgrades match their daily responsibilities and simplify tasks with job-specific equipment.
Warehouse management teams should also consider scalability and affordability. Investing in automation is only worthwhile if the machinery lasts. The tools should handle increasing consumer demand and expanding teams without straining business finances after purchase.
Automated warehouse equipment providers
Companies interested in warehouse automation can explore these trusted providers based in or serving the Virginia area. They offer solutions for every warehouse operational need.
1. Eastern lift truck co.
Eastern Lift Truck Co. has helped companies handle materials for over 50 years. The business assists warehouse teams with designing and managing their projects. Clients who choose Eastern Lift Truck Co.’s automation solutions gain tools to accomplish more, collect accurate data, and improve employee safety.
Warehousing professionals can contact the company to discuss the best solution for their specific workflows.
2. ATI industrial automation
Companies interested in robotics should consider ATI Industrial Automation. The company provides parts for automated robots and robotic arms. Customers find diverse selections of end-effectors to improve automated operations. They also receive excellent customer service, thanks to the company’s established history.
3. Southeast industrial equipment, inc.
Southeast Industrial Equipment, Inc. operates throughout the East Coast. The company makes warehouse automation equipment for global brands in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina. Warehousing teams can arrange financing programs to fit their budget, making automation benefits accessible. Whether teams need help with storage systems or guided vehicles, Southeast Industrial Equipment, Inc. provides quality machinery.
4. Honeywell
Warehouse automation professionals trust Honeywell for modern fulfillment needs. The manufacturer produces equipment that addresses daily labor challenges and consumer demand. Machinery handling outbound orders, conveyor processes and other manufacturing operations can boost productivity while supporting company growth with adaptable technology.
5. Numina group
Numina Group created an execution and control software platform that manages the company’s Tier 1 warehouse systems. Clients get single-point access to monitor production and maintain high productivity.
When teams order automated equipment from Numina Group, the in-house design team creates a custom plan for that company’s warehouse. Turnkey implementation and assisted integration ensure warehouse employees experience minimal downtime during configuration.
6. TE connectivity
TE Connectivity has global locations, including the southeastern U.S. Professionals can purchase warehouse automation equipment from this established company for large conveyor systems or smaller sub-application parts.
TE Connectivity’s engineered solutions and connectivity give manufacturing teams modern technologies that streamline workflows. Clients also receive ongoing learning materials to train their team or improve their technical skills after implementation.
7. Carolina handling
The experts at Carolina Handling are near Virginia and serve companies nationwide. Every product comes from experienced professionals who optimize for peak productivity and simple usage.
If company leaders want to evaluate whether automation suits their team, Carolina Handling offers operational assessments to determine if their products would benefit the business.
8. Dematic
Dematic works with supply chain professionals to automate teams throughout manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities. The available equipment simplifies everything from case and piece picking to conveyor work.
After clients integrate their purchases, Dematic professionals maintain contact for long-term support. They ensure their products reduce costs and drive efficiency years after installation.
Benefits of using automated warehouse machinery
Investing in new equipment and upgrading warehouse machinery are significant steps. Business owners can consider these advantages that motivate many to invest in automation.
1. Improved operational efficiency
Manual labor can become more efficient over time, but automated systems maximize work performance immediately. New machinery can move and process goods without human errors, like dropping products off conveyor belts. Fewer operational bottlenecks help teams accomplish more work each quarter without overtime.
2. Extended production hours
Team members need breaks and sustainable work schedules. New machinery can operate continuously when employees are resting or off work. After investing in warehouse automation equipment, employees no longer need stressful schedules. Production hours can increase without straining workers.
3. Local regulatory incentives
The Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) rewards companies that expand their operations with technological upgrades. Buying warehouse automation equipment could qualify a company for VJIP cash grants when training employees on new technology. Business owners should contact the VJIP office to discuss eligibility and grant processes through meetings with VJIP business managers.
4. Reduced payroll costs
During peak demand, automated equipment continues workflows while employees are off the clock. Overtime pay decreases, often resulting in less stressed teams with more balanced schedules. Companies don’t need temporary staff during busy seasons. Leadership teams save money on payroll by combining automation with existing teams.
5. Better inventory accuracy
Automation improvements in inventory tracking can save businesses money. It ensures order fulfillment has minimal mistakes and reduces human error. Teams can track machinery during the day, checking current inventory levels without spreadsheets or checklists. Employees also improve restocking accuracy using current inventory information from automated devices.
6. Enhanced workplace well-being
Warehouse operations affect employee health. Lifting cases weighing over 35 pounds daily can cause musculoskeletal or ergonomic disorders. Long-term stress from intense schedules impacts mental health. Automation removes repetitive or dangerous tasks that increase safety concerns.
Robotics can lift heavy materials, handle hazardous substances and sort supplies to reduce physical strain. Some automation equipment features ergonomic designs to support employee health.
7. New data for decision-making
Warehouse equipment with automated technologies collects real-time data. Management teams can use recent information to understand team performance or operational efficiency. Ongoing decisions become more accurate with data-based choices.
Potential challenges after installation
Industry leaders researching warehouse automation equipment in Virginia should plan for potential challenges. Problem-solving before complications arise makes integration easier.
1. Integrating existing systems
Current warehouse management systems might not work with new automation technologies. Teams should research potential merging processes with enterprise resource planning systems or other software platforms helping with daily operations.
If integrations are possible, leadership teams must review data migration processes. Errors could cause lost records. Planning steps before integration ensures smooth implementation.
2. Employee job concerns
People often worry when automation upgrades happen. Workplace leaders benefit from reassuring staff that job displacement isn’t planned. The automation supports valued team members, helping the company succeed rather than replacing workers. Information about retraining opportunities can improve morale.
3. Missing technical training
Some automation manufacturers provide training materials. If equipment doesn’t include ongoing learning modules, review the team’s existing IT skills. Leadership teams might need extra time for technical training.
The business could consider outsourced IT teams for help with secure data migration and ongoing technical support. Some manufacturers offer 24/7 support, while others don’t. IT experts can answer questions about management software or bug fixes.
Tips for integrating new equipment
Teams minimize potential downtime with detailed integration plans. Company leaders should outline how they’ll add automation equipment, which manufacturers may help coordinate. Plans might include:
1. Define success metrics
Leadership should define automation purchase goals and long-term objectives. What problems will the equipment solve? Which metrics indicate success or failure? These details provide concrete ways to assess investment value during operations reviews.
2. Schedule phased implementation
Phased implementation helps warehouse teams succeed. They can practice with new technologies in small facility sections, fixing training or operations issues before expanding. Employees get time to adjust to machinery, reducing human error risks that cause production or revenue loss.
3. Migrate data carefully
Automated tools that store or track team data usually need existing information from spreadsheets or older programs. Business leaders must plan careful data migration. They should verify required information amounts and check digital security infrastructure to protect data.
4. Create training materials
All employees need access to comprehensive training materials before, during and after automation implementation. Some manufacturers provide this, others don’t. Managers might need time to create learning modules.
5. Listen to employee concerns
Managers may meet nervous team members as automated tools change responsibilities. Regular meetings to hear concerns help ease minds. Managers can explain how machinery helps employees rather than replacing jobs. Listening, getting feedback and reinforcing worker value improves team morale during transition.
Adding new machinery to warehouse workflows is a major project. Breaking it into steps, planning for challenges and getting manufacturer integration help makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
Find the best warehouse automation equipment in Virginia
Warehouse companies can upgrade their machinery with automated solutions to improve productivity, efficiency and more. Comparing products from different providers helps leadership teams choose optimal options. Once they identify the right products within budget, integration can begin.
More must-read stories from Enterprise League:
- Learn how to optimize your automated warehouse management system for better efficiency.
- Discover essential benefits of preventive maintenance for your equipment.
- Make smarter decisions about buying used vs new equipment for your business.
- Understand the key differences in asset management vs inventory management.
- Explore effective ways to implement business process automation in your operations.
