Managing a warehouse is no easy feat, especially when inventory starts to pile up, and the operations become more complicated. To maintain an efficient workflow and reduce costs associated with manual labor, many businesses are turning to advanced automation technology for help. From powerful packaging equipment to autonomous vehicles, automation can drastically increase productivity while improving accuracy, consistency, safety, and more.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common types of warehouse automation available today and how they can benefit your business operations. Read on to learn how to improve your bottom line and streamline your warehouse through automated processes.
Stretch Wrap Machines
Stretch wrap machines are a crucial part of your secondary packaging line. They help ensure that palletized loads remain stable during transportation. Stretch wrappers work by tightly wrapping stretch film around the loads to properly contain the load for shipment, which helps to prevent them from shifting or toppling over while in transit.
One significant benefit of using stretch wrapping machines over manual stretch wrapping is that it eliminates physically strenuous work for employees. Manual stretch wrapping of pallets can be physically demanding and may lead to injuries like back strains or muscle pulls. However, with a stretch wrap machine, the process is automated, meaning workers no longer need to put in physical effort.
In addition to making employees’ jobs less strenuous, using stretch wrap machines ensures consistency in wrapping and helps avoid human errors that may occur during the manual wrapping of pallets. This results in more uniform wrapping and greater stability of product loads during transportation. Additionally, stretch-wrapping machines allow for more efficient stretch film usage, reducing product damage waste and saving your business money.
There are two main types of stretch wrap machines available: automatic and semi-automatic. Choosing the right machine for your workflow will depend on customer demand, product volume, available space in your facility, and other considerations.
Automatic Stretch Wrappers
Automatic stretch wrappers are fully automated and require minimal human intervention. These machines can easily integrate into existing warehouse systems and offer high-speed wrapping. This makes them ideal for high-volume operations where consistent load types are handled. Automatic stretch wrap machines can handle large numbers of pallets quickly and efficiently, making them an excellent choice for busy warehouses.
Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrappers
On the other hand, semi-automatic stretch wrappers require some manual assistance from operators. The operator may need to attach the film to the pallet and cut the film after wrapping. However, semi-automatic stretch wrappers are cost-effective and offer flexibility for warehouses that deal with a variety of load sizes and shapes. Semi-automatic stretch wrap machines are best suited for low to medium-volume operations where the packaging line needs more versatility and flexibility.
Automatic Palletizers
Palletizers are essential machines that are critical in the supply chain industry. They work to create precise, stable loads that can reduce product damage throughout the supply chain. These machines use advanced technology and automation to stack products onto pallets in an efficient and systematic manner.
Stability and uniformity are crucial when creating product loads. Palletizers are precise and consistent. They can create pallets and evenly distribute the weight of the load. This prevents products from shifting or toppling over in transit. Moreover, if you choose a palletizer with concurrent stretch wrapping, you can consolidate the palletizing and stretch wrapping steps into one efficient and reliable operation. This helps create safe, stable loads in less time.
In addition to reducing the risk of product damage, palletizers also help to improve efficiency and productivity. They can handle large volumes of products quickly and accurately, which can help to reduce labor costs and increase throughput. Automatic palletizers are also incredibly versatile; they can handle various types of packages, such as cartons, bags, or trays, making them an effective solution for various manufacturing industries.
Case Packers
Case packers are another common type of warehouse automation. These machines can significantly increase productivity with faster packing rates, providing an efficient and effective way to package products. With case packers, businesses can also save on labor costs as there is no need for manual packing and handling of products, reducing the need for additional staff.
Multi-format case packers are a popular option for companies that require flexibility in their packaging operations. These machines can handle multiple packaging formats with easy changeover times, allowing seamless transitions between different types of products and packaging requirements. This will enable you to consolidate packaging lines, increasing efficiency while minimizing downtime and packaging bottlenecks.
Product Filling Machines
Fillers, or filling machines, are useful for automated liquid and powder filling in bottles, jars, or other containers. They offer precise, consistent, high-speed filling, ensuring minimal product waste. Fillers are incredibly popular in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Like many automated solutions, product-filling machines are beneficial because of their precision and consistency. An automated filling process dispenses the correct amount of product into each container, reducing the risk of under or overfilling. It also helps to maintain product quality and consistency, which is crucial in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries where product standards are high.
Another benefit of using fillers is their high-speed filling capability. They can fill hundreds of containers per minute, significantly reducing the time and labor required for packaging. This improves productivity and lowers labor costs, making them a cost-effective option for many businesses.
Laser Guided Vehicles (LGVs)
LGVs are driverless vehicles that use laser guidance systems to navigate through warehouses. They handle tasks like transporting pallets, raw materials, or finished goods between locations within a facility. They provide a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution for warehouse material handling needs.
Without the need for a human operator, LGVs can move efficiently and safely between different locations. This makes them an incredibly flexible solution that you can customize to meet the specific needs of any warehouse. Additionally, LGVs are highly efficient and cost-effective, as they can work around the clock without requiring breaks or overtime pay. Overall, LGVs are a game-changing innovation that has transformed the world of warehouse logistics.
Robopac USA helps clients implement the best types of warehouse automation to meet the specific demands of their business. See how an expert stretch wrap machine manufacturer can help revolutionize your packaging operations when you partner with Robopac USA today.
