Management + Systems

It is no secret that a large percentage of warehouses still have staff roaming aisles to pick stock for orders and complete daily tasks. Although this is an accepted method of working, this way of operating is greatly inefficient, with studies showing 50% – 70% of staff time is spent travelling between bins rather than doing the job they are employed to do – fulfil orders.

This norm of having pickers walk and collect products is currently being challenged by larger organisations like Amazon and Ocado, who are utilising robotic warehouse automation to streamline their distribution and fulfilment processes. With these larger companies ultimately changing the status quo when it comes to order fulfilment, consumers now expect faster delivery in order to receive their products quicker and more conveniently.

As well as the changing warehouse dynamics, labour shortages are also becoming a concern for many businesses. From migrant workers choosing to leave the UK in the build-up to Brexit, to staff chasing higher salaries and better benefits at nearby businesses, the demand for skilled workers is beginning to intensify.

Many UK businesses don’t realise the true cost of a warehouse picker, but when it is broken down there are a lot of factors to be considered. The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage mean basic salaries are always increasing, on top of Employer National Insurance contributions, performance related bonuses, pension contributions and day-to-day management costs.

Taking both the changing warehouse dynamics and the rising labour costs into account, the result is many companies fighting to deliver the most streamlined service in order to win more sales and encourage repeat custom.

With OrderWise Warehouse Robotics, businesses can benefit from state of the art ‘Goods-to-Person’ automation that can link seamlessly to existing ERP systems or be used in conjunction with Orderwise’s own Business Management Software for a complete end-to-end solution. From massively increased pick rates to optimised warehouse storage capacity, OrderWise Warehouse Robotics help to increase throughput while also greatly reducing costs.

By implementing an OrderWise Warehouse Robotics solution, businesses can reap the benefits of technologically advanced fundamentals that deliver a fast ROI.

“If you would like to find out more about how our warehouse automation can benefit your business, visit wiserobotics.com or give us a call on 01522 704083 quoting FASTENER & FIXING,” explains Karl Blakesley, PR manager at OrderWise.

OrderWise in the running for awards quadruple
Awards season is under way and OrderWise is celebrating after being shortlisted for four prestigious titles. Earlier this year OrderWise was named in the Digital Leaders 100 list and now, following a public vote in which over 12,500 votes were cast, the company has made it to the UK top three in the AI Innovation category. OrderWise will now compete against Hermes UK and Obrizum to claim the top spot.

OrderWise is also hoping to add a Digital Technology Leaders Award to its trophy cabinet after being shortlisted in the Digital Service Company of the Year category. The company has also once again been shortlisted in the National Family Business Awards that showcase the very best of family-owned businesses.

“It’s a real honour to have our achievements highlighted both regionally and nationally. We’re not even halfway through the year and already we’ve been nominated for seven awards, which is a real achievement. It goes without saying that the company’s continued success is testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff who have all been working tirelessly to meet the increased demand as a result of our continued business growth,” commented David Hallam, managing director at OrderWise.

www.orderwise.co.uk