Build resilient supply chains with smart warehouse technology

Warehouse operators are increasingly utilizing automated solutions to combat the multitude of supply chain challenges they’re facing today. But with a wealth of choices, how do you deploy smart solutions that unlock true efficiency?

NewCold is a global leader in advanced automated warehouse and transport solutions. Below are some key points that we consider when working with our customers to build resilient supply chains, including:

Utilizing a holistic approach

Recruiting and retaining top talent

Recognizing the power — and limitations — of your data

Leveraging the first-mover advantage

Adding resiliency to your operations

Take a holistic approach

Technology has advanced to the point that almost any process in the warehouse can be automated. However, automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it is easy to become overwhelmed without a strategic plan. To identify where automated solutions would be most beneficial, it’s critical to first look outside the warehouse. Are orders arriving in full, on time, and on budget? Rethink your supply chain to recognize the areas of greatest improvement. In doing so it will help you to identify the automated solutions that are most likely to have the greatest impact.

Recruit and retain top talent

Economic developments and changing employee expectations have led to labor shortages felt throughout the supply chain. Automation can significantly help address the current labor shortage by changing the nature of how we view traditional warehouse jobs. A survey conducted by Vecna Robotics reported that 70% of supply chain professionals have seen improved retention as a result of implementation, and over half recognized it as a way to upskill employees and create new job opportunities. Providing employees with the opportunity to cross-train on various roles and increase their knowledge on various elements of the supply chain not only strengthens your internal talent pool but helps your employees to feel valued and increases their company loyalty.

Recognize the power — and limitations — of your data

Today, automated warehouses generate vast amounts of data and use it to measure whether systems are working appropriately. As new AI-powered products enter the market and we move toward a future where decisions are increasingly made by predictive analytics, efforts now should be focused on bettering your supply chain data. Efforts to establish practices that enable good data collection, data cleaning, and standardized data exchange between departments should be prioritized with the goal of better developing algorithms and processes.

Having clean, accurate data has multiple benefits. Not only will it help prepare your organization to incorporate future AI and predictive analytics solutions, but it can also highlight areas of inefficiency within your operations. Having this level of insight aids in continuous improvement and can even potentially identify opportunities within your supply chain to reduce costs.

Take advantage of being a first-mover

Materials and other costs associated with automated warehouses have increased in recent years. Despite this, 26% of warehouses are expected to be automated by 2027 — a dramatic rise from just 18% in 2021. There is a first-mover advantage to investing in automation now from both a cost and operational perspective. As costs continue to increase, companies that introduce automation and robotics will not only save themselves from spending more in the future, but they will have the ability to make their warehouses more efficient and effective — before their competition does.

Add resiliency to your operations

In years past, food suppliers’ primary criteria when building their supply chain was cost savings. Over time, both cost savings and exceptional service became requirements. Today we see a third element added to the mix — supply chain resiliency. In a recent survey, 89% of respondents reported that the top concern driving their need for process automation was supply chain resiliency.

As experts in advanced food logistics, we see the demand for end-to-end solutions that give our customers the cost savings, exceptional service, and supply chain resiliency they’re seeking. For our customers, leveraging scale and automation in operations helps to unlock competitive advantages in their supply chains.

About NewCold

As a pioneer in advanced food logistics solutions, NewCold has partnered with major global food producers to optimize their supply chain with our automated warehouse and transport solutions.

We develop and operate state-of-the-art temperature-controlled facilities in 18 locations on three continents. Our world-class proprietary software systems, energy efficiency, and productivity stand above conventional solutions. This vertical integration allows us to be agile in responding to customer demands. With extensive in-house expertise in executing the entire project lifecycle, we are redefining the design, development, and operation of automated temperature-controlled warehouses.