eBook - Warehouse Solutions (EM21060) - Book - Page 22
There are two basic types
of automation categories:
digital automation and
physical automation.
CHOOSING AN AUTOMATION PATH
When viewed across the warehouse, there are
two basic types of automation categories: digital
automation and physical automation.
DIGITAL AUTOMATION uses data and software
to automate manual workflows and processes.
Examples include warehouse management
systems and automatic identification and
data capture (AIDC) technology, such as
mobile barcoding. It also includes telematics,
such as Crown’s InfoLink® operator and fleet
management system that collects data to provide
insight into the performance and utilization of
connected equipment, people and processes.
Telematics can be valuable in planning for
physical automation and ongoing management
and optimization of certain automated
equipment. The operational data captured
by telematics can be analyzed to help you
understand product flow, equipment utilization
and performance. You can use this insight
to identify the tasks and equipment within
your operations that are ideal candidates for
automation.
Once automated equipment is deployed, a
telematics system can help provide a broad view
of equipment utilization and performance. It also
can be a valuable tool as you develop plans
to expand the adoption of automation to other
areas of the warehouse and scale it strategically
to prioritize opportunities where it can deliver the
most value.
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