"The time to automate is now": COVID-19 driving rapid uptake of new technology in logistics facilities

MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the adoption of warehouse automation technologies in the supply chain industry, although price rises and long lead times are challenging businesses, a new report from Asia Pacific's leading business transformation consultancy TMX has found. Whitepaper found here: https://tmx.global/insights-news/white-paper-pallet-to-parcel-covid19-need-to-automate/ 

Drawing on first-hand experience in the sector, the new report, Pallet to parcel: COVID-19 and the need to automate co-written by senior TMX consultants Paul Stringleman and Nick de Klerk, finds that as customer demand continues to boom, businesses are needing to find ways to keep up with record order volumes, leading to a rapid and urgent uptake in automated solutions.  

Nick De Klerk, Senior Consultant at TMX says, "If you are not looking at how you can automate your warehouse operations now, you will be left behind. The time to automate is now. Industry leaders are already looking to the next wave of technology to improve current processes in the short term and future proof their business in the medium term."

However, COVID-19 has thrown up a series of obstacles, from shipping delays, to longer lead times, travel restrictions and price rises in the cost of materials associated with the deployment of automated solutions and infrastructure.

The report reveals first-hand industry observations from TMX, including the comparative cost increases of various warehouse operations technologies. For example, the cost of implementing manual operations has risen by up to 36 per cent. Systems reliant on Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) saw price rises of 20 per cent, while goods to person systems saw rises of 15 per cent.

The report outlines that three interconnected factors are putting pressure on businesses who are currently automating their material handling operations. These are:

1. Labour force pressures. Exacerbated by COVID-19 control protocols and worker shortages.  

2. Demand for expertise in system commissioning. This highly specialised and globally mobile workforce was shut out of Australia when borders closed.

3. Raw materials are in short supply. Steel price rises have increased the cost of racking and construction while chip shortages have lengthened delivery times of smart handling devices.

These supply pressures have occurred at a time of rapidly increasing delivery volumes as consumers stayed home and shopped online. Now, not only are consumers expecting prompt delivery but constantly available information on the status of their parcel and precise delivery times.

To respond and stay competitive, businesses are turning to automation to improve delivery accuracy and reliability while also reducing costs in operations and construction.

Paul Stringleman, Senior Consultant at TMX says, "The scale of this challenge and the need to respond is prompting a widespread acceleration in the adoption of logistics automation. What we are witnessing at the moment is a radical change."

To assist businesses in navigating this dynamic landscape and avoiding unnecessary costs and fluctuations, such as those from high shipping costs and currency exchange, the Pallet to Parcel report proposes a client-centred approach to automation. Selecting the technologies appropriate for the task, combined with careful planning and experienced execution, has seen businesses reap the benefits of automation in operations and customer satisfaction without being hit by commodity-driven price rises and shipping delays.

As early adopters move further towards fully automated operations, and consumer demand shows no sign of slowing down, there is an increased urgency in the move towards automation, albeit dependent upon the right advice to ensure the technology meets the need of the business. With more technology vendors entering the market for warehouse automation than ever before, it is critical to have a trusted partner with proven experience.

Travis Erridge, CEO at TMX says, "What we have observed over the past two years is that the supply chain industry in Australia has had no choice but to rapidly scale up to meet demand through a combination of local upskilling and innovation. As the industry moves into the 'new normal' of sustained growth in e-commerce volumes, businesses will have to implement more permanent solutions that remain flexible to meet future fluctuation in customer needs. We think automation will be an essential part of this solution," he said.

Download whitepaper here: https://tmx.global/insights-news/white-paper-pallet-to-parcel-covid19-need-to-automate/ 

About TMX

TMX is Asia-Pacific's leading business transformation consultancy. While others plan for the future, we invent it – creating the digital and supply chain solutions of tomorrow to make you go further, faster.

TMX's specialist team brings deep industry experience to optimise the entire value chain, from top-of-the-funnel demand generation right through to final fulfilment.

TMX boasts more than 200 experts in supply chain, property, project management and ecommerce in more than seven countries across the Asia-Pacific region. The team have led major business transformations for the likes of Coles, Kmart, Coca-Cola Japan Bottlers Inc, Asahi, Singapore Post, Bunnings and Universal Robina.