Warehouse automation technology for productivity, efficiency and security

Warehouse automation technology is designed to improve workflow for warehouse operations. Companies are under high pressure to improve warehouse worker productivity and increase efficiency. In addition, a safe environment must be created. These improvements reduce operational costs, which can provide competitive advantages. Warehouse automation is becoming increasingly accessible to the entire workflow in a warehouse.

Hardware supplies for warehouse automation

A warehouse is a unique operating environment and therefore requires a unique solution that considers the following factors:

• Temperature fluctuations
  • Temperatures in a warehouse are not as stable as in a home or office environment. This means your hardware must be able to withstand temperatures that sometimes fall below freezing, or rise to tropical temperatures. 
• Assembly flexibility
  • For flexible and effective use, your hardware may be mounted on a forklift, in a vehicle or just in a cabinet. It's convenient if your technology solution can be mounted in a variety of situations, including hard-to-reach or hazardous locations.
• Reliability
  • When hardware is mounted in hard-to-reach or dangerous locations, it is critical that the hardware last. Hard-to-reach locations make it difficult to make quick repairs or replace hardware. Auto power-on features are very appropriate in this case because you can't just get to it after power loss, for example.
• Feeding options
  • Your hardware choice should also be able to work on the power options available in a warehouse. These options are often different than in a home or office environment.
• Dust, dirt and other particles
  • No matter how hard you try, a warehouse environment will always be more dusty than an office environment. As a result, dust particles can get into an unprotected computer. Fanless and ventless PCs keep components safe from dust and dirt-related problems.
• Vibrations and vibration
  • Because trucks and other mounting points can often move, it is important that your hardware solution is vibration-resistant. Make sure your automation hardware solution is solid-state (with no moving parts).

You can review other factors such as connectivity and software requirements in our blog on the best PCs for smart warehousing and logistics.

Warehouse automation example: stacking pallets

Loading a pallet seems like a simple task in itself. However, this work is far from simple: inattention and/or lack of experience can lead to damaged products and serious accidents. A falling stack of pallets can have serious or even fatal consequences. Stacking pallets correctly is a skill that can take months of training. This is where warehouse automation for stacking pallets helps.

Stack Assist Tool for stacking pallets

SAT Technologies has developed a warehouse automation tool to help with pallet stacking. The Stack Assist Tool (SAT) combines machine vision with a display on an HMI (Human Machine Interface). The HMI displays visual instructions on the screen so that the worker can stack the pallet correctly. Here, lasers are used to indicate exactly where the products should be stacked. The result is increased productivity, lower costs and higher and better stacks of products.

OnLogic rugged panel PC for warehouse automation

OnLogic worked with SAT Technologies to find the perfect ruggedized panel PC. Taking warehouse automation needs into account, SAT Technologies chose a Cincoze Rugged Panel PC. It was important that it could be mounted on an order-picking truck in a distribution center or on an automatic vehicle. The panel displays color-coded stacking instructions for an optimized stack. At the same time, a laser projects a visual indicator of where to place the next product.

Read our customer case To discover more about SAT Technologies. Are you currently working on your own warehouse automation project? Then download our ultimate industrial computer hardware guide and contact our team of specialists today!