SLAM line automation is revolutionising manufacturing and distribution processes. SLAM – which stands for scan, label, apply, manifest – combines automation and intelligent robotics to streamline operations, increase efficiency and drive accuracy within the supply chain.
What Is SLAM Order Processing Automation?
SLAM line automation employs a suite of technologies to streamline the final one hundred feet of the order fulfilment process, eliminating manual processes and removing bottlenecks and points of failure in warehouses and fulfilment centres.
SLAM technologies replace manual, time-consuming tasks with automated processes. With SLAM technology, robotic systems can quickly scan barcodes, labels or manifests, ensuring accurate tracking of products throughout the supply chain.
Why SLAM Line Automation is a Supply Chain Game-Changer
SLAM line automation is addressing a most common bottleneck in the warehouse, eliminating human errors, accelerating processes, reducing cycle times and increasing overall efficiency. As a result, manufacturers and distributors can meet customer demands more effectively and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
With the increasing prevalence of warehouse automation in upstream processes, outbound fulfilment can often be the one bottleneck remaining that inhibits operational excellence for many warehouse leaders. SLAM automation helps resolve this matter, executing outbound fulfilment consistently, accurately and cost-effectively.
Below are four ways SLAM line automation is reshaping the manufacturing and distribution industries, propelling the supply chain to new levels of performance.
1. Improved Accuracy and Quality Control
Inaccurate labelling or manifesting can lead to costly errors and delays in the supply chain. SLAM line automation mitigates this risk by leveraging advanced scanning technologies and real-time data capture.
A typical SLAM line could include:
- An LPN barcode scanner to identify packages
- A dimensioner to measure the package for shipping purposes
- A scale to verify the weight of the package
- A labelling system to print and apply a completed shipping label
- An application to generate an electronic copy of the manifest
Manual order fulfilment processes are error-prone and can cause packages to be sent to the wrong address or held up at customs. Incorrect postage or courier fees, improperly placed labels or incorrectly labelled packages could lead to delays in the shipping process.
Warehouse automation techniques, such as SLAM line automation, add an extra layer of quality control. By automating the scanning, labelling and manifesting processes, organisations can fulfil orders more quickly and with higher accuracy. This improves customer satisfaction and reduces the number of complaints and returned packages, saving the organisation time and money.
2. Enhanced Traceability and Transparency
As e-commerce grows and supply chains become increasingly complex, the need for traceability at each stage of the order fulfilment process grows. SLAM line automation facilitates end-to-end traceability, giving organisations complete visibility into their supply chain activities.
As a package moves through the SLAM line, the system logs each piece of data, such as the package’s contents, weight, size, destination and stage in the fulfilment process. One can track products as they move through the process for customer service purposes and to gather wider insights about the supply chain.
This increased transparency enhances inventory management, helps verify the authenticity of products and enables faster recall processes. The result is a more secure and reliable supply chain that builds trust with customers and stakeholders.
3. Faster Order Fulfilment and Labour Efficiency
SLAM line automation systems offer improved efficiency, flexibility and quality control. For example, a single label applicator can process as many as thirty packages per minute, and the system scales well by adding more lines. For distribution centres struggling with labour shortages or fluctuating seasonal demand, a SLAM line can be an ideal solution.
Growing distribution centres will quickly reach a point where they cannot simply employ more workers to process orders more quickly. Robotic process automation offers a reliable solution to these scaling challenges.
4. Adaptability and Scalability in the Supply Chain
One of the key advantages of SLAM line automation is its adaptability to diverse manufacturing and distribution environments. The technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems, allowing organisations to automate specific processes whilst preserving flexibility.
This technology is also scalable. It is possible to start with a single line, offering a relatively low financial barrier to entry. From there, one can add more lines, integrating additional robotic systems or using AI tools for automation without having to completely replace the existing system.
As an organisation grows, a small SLAM line can be upgraded and altered to accommodate growing production volumes and evolving business needs. This scalability ensures that manufacturers and distributors can keep pace with market demands, maintain operational efficiency and drive sustainable growth.
This technology is revolutionising manufacturing and distribution in the supply chain for organisations of all sizes. Large and small fulfilment facilities can benefit from streamlining their operations, increasing efficiency, improving accuracy and enhancing traceability.
Additional Considerations Before Implementation
Before implementing SLAM line automation, it is important to evaluate existing systems and workflows. Some factors to consider include:
- Current bottlenecks. SLAM streamlines the last one hundred feet. If earlier parts of the distribution process rely heavily on manual processes, one should prioritise fixing those first.
- Existing infrastructure. To fully utilise SLAM line automation, the distribution centre must be organised in a way that allows the easy flow of packages from station to station. Optimising warehouse layouts can often bring significant efficiency improvements.
- Supply chain software. The software used to process orders must be compatible with the SLAM solution, either via APIs or EDI formats, to allow fast, accurate labelling and manifesting.
Before implementing SLAM automation, it is wise to measure the current performance of the picking and packing process, looking at KPIs such as the on-time shipping percentage, order fill rate, total order cycle time, cost per order and error/return rates. These metrics can be used to calculate the ROI on the SLAM line and help guide future improvements in the shipping process.
The Path to Smarter Fulfilment
SLAM line automation is just one component of warehouse automation. However, for many distribution centres, it is the missing piece in the equation. By embracing this technology, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the industry, achieving greater productivity and building a competitive edge.
Contact enVista today to learn more about order process automation and how we can help you streamline your operations.
