From receiving goods to shipping them out, every step in the warehouse operation must be optimised for speed, accuracy and cost-effectiveness. However, one area that often presents challenges is the “last 100 feet” of the warehouse, where manual interventions can slow down processes and increase the risk of errors. Enter SLAM solutions: the game-changer in streamlining warehouse operations.
What is a Warehouse SLAM System?
SLAM, an acronym for Scanning, Labelling, Applying and Manifesting, represents a suite of technologies designed to automate and streamline the final steps of order fulfillment. These solutions encompass everything from automated scanning systems to label applicators and manifesting software, offering practitioners a comprehensive toolkit to optimise outbound processing.
Warehouse SLAM systems use sensors, computer vision and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help robots and automated systems accurately navigate and map dynamic warehouse environments. Unlike traditional systems, which use fixed pathing, SLAM-enabled robots can adapt to changing conditions in real-time. This enables them to work more accurately and with a higher degree of flexibility.
At the heart of SLAM solutions lies the goal of reducing touches and minimising manual interventions in the warehouse. By automating tasks such as scanning barcodes, applying labels and generating manifests, SLAM technologies enable practitioners to expedite the order fulfillment process while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
How SLAM Technology Enhances Warehouse Efficiency
SLAM technology takes the most tedious tasks of the last 100 feet and automates them in a way that is adaptable to the environment and requires little hands-on management. These systems can fulfill orders more quickly and accurately and are less likely to cause an operational bottleneck. With SLAM technology in place, human workers can spend more time on other tasks and less time troubleshooting issues with their warehouse automation.
Key Benefits of SLAM Solutions
Versatility and scalability are key benefits of SLAM line automation solutions. Whether a warehouse is still heavily reliant on manual pack-out processes or boasts advanced automation systems, SLAM technologies can be seamlessly integrated to enhance existing workflows. This adaptability makes SLAM solutions accessible to warehouses of all sizes and levels of automation, providing a pathway toward operational excellence.
But what exactly are the benefits of implementing SLAM solutions in your warehouse? Let’s take a closer look:
- Increased efficiency: By automating repetitive tasks and reducing manual interventions, SLAM solutions significantly increase the speed and efficiency of outbound processing. This translates to shorter lead times, faster order fulfillment and improved customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced accuracy: Manual processes are prone to errors, which can result in costly mistakes and delays. SLAM solutions minimise the risk of human error by automating tasks such as barcode scanning and label application, ensuring greater accuracy and consistency in packaging and shipping.
- Cost savings: By streamlining warehouse operations and reducing labour-intensive tasks, SLAM solutions help warehouses cut costs and improve profitability. With fewer touches required to process each order, practitioners can allocate resources more efficiently and optimise labour utilisation.
- Compliance and traceability: In industries with stringent regulatory requirements, such as healthcare and food logistics, compliance is non-negotiable. SLAM solutions offer built-in traceability features, enabling warehouses to track and trace every package with ease, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Future-proofing: As the demands of the supply chain continue to evolve, warehouses must adapt to stay competitive. SLAM solutions provide a future-proof solution by offering scalability and flexibility to accommodate changing operational needs and growing business requirements.
- Reduced labour dependency: Autonomous systems can carry out routine tasks, lowering labour strain.
- Real-time data: SLAM systems enable responsive navigation updates, boosting decision-making speed.
- Increased scalability: SLAM technology can be expanded as the needs of the warehouse change, without requiring extensive infrastructure overhauls.
Integrating SLAM with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
SLAM systems can integrate with existing WMS and ERP platforms to share data in both directions. Taking advantage of this information can provide several benefits, including:
- Better inventory tracking
- Smart replenishment capabilities
- Improved data availability for predictive analytics
- Facilitating supply chain planning
Implementation Considerations and Challenges
Successful SLAM deployment requires careful planning and some investment in infrastructure. At a minimum, SLAM robots require reliable Wi-Fi and properly calibrated sensors. A warehouse audit is necessary to configure the robots. The SLAM system must also be compatible with the WMS, either via an API or middleware.
In addition to the technical requirements, any stakeholders will need training in the use and maintenance of the SLAM system. As human and robot workflows are expected to coexist, any human workers will require training in how to safely work alongside the robots without interrupting robot workflows or putting themselves at risk.
Warehouse environments that already have poor data quality may experience more challenges, including errors or delays in the integration, poor connectivity in certain areas of the warehouse limiting the robot’s productivity and resistance from stakeholders. Effective change management can help reduce these kinds of issues, but starting out with clean data and strong data management is a must.
How enVista Supports SLAM-Enabled Warehouse Transformation
SLAM solutions represent a paradigm shift in warehouse automation, offering practitioners the tools they need to streamline operations, increase efficiency and drive profitability. Whether you’re looking to minimise manual interventions, improve accuracy or reduce costs, SLAM systems offer a comprehensive solution to meet your warehouse optimisation needs.
enVista helps businesses plan, source and integrate SLAM technology in their operations. We offer warehouse operations assessments, vendor evaluations and customised, hands-on implementation support to help maximise ROI on your automation investments.
Contact enVista today to discuss your SLAM implementation requirements.
