A Deep Dive Into the Top Warehouse Technologies of 2024

Warehouse managers, logistics professionals, supply chain managers and business owners of today understand the critical role that technology plays in optimising operations and driving efficiency. The ones that don’t are in for a not-so-pleasant surprise.

Put simply, technology has become so omnipresent that it has made its way into every nook and cranny of our day-to-day life. That’s why it absolutely comes as no surprise that, in 2024, warehouse technology is full of innovations that are created to boost performance, streamline processes and - generally speaking - make everyone’s lives easier.

However, these “smart” warehouses - although highly helpful, can sometimes be quite difficult to navigate. Luckily, nowadays, there are fulfilment centres, such as Bezos, that already use some of these latest technologies which takes a significant load off of their clients’ backs, allowing them to shift their focus and effort elsewhere.

What Exactly Is Warehouse Technology?

The term warehouse technology refers to basically any and every piece of technology used in a warehouse setting that contributes to its overall better performance. Operations automation, productivity enhancement and efficiency maximisation are just some of the things that are often put front and centre to emphasise some of the most important ways in which warehouse management technology can help a business out.

But that’s not where the story ends. In fact, understanding, obtaining and implementing all of the latest warehouse technologies would be downright impossible. So, the key to success actually lies in identifying warehouse tech that can serve your business, finding the right providers that offer such services and choosing the best warehousing solution for your business specifically.

What Warehouse Technologies Are Being Used in 2024?

As mentioned earlier, in 2024 the majority of warehouses rely on ready-to-implement warehouse technology solutions that are changing the way in which these establishments do business. Some of the most prominent solutions include: 

Warehouse Management Systems

Warehouse management systems (WMS for short) refer to numerous scalable software solutions whose main goal is to manage daily warehouse operations. They can be either fully automated and work independently, or they can be a great addition to a more old-school, manual warehouse.

What’s best is that every member of your supply chain team can - and should - have access to this platform, so that they can have clear, real-time insight into inventory tracking, stock location and product movement. 

WMS solutions help:

• Deliver an accurate overview of the supply chain
• Increase inventory accuracy
• Improve warehouse processes and security
• Better organise labour and reduce potential work-related injuries
• Improve stock organisation

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Automated Picking Tools

Warehouses and storage centres that wish to significantly reduce the possibility of human-error caused delays will benefit a lot from automated picking tools. These tools come in the form of:

• Pick-to-light tools - where pickers are guided by LED light to the order that needs to be picked
• Robotic order picking - where automated picking robots are in charge of finding, picking and retrieving the products
• Pick-to-voice solutions - where pickers are directed to the right products and warehouse locations via voice prompts

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These tools serve to improve the quality and accuracy of human pickers, and are generally super easy to implement into any existing establishment.

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If you rely on barcoding or stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers, these tools will be a great addition to your warehouse and will greatly contribute to:

• Accuracy when picking and packing products
• Time saving by creating optimised routes
• Better labour allocation

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Automated Inventory Control Platforms

As the name suggests, these platforms are used to improve inventory control. When paired with asset and inventory tags, barcodes and barcode scanners, as well as cloud-based accounting systems, they can significantly optimise inventory stock, count inventory in real time and create accurate reports.

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Automated Document Insertion

Automated document insertion relies on automated systems that organise various order-related documents (such as invoices, return forms and packing lips) into proper categories. Once the documents are sorted, they are then being matched with their associated package (based on the order number and similar details). Needless to say, the use of such systems reduces manual errors which greatly contributes to improved efficiency. 

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Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS for short) are used to store, organise and retrieve goods in the warehouse. They are computer-controlled and robot-aided pieces of technology that are designed to make work easier.

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AS/RS most commonly include:

• Vertical lift modules
• Fixed- or movable-aisle cranes
• Horizontal carousels
• Heavy-duty unit-loaders
• Mini-loaders
• Tote shuttles

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Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Another excellent way to improve your retrieval processes is by using automated guided vehicles (or AGVs for short). These sensor-driven, computer-controlled robotic vehicles are specifically designed to transport goods within the warehouse. To implement these in your warehouse, you’ll need to create pre-set paths using wires and reflective floor stickers and markers which the vehicles can then follow.

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Some of the most prevalent types of AGVs include:

• Unit load AGV - which transport load
• Forklift AGV - which can pick up and stack load
• Towing AGV - tows the load across the warehouse

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Unlike AGVS, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) don’t require installation of any pre-set paths. Instead, they rely on artificial intelligence and high-quality sensors which makes them suitable for more dynamic working environments.

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Types of AMRs include:

• Transport inventory AMRs - used for transporting inventory
• Picking assist AMRs - used for finding and bring products to pickers
• Sortation AMRs - used for sorting packages, products and/or online orders

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Technology in Warehousing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are becoming more widely used in warehouses thanks to their ability to automate tasks that previously required direct human intervention. Thanks to AI, various types of warehouse robots can now easily and accurately be “trained” to transport, pick and pack items. This not only minimises human-made errors but it also improves overall efficiency. What’s more, AI can also prevent mispicks, thus reducing the likelihood of wrong products being sent to customers.

Additionally, Machine Learning, which is a subset of AI, only further enhances this by enabling systems to learn from data and identify patterns, and make predictions which only get more accurate over time. 

When combined, these technologies create "smart" warehouses that optimise operations through advanced data analysis, automated inventory management processes and customer service, which - in turn - leads to cost reductions and overall operational improvements.

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Internet of Things (IoT) Implementation

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is another tool that can greatly improve warehouse operations by integrating devices such as:

• Wearables
• Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags
• Sensors
• Barcode scanners
• Mobile phones

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into a unified network.

For instance, wearables, such as smart gloves, are used to monitor manual handling and address ergonomic issues, while RFID tags and sensors track inventory location, thus preventing misplacement.

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With IoT devices it’s also possible to monitor operations in real-time equipment, which makes room for predictive maintenance, thus minimising downtime significantly. By connecting various devices into a network, IoT optimises:

• Inventory control
• Labour planning
• Efficiency
• Customer experience

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And reduces the risks by detecting potential issues such as:

• Temperature fluctuations that can lead to spoilage of goods
• Equipment malfunctions that could cause a plethora of operational and performance issues
• Security issues

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Cloud Technology in Warehousing

Since proper data storage plays a crucial role in proper warehouse management, it comes as no surprise that every modern warehouse could also greatly benefit from adopting cloud technology. This technology allows you to store and manage a wide array of data and information, including inventory records, sales data and analytical insights in the cloud, instead of having to install physical servers in your warehouse. 

These flexible and scalable solutions can easily be integrated within any existing warehouse system and tailored to meet specific business needs. What’s more, with such technology, warehouses can boost their inter-departmental data sharing and gain comprehensive visibility into their operations. 

Needless to say, this contributes to both streamlining various processes as well as better decision-making which only boosts operational efficiency even further.

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Blockchain Technology in Warehousing

Since blockchain technology is decentralised, secure and transparent in nature, it’s becoming more widely used in warehousing, supply chain and logistics. 

With blockchain, warehouses can easily track inventory, accurately manage stock by logging every transaction and enhance auditability. Thanks to smart contracts, processes like payments can easily be automated, while the digital nature of blockchain itself reduces the need for paperwork and manual record-keeping. 

What’s more, these smart contracts also make transactions more secure as they leave no room for third-party involvement, thus significantly reducing the probability of any malicious behaviour.

The technology also enables real-time visibility of product origins and demand forecasting, which greatly contributes to error prevention, unintentional spoilage of goods, as well as profitability optimization.

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Business Intelligence and Predictive Analytics

Predictive analysis, as the name suggests, uses historical data to “predict” future outcomes, which is very important in warehousing business. By being able to predict future behaviour based on historical data and statistical algorithms, you can easily predict:

• Product demand
• Maintenance and machinery servicing
• Future sales trends

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Paired with Business Intelligence (BI), that focuses on analysing data gathered to produce actionable insights through reports, dashboards and visualisations, warehousing businesses can easily prevent overstock, minimise maintenance-related downtime and better plan their stock during peak seasons. 

What’s more, with the help of BI, warehousing businesses can also:

• Track customer behaviour in real-time
• Analyse profit impacts
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Optimise overall business operations

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Mobile and Wearable Technologies

Pretty self-explanatory, mobile and wearable tech refers to pieces of technology warehouse workers can either carry around or wear. Such technology includes:

• Smart watches
• Smart glasses
• Smart gloves
• Handheld computers
• Voice-controlled headsets
• Item scanners, etc.

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With the help of this tech, warehouse workers can easily gain all the necessary data regarding stock, orders, picking and packaging without ever needing to return to a workstation. Of course, this makes room for faster and improved decision making.

Although there are many mobile and wearable tech solutions that can easily be implemented in a warehouse setting, all of them serve the purpose of streamlining operations and generally making the workflow better optimised.

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Warehouse Drones

Another piece of tech that’s more than useful to have in any warehouse, and especially eCommerce fulfilment warehouse, is warehouse drones. Also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), these aerial robots are increasingly being used to streamline operations, enhance efficiency and reduce human error in storage facilities.

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Several benefits of using warehouse drones include:

• Better inventory management
• More streamlined inventory checks
• Reduction of manual counting errors
• Reducing the need for manual stock audits thus speeding up the process
• Monitoring and inspection particularly of hard-to-reach or hard-to see areas
• Real-time video feeds
• Quicker identification of issues or potential damage
• Aisle and shelf scanning
• Finding misplaced items faster
• Maintain an organised warehouse

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Warehouse drones usually come equipped with cameras and sensors, and can either be manually-operated or programmed to navigate on their own. 

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Inventory Scanning Technology

Inventory scanning technology is used to keep track of all the inventory details. These tech solutions include:

• Barcode scanners - used to scan goods that are marked with barcodes
• RFID scanners - used to track tags attached to products and automatically identify stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers
• Mobile scanners - combine feedback from barcode/RFID scanners with a mobile computer which enables updating information on the go

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How to Implement These Warehouse Technologies

When it comes to implementing the latest warehousing technologies into your operations, it’s best to try and see which of them can benefit you the most. Trying to implement all of them at once can not only be super challenging, but it can actually hurt your business more than it could help it.

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So, first off, think about your business’s specific needs. See which areas need improvement and which technologies could potentially scratch that itch. Then, choose the tech you wish to implement and create a detailed implementation plan so that you and all of your workers can be on the same page. Keep in mind that even the most  user-friendly pieces of tech still require some learning and getting used to, so make sure you leave your employees plenty of room and time to do so. 

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You can also plan and set some time aside for the “trial period” where you’ll be able to see how well the new tech fits into your organisation, and how quickly your employees are adapting to it. And finally, based on the results of everything mentioned previously, you’ll be able to easily assess if the chosen tech was the right choice, how quickly your employees can adapt to it, and what other pieces of modern warehouse tech you can implement next to streamline your operations and improve your business even further.

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Run Your Logistics Effortlessly with Bezos

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Running a successful warehousing business can really be a handful, especially if you’re dealing with smaller retailers and eCommerce businesses. That’s why we here at Bezos offer to take some of that load off your shoulders by offering you automated, AI-backed fulfilment services that will take care of your logistics, so that you can instead focus your attention on growing your business further.

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And if you're a - let’s say - distant seller from the UK trying to break into a new market, we also offer eCommerce warehouse UK solutions that will fulfil all your warehousing and order fulfilment needs.

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So, make sure you visit our website today and get a quote to learn more about how we can help you help your warehousing business grow by taking care of all of your logistics efforts.

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Conclusion

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All in all, it’s safe to say that the world of warehouse technology is growing and changing for the better. More and more solutions appear on the market, seemingly daily, that aim to improve the overall efficiency, accuracy and automation.

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Implementing these technologies promises numerous benefits, that include improved accuracy, streamlined processes and overall cost reductions. But the key to successful adoption lies in choosing the right technologies that align with your specific business needs, as well as executing a well-thought-out implementation strategy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What technology is used in a warehouse?

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The most commonly used technology in a warehouse includes solutions that are designed to help better organise and optimise various processes that happen on a daily basis. Since warehouse operations are mostly repeatable, process-oriented and error-prone, technology solutions, such as robotics and automation, help simplify and streamline these operations.

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What is the future of warehouse technology?

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More likely than not, the future of warehouse technology looks fully automated and digitised. We now get the opportunity to see more and more warehousing businesses open their doors to innovative technological solutions that aim to streamline workflow, so it’s safe to say that it’s only a matter of time when warehouses across the globe will become completely automated.

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What is WMS in technology?

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A Warehouse Management System - or WMS for short - is a software solution designed to manage and control daily warehouse operations. These solutions can be either fully automated, minimising the need for human involvement, or they can be implemented alongside human workforce to streamline operations in more traditional warehouses.

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What is ICT in a warehouse?

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ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology, which is used in warehouses across the globe to effectively manage warehouse operations by streamlining communication. These include anything from software solutions and AI/machine learning, to various wearables and mobile technology that are designed to make everything run more smoothly.

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