Is It Time to Automate Your Warehouse?

Automated forklifts are being used more frequently than in years past, and warehouses that were completely automated seemed like something out of a sci-fi movie more than an actual possibility. Today, automated transportation is a fast-growing trend in manufacturing and distribution.

More and more companies are choosing to make the transition from manually operated forklifts and trucks to automated ones.

Pros of an Automated Warehouse

There are many reasons why the switch to automated could be right for your company.

Cut Down on Costs

One of the main reasons why a company might decide to move to automated forklifts is to save money. Automated forklifts will save you many labor hours and lower the costs of running a warehouse.

Though automated forklifts are more expensive than human-driven forklifts initially, they quickly pay for themselves when a company is able to eliminate extra costs that come with human workers.

Put Safety First

Working on a warehouse floor and transporting heavy loads can be a dangerous job, and no matter how you try to mitigate risks, people can still get hurt. Automated forklifts let you clear the floor and keep your workers safe from work-related injuries.

Use People Where They Are Needed

Having automatic transportation in your warehouse frees up your workers to work where you really need them and where their skills can be used best. Instead of devoting a large part of your workforce to rote grunt labor that a machine can easily take over, you can have your employees focus on quality control checks and customer service.

Speed Up Transports

An automated forklift can make transporting goods faster. Human error is taken out of the equation, and the need for breaks is eliminated. There is also no need to take up time and resources on the lengthy training that a new human forklift driver would need. With an automated forklift, there isn't any wasted time.

Is Your Warehouse Ready for Automation?

There are many factors to consider when deciding to go automatic or stay manual.

Do You Move a Lot of Supplies or Merchandise Regularly?

If your company moves many heavy loads from one place to another daily and you already use forklifts a lot, you could probably benefit from buying automatic forklifts. If you only use a forklift occasionally or only move merchandise sporadically, maybe a good, old-fashioned forklift is the better choice for you.

Do You Have a Lot of Space?

An automated warehouse is great for large companies with big warehouses where many things are happening at once. If you have a lot of space to work with, then an automated forklift could fit right in. If your quarters are more cramped, automation could be harder, and one or two manual forklifts could serve you better.

Are Your Transports Basic and Rote?

If you are moving lumber, merchandise, or equipment from one place to another every day, following the same route and same routine, an automated system will make things more efficient. If, on the other hand, you are making complex, small, and individual transfers that frequently change, a driver may be the better choice.

Are You Looking for an Overhaul of Your Transfer Center?

If you are ready for a change and are looking for a way to cut costs and increase efficiency, it is probably the right time to switch over to a more automated system of transport. If you are happy with the system you have in place right now, then traditional forklifts will fit the bill.

There are many advantages to automating your warehouse. Analyze your company's needs, and whether you decide on automatic or manually operated forklifts, our team at Lift Solutions, Inc., can help you find the right lift for the job.