The rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused warehouse managers around the world to consider the changes they can make to protect their employees while also keeping operations running efficiently. Practicing good hygiene, wearing a mask, and physically distancing from others are all strategies experts have recommended to reduce transmission. But, did you know viruses can live on surfaces for several days? Reducing touchpoints in your facility may be one of the most effective things you can do to limit the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
Read on to learn about 3 smart ways you can use technology to reduce touchpoints in your warehouse or distribution center from the equipment experts at Papé Material Handling.
Touchless Technology for the Warehouse
1) Voice Technology
Voice technology for the warehouse and DC environment has been around for a long time but this technology continues to evolve and improve year after year. Synced with a Warehouse Management System (WMS), voice technology allows workers to do tasks like select orders, assess inventory, and accept shipments, all without having to touch any shared devices to reduce the chance of spreading viruses or bacteria.
One of the newest voice technology advancements currently in development is voice-command pallet trucks. Hyster-Yale Group and Honeywell are working together to combine Hyster-Yale robotic pallet trucks and Honeywell Vocollect voice technology to create a voice-controlled pallet truck capable of low-level order picking.
2) Automation Technology
Every step of your order picking process that you are able to automate mean fewer touches. Not only does automation reduce the potential of viral diseases being spread in your warehouse but it also lowers the risk of damage to your products, reduces order picking errors, and improves overall efficiency.
Automation isn't one size fits all. Read our blog on accessible automation options or contact us today for a free consultation with one of our warehouse automation specialists.
3) Logistics Technology
The more back and forth your worker are doing to complete an order, the more surfaces they will end up touching. A warehouse analysis using logistics technology, or your WMS can help you optimize your layout. Take a look at your workflow, common orders, and make changes where necessary to organize SKUs in a way that make the most sense. The right warehouse layout can make a big difference in the productivity of your team and remove unnecessary touchpoints.
Interested in learning more about any of these options for your warehouse or distribution center? We can help you from start to finish. Contact the warehousing experts at your nearby Papé Material Handling location.
