FEATURE
Automated warehousing
THE ROLE OF ADVANCED
AUTOMATION IN OMNICHANNEL RETAIL
From ‘store to door’ - Stephen Hayes, managing director of of advanced automation in
O
mnichannel retail has reshaped warehouse operations, bringing challenges and opportunities
management. Consumers demand seamless shopping experiences across online, in-store and mobile platforms, so warehouses must adapt to manage inventory and orders from Today, many consumers demand have had to adapt their strategies in response. When customers shop, they now use everything from traditional brick-and- mortar stores to social media and mobile and they expect a connected journey with consistent, personalised interactions.
A blueprint for the future Omnichannel is a blueprint for the future of the industry, that is according to a recent The report found that a staggering 73 per cent of retail transactions involve a digital touchpoint, underscoring the hybrid nature of modern shopping behaviours. Retailers have made headway in establishing digital platforms and an online presence and, to achieve a strong omnichannel experience, they should focus on their warehouse and analogue systems with more automated and integrated systems, such as PC- and EtherCAT-based control technologies. logistics is key for meeting this omnichannel demand, but this means more than just automating one or two processes. The key is automating and connecting each process and piece of equipment so that they can be controlled and adjusted with speed and
14 November 2024 | OMNICHANNEL RETAIL
THE ROLE OF ADVANCED AUTOMATION IN
complex algorithms in the future. Conveyor systems, for example, have helped automate linear product handling and overcome issues such as product backpressure by using multi-zoned conveying systems. These systems can allow for zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA), avoiding potential damage or defects to products.
Consistent motor control Controlling each motor in a multi-zoned that ensures quick data communication and consistent motor control across all motion applications. launched the EP7402 EtherCAT box, a motor-driven roller (MDR) conveyor system controller that integrates with the widely- used TwinCAT 3 automation software. This allows diagnostic data from the controllers to be transmitted to TwinCAT Analytics, enabling remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. As more retailers move to an omnichannel model, this will mean adopting automated, their warehouses. With this, they must invest in the necessary control systems to help regulate the timing, control and sequencing of processes, machines, and entire production lines. Control systems can also help retailers collect real-time data, such
as from sensors, which support predictive maintenance and help maintain uptime. However, retailers face a catch-22. Control systems are essential for omnichannel operations, but traditional programmable intelligent, data-rich systems. For example, machine learning is vital for machine optimisation, but PLCs will struggle to support such a system.
Consequently, as omnichannel reshapes warehouse operations, retailers should look at installing PC-based control technology, which can support these more advanced systems because they come equipped with the necessary software features and network performance thanks to their multi-core processors, they support integrated cloud Furthermore, they are compatible with systems.
Omnichannel retail has been a game- changer, transforming the shopping experience across online, in-store and mobile platforms. As more retailers jump on the omnichannel bandwagon, they must consider the automation processes in their warehouses and the integrated systems they
automationmagazine.co.uk
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