The COVID-19 pandemic created a rapidly changing environment in the supply chain industry, forcing leaders to adopt a reactive position to protect their businesses. As nationwide restrictions were put into place, companies had to quickly adapt, resulting in widespread e-commerce growth and growing pains. At the same time, trying to figure out how to keep their operations running with workforce reduction, mainly due to illness or social distancing.

Now that the pandemic’s initial shockwave has passed, it’s essential to prevent the same disruptions from occurring again if possible. By transforming your warehouse environment into a smart factory, your organization can become more agile and innovative than ever before, while keeping up with rapidly evolving industry trends.

What is a Smart Factory?

A smart factory combines technology, visibility, and team cooperation to build an adaptable working environment. The competitive edge is maximized due to tech-enabled design. Teams who run smart factories understand that continuous improvement is essential, and in order to remain competitive they must be willing to adapt and evolve.

Technology such as sensors for material handling conveyor, AI, the internet of things (IoT), automated storage/retrieval systems, and robotics can help organizations build smarter operations.

Additionally, it’s essential for smart factories to incorporate high visibility and ultimately transparency across the supply chain. At any point in your supply chain operations, anyone from members of your team to delivery drivers, and even the end user, should be able to access and view the status of an order.

Smart factories result in less wasted time, money, and materials across your organization and supply chain. They provide a more intuitive way to increase your team’s efficiency and productivity, drive down costs, and result in a significant improvement in your operations–by as much as 20+%.

Fully Integrated Smart Factories

Smart operations are fully integrated across all processes, equipment, and materials.  It’s a system your team can count on for accuracy and consistency, even when the workforce is reduced.

●     Conveyor systems, picking solutions, and industrial carousels can help speed the process of picking, shipping, and storage

●     Augmented Reality (AR), IoT, and sensors make it easy for your team to locate products, conduct inventory, and inspect operations

●     Robot automation, very narrow aisle guidance systems, and automated vehicles can assist your team with locating, tracing, and transporting products in a timely manner

Having an integrated and transparent supply chain process means your team will find it easier to forecast, pinpoint, and fix problems that arise.

Next Steps

As your organization considers adopting new tech for smarter operations, take change one step at a time.

Contact IndPro specialists to learn what solutions will be most beneficial to your application.

Preparing for the new normal doesn’t necessarily mean all changes must happen at once. We’ll help you ease into operating smarter and preparing for future success.

IndPro Services

IndPro Services, a leader in U.S. Federal Government and commercial systems procurement, provides efficient, innovative, and results-driven solutions. Dedicated to improving efficiency in warehouse and distribution center operations, we work on the same side of the table with you to help you procure the best possible solution for your specific application.