It’s no exaggeration to say the landscape of warehousing and distribution is undergoing a seismic shift, driven in part by rapid advancements in technologies—especially in areas like supply chain data capture and automation.
But tech isn’t the only driver of industry change. Just as warehouse and DC operators are increasingly implementing new tech to support efficiency and productivity improvements, employee demographics are also changing. A generation of workers are moving toward retirement and at the same time, digital-native Millennials and Gen Z have become the workplace majority.
For operations and IT decision-makers, today’s challenge is twofold: The need to integrate automation solutions that boost speed and efficiency is urgent—but employees also need to quickly build the skills so they can optimally leverage all that new tech.
In any warehouse transformation, a clear plan is a must to avoid causing alarm or fear. Let’s start with this: Reskilling involves training employees in wholly new skill sets, most often to prepare them for new or different roles.
Upskilling, on the other hand, is all about enhancing, adapting, and adding new competencies within a worker’s role. So when you’re implementing new warehouse tech, some employee upskilling is to be expected.
If upskilling sounds daunting, here’s your reality check: Today’s warehouse automation solutions make work safer, more efficient and accurate, and more enjoyable for employees of all generations. And end-user enablement technologies make upskilling a user-friendly experience that can help retain your longer-tenured workers as well.
In short, warehouse workers don’t require reskilling. Instead, they need—and want—opportunities to upskill and keep growing.
Digital-native Millennial and Gen Z workers find it second nature to adapt to new technologies and work with advanced human-machine interfaces (HMIs)—but the really good news is that HMI advances don’t demand a lot of technical expertise to operate. Intuitive, user-friendly design makes it easier than ever for workers of all generations and a wider range of abilities to successfully collaborate with automation technologies.
Efficient, easy-to-use touchscreen mobile interfaces can integrate with existing WMS and/or ERP solutions, streamlining onboarding and training processes for new employees. With expert guidance, your optimized mobile user interfaces (UIs) can:
All together, UI optimization helps reduce manual processes and help workers become more productive in less time. That not only benefits your productivity KPIs, but it also lends new employees a sense of empowerment and task mastery from the start—so they’re more likely to stick with it for the long term.
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are modernizing material transport on the warehouse floor. They’re designed to work safely alongside employees, not to replace them, and can carry even heavy loads over long distances. Workers are happy to leave tedious and/or physically demanding jobs to these collaborative robots—or cobots—so they can focus their attention on tasks that add real human value to warehouse operations.
One critical key to a successful cobot implementation is communication. When workers are assured their jobs aren’t at risk, and when they learn about the benefits automation can bring to their workday, they’ll welcome the new addition to your production floor.
Gamification strategies and real-time based incentive programs can turn even the most mundane tasks into enjoyable and interactive challenges that boost productivity and employee satisfaction. It’s a win-win for employers looking to increase efficiency, and for workers seeking a more engaging work environment. Just a few of the benefits include:
RELATED: Level Up Your Warehouse With Gamification
Hands-free and wearable technologies like glove and ring barcode scanners, ruggedized headsets, and vehicle-mounted devices level up workers’ speed and efficiency while supporting remarkable accuracy on the job. Wearables are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for all-day use—and an immersive end-user experience for your gamification strategies.
Their intuitive and user-friendly designs also help make warehouse work more accessible for differently-abled workers, helping you distinguish your operations as an employer of choice.
One of the most significant advantages of automation and wearable tech is the enhancement of worker safety. By reducing the need for manual tasks and offering hands-free solutions, these technologies minimize the risk of improper lifting and carrying, and repetitive-stress injuries.
Introducing AMRs and/or AGVs, instead of adding human-operated forklifts and pallet jacks, can also minimize the risk of fork truck collisions and near-misses in your facilities. After all, worker safety is the ultimate win. It’s not just about making tasks easier or more efficient; it’s about creating a safer, more inclusive work environment that benefits everyone.
Just as your operations need future-proofing, so do employees’ careers. Start by taking an upskilling approach as you implement automation and end-user enablement technologies. It’s easy to learn more about how simple yet innovative AGVs can enhance workplace safety and support operational excellence. Get the facts on AGVs today!
