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Planning for Warehouse Automation: Where to Begin?

November 13, 2024
“Let’s look at this thing from a standpoint of status. What do we got on the spacecraft that’s good? “ –Gene Kranz (Ed Harris), “Apollo 13.” There’s a lot of genius in that simple question. If you haven’t watched the movie, it’s worth a few hours of your time. The quick summary is that the mission was in serious trouble, Gene Kranz had just put on the flight director vest, and he was beginning the process of recovering not just the equipment, but most importantly, the crew of the Apollo 13 spacecraft. The genius in the question is recognizing that you have no ability to reach an endpoint if you don’t know where you are at the beginning.

Strategic Operations in Warehouses: Enhancing Efficiency Through Automation

July 17, 2024
“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.” Bill Gates This quote highlights a fundamental truth: the success of automation hinges not just on the technology itself but on the underlying efficiency of the processes it aims to enhance. This means that strategic planning and process optimization are essential prerequisites for reaping the full benefits of automation in warehouse operations.

The Impact of Material Handling Automation on McDougall & Sons' Cherry Production

June 27, 2024
From orchard to market: See how advanced automation and data analytics from RH Brown, now proudly part of Bastian Solutions, transformed a fourth-generation family business. Wenatchee, Washington, may be known as the "Apple Capital of the World," but is also renowned for its bountiful sweet cherry orchards. McDougall & Sons, a fourth-generation family-owned business, has been growing, processing, and distributing cherries and other tree fruits for decades. With Washington state producing millions of pounds of cherries annually, meeting the demand for fresh and high-quality sweet cherries is no small achievement. McDougall & Sons faced the challenge of increasing processing rates, managing peak capacity, and balancing production across multiple lines. To meet the demand for customers in both domestic and export markets, they partnered with RH Brown. Their collaboration led to significant improvements through advanced material handling automation, warehouse control software, and data analytics, transforming McDougall & Sons' operations and efficiency.

Optimizing Warehouse Efficiency through Human-Automation Collaboration

March 27, 2024
In the dynamic landscape of modern warehouses, the integration of automation has changed the way materials are handled by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. However, the role of humans remains indispensable, bringing cognitive abilities and adaptability to the table. Striking the right balance between humans and automation in warehouse material handling is crucial for optimizing operations and maintaining a competitive edge.

Efficiency and Safety: Navigation in Industrial AVs

March 13, 2024
Within the realm of industrial vehicle automation, the terms “dynamic path planning” and “obstacle avoidance” have recently generated buzz. On the surface, the idea of an AV (autonomous vehicle) having the capability to independently navigate around unforeseen obstacles appears to be a valuable feature. And, make no mistake, there are certainly specific applications where that feature can be beneficial. This blog post will expand on the other navigation methods and why AV OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) make the deliberate choice to use them.

MODEX 2024: Where Your Automation Journey Begins

February 28, 2024
As a leading systems integrator, Bastian Solutions understands material handling solutions do not come in a one-size-fits-all package. The company holds decades of experience across a broad spectrum of industry verticals and our experts partner with customers to engineer warehouse automation and material handling systems designed to achieve business objectives. Bastian is eager to exhibit at MHI’s MODEX 2024 trade show March 11-14 in Atlanta, Georgia. Booth B5619 will feature various automation and technology, along with opportunities to learn more about how Bastian can help select, implement and optimize the right material handling equipment and processes to Engineer Your Competitive Edge!

Beyond Automation: Building Long-Term Relationships for Operational Excellence

December 20, 2023
In today's dynamic and competitive business landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to improve their operational efficiency and achieve sustainable growth. While automation solutions can offer significant benefits, true success lies in building long-term partnerships that go beyond simply providing equipment.

3PLs and Material Handling Integration

December 06, 2023
When people hear the term 3PL, they might ask questions such as: “What is a 3PL?” A 3PL or third-party logistics is a business that provides logistics operations to other business. These value-added logistic services include:

Bridging the Labor Gap: Common Warehouse Automation Considerations

October 18, 2023
The ongoing labor shortage crisis is being felt across various sectors, with warehousing being no exception, and its impact threatens efficiency and productivity. The question being asked today by most manufacturers and distributors is not “Should I automate?” but rather “When and how much should I automate?” To best answer those questions, it’s crucial to first understand common material handling and automation considerations.

Bridging the Labor Gap: Warehouse Automation's Role in Addressing Labor Shortages

October 11, 2023
In today's rapidly evolving global economy, industries are facing a unique challenge: labor shortages. The shortage of skilled and unskilled laborers is being felt across various sectors, with warehousing being no exception. Warehouses serve as the backbone of the supply chain, but the ongoing labor shortage crisis threatens their efficiency and productivity. Thankfully, technology has stepped in to address this challenge with the implementation of warehouse automation. In this blog post, we will explore the labor shortage issue, its causes, and how warehouse automation is revolutionizing the industry, ensuring smooth operations and boosting productivity.

Is It Time for Warehouse Automation? Identifying the Need

August 24, 2023
Are you considering refining your warehouse operations and improving customer satisfaction? One of the transformative solutions that has gained significant traction in recent years is automating warehouses by integrating material and product processes through material handling equipment. By introducing and integrating robots, conveyor systems with intralogistics solutions, companies can revolutionize the way warehouses can run. However, the question remains – how do you know when warehouse automation is needed?

Digging into the Data: Understanding Leading vs. Lagging Metrics and Setting Effective KPI Targets

June 28, 2023
In today's data-driven world, organizations rely on KPIs (key performance indicators) to measure their progress towards achieving business objectives. In order to really dig into a company’s metrics, there are two important concepts to grasp when working with KPIs: leading and lagging metrics, and effective targets. By understanding the difference between these types of metrics and how to set appropriate KPI targets, businesses can make informed decisions and drive meaningful improvements.

Process and System Efficiency: You Can’t Improve What You Don’t Measure

April 26, 2023
KPIs are quantifiable metrics used to measure the success of a particular process or system. They are typically tied to specific objectives and goals and are used to track progress over time. KPIs are an essential tool for businesses to measure the effectiveness of their operations, identify areas of improvement and make informed decisions. This includes the material handling and automation industry.

10 Warehousing Challenges & Key Factors to Finding the Right Automation Solution

April 12, 2023
Managing a distribution or manufacturing facility can be challenging. It can be very easy to get so focused on the technical details of various automation solutions. The danger is that it’s easy to lose sight of the main goal, the reason behind adding automation – meeting business objectives and improving business operations.

Can Outsourcing Preventative Maintenance Save You Money?

March 29, 2023
Despite the high value and need, it’s not uncommon for warehouse automation system maintenance to be trimmed from a company’s budget and priority. Outsourcing is one way to keep maintenance costs down but still protect your operation. In this post, we look at how.
Posted in General Blogs

Os cinco principais benefícios do Pick to Light explicados

November 08, 2022
Você já precisou fazer compras em um mercado que nunca frequentou? Você fica com aquela sensação de impotência de tentar descobrir o que exatamente é uma “Fruta do Conde” e muito menos tentar localizá-la na seção de produtos (graças a Deus “fruta” está no nome). Claro, talvez você tenha algumas pistas para ajudá-lo a chegar lá (placas de corredor, intuição geral), mas sabe que terá uma frustrante caça ao tesouro na próxima hora para completar sua lista.

How to Navigate Significant Shifts When Upgrading Warehouse Software

May 18, 2022
Supply chains and warehouse operations are under a spotlight with many moving towards adding small- and large-scale automation solutions with software upgrades to match. Identifying and navigating those changes is not easy but the right warehouse software platform and integrator can help make the shift seamless.

Is Pick to Light Right for You? Streamline Picking Processes with Easy, Visual Cues

April 27, 2022
Are you looking for a way to eliminate waste within your picking process? Are you struggling to achieve accuracy metrics? Does your operation suffer from constant turnover or accommodate seasonality? If any of these scenarios hit a little too close to home, a pick to light solution may be a good choice to optimize your operation! In this article, I will go over the functionality, advantages and operations best suited for this technology.

Automation is Becoming the New Normal in India Warehousing

March 29, 2022
The warehousing industry has grown in the last few years by becoming more intentionally planned, multifaceted and accessible. It’s a push towards automation. This will progress further in the upcoming years, especially as companies look to meet customer’s fast fulfilment expectations and challenges like labour and real estate availability continue. The last few decades have shed a light on how products get to consumers, bringing increased attention to warehousing and distribution which has evolved the focus bringing substantial study and investment.

Conveyor Systems: The Easiest Automation for Speedy Workflows

February 22, 2022
For decades, conveyor systems have been crucial for warehousing and logistics operations. Conveyor systems are used in all fundamental warehouse processes to transport raw materials out of storage to the production line, move products into other storage devices, and move final product into packaging lines, or transport packaged products to shipping. It is the most basic automation for anyone in the facility to transfer materials between long distances on varying elevations.

Solving India's Complex Supply Chain Integration Challenges

January 11, 2022
This decade has seen the most dramatic shifts in technologies, especially in the adoption of digital transformation. Every department in the organization has developed its unique way of digitization to connect with its buyers. With this, the nature of supply chain challenges faces a new level; the distribution centres across India have a boost in SKUs, which requires handling throughputs with minimal error. On the other hand, customers are much aware of the processes and seek real-time tracking, which organizations often fail to understand. Let’s take a look at the challenges and potential solutions.

Top 5 Benefits of Pick to Light Explained

January 05, 2022
Pick to light has become a staple of warehouse distribution and order picking. Here are the top 5 benefits. What if there was an easier, automated way to locate these items? Say, when you want to find an item a beacon of light illuminates to direct you to the appropriate aisle, and then another beacon of light illuminates to get you to the correct shelf, and eventually the exact location on the shelf.

Getting Started with Custom Warehouse Automation Solutions Development

November 18, 2021
Unique challenges invite opportunities for custom automation solutions – custom design and engineering. So, how does the process work? We meet you at your current state and lead you through our development process based on your custom needs.

Adaptaciones y reconfiguración: lo que debe saber antes de modernizar su sistema de automatización

October 14, 2021
Si ha formado parte de una empresa que haya acometido planes de adaptación o transición, conocerá los retos que se afrontan al desarrollar un proyecto con las operaciones en marcha. En Bastian Solutions vemos cada año muchos proyectos con operaciones en marcha, como los de mejora o modernización de las operaciones existentes. Esos proyectos son mucho más complicados que los que se ejecutan en instalaciones flamantes o existentes que aún no se encuentran operativas. Cuando se emprenden proyectos de adaptación en operaciones existentes, los directivos de la empresa deben esforzarse para mantener las operaciones cotidianas en marcha con poca o ninguna interrupción para no debilitar el servicio al cliente. Las reconfiguraciones, cuando un nuevo sistema se instala online en una operación directa, también debe manejarse con cuidado para reducir los tiempos de inactividad y las interrupciones en general.

3 Common Processes You Can Automate with AGVs

July 07, 2021
“Automate it.” Every industrial engineer is familiar with this phrase, whether it comes from executives or industry demand. Today’s businesses are always looking to make their processes more efficient and flexible, and automation can be one of the best tools to achieve these goals in light of business growth and market changes. Reaping the most benefit from a modernized system isn’t easy and requires careful planning. Achieving operational goals of increased productivity and decreased waste within your budget, are a significant challenge. No two automated material handling solutions are ever the same. Each company and industry sector may require different solutions based on their specific objectives, parameters and constraints.

4 Ways Warehouse Industrial Robots Can Maximize Your ROI

June 30, 2021
Analyzing the tasks, rates and capabilities can help not only maximize the robotic system but also help reduce the need for ancillary equipment and additional investments, creating a more streamline operation.

4 Types of DC Automation Maintenance for Less Operation Downtime

June 02, 2021
Maintenance in the material handling industry can be put into four distinct categories: Reactive, Preventive, Predictive or Reliability Centered Maintenance practices. No matter if you have just a small conveyor system or a multimillion dollar fully automated distribution center you will have to perform maintenance activities to keep the equipment running. For each method, there are pros and cons.

Modernizing DC Operations: Automation Requires Management

March 24, 2021
More companies are starting to prioritize automation while those that had already put a lot of focus on automation are not looking to slow down. In fact, there is greater emphasis on it. Companies are realizing the competitive advantages that automation provides and are starting to challenge why adding a goods to person or ASRS system may or may not work in their business.

B2B Warehousing: Automation to Transform your Operations

September 30, 2020
Our second webinar of the Supply Chain Explained: LIVE series featured advice from Bastian Solutions’ Director of Consulting, Jason Tenorio, on challenges everyone in the B2B warehousing world is facing.

Throwing Good Money After Bad: Addressing Failed Operational Investments

June 09, 2020
Throwing good money after bad often happens without the realization that it’s being done. We’ve worked with several clients over the years where the common thread across projects has been an investment in something of considerable capital value that simply isn’t well suited for the client’s operation.

A New Graduate's Experience in the Warehouse Automation Environment

June 03, 2020
Graduating from university is an exciting and meaningful milestone for many. Following shortly after is a huge leap into the first full-time position of your career

How Automated Material Handling Systems Impact Warehouse Facility Design

January 30, 2020
Automated material handling systems often have requirements that exceed typical warehouse design considerations. These are the items to keep in mind to ensure your new distribution facility can properly house these complex systems.

The Value of a Good System Test Plan and Test Scenarios

November 06, 2019
As distribution centers become more automated, a well thought-out and formal warehouse system test plan and test scenarios can help conquer these increasingly complex systems.
Posted in System Automation

What is AutoStore?

June 04, 2019
Learn more about this unique automated warehouse storage system and what makes it the best option for maximizing storage density.
Posted in System Automation

5 Questions to Ask When Considering AGVs

November 30, 2018
Wondering whether automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are the right solution for your material handling problem? These 5 questions will help.

Navigating the World of Automated Warehouse Vehicles

May 12, 2017
The world of automated warehouse vehicles can be confusing. Just consider the various types of available guidance systems: wire-guidance, magnetic tape and magnetic paint, laser-guidance, inertial navigation, and camera based imaging (i.e. vision-guidance). When you factor in the type of vehicle, e.g. tugger, unit load, custom, etc., the task of selecting a specific platform can be overwhelming.

Put Walls: The Low Investment Solution for E-Commerce Order Fulfillment

May 24, 2016
E-Commerce Sales around the globe have eclipsed previous records continuously for the past ten years, and it’s easy to see why. Consumers can purchase everything from household commodities to a lock of Justin Beiber's hair and all from the comfort of their home.

What You Should Expect From a Warehouse Control System

May 21, 2013
Making the move to automate warehouse processes and operations is no small decision. Not to mention that choosing the type of automation, and how much of it you plan to install, can significantly affect the success of the project. There are many factors to consider and...
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