_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Automation
by highly intelligent software , it will be important to stick to the basics : prioritizing process , then people , then technology . Resources should be treated equally and fed in real-time with high rates of work to accomplish maximum efficiency . Doing the job correctly means that your resources get more to do ; work begets work and avoiding dormancy is key .
Focusing on built-in flexibility and data driven decision-making will be important to make sure operators are injecting automation only where it makes sense , avoiding redundancy and considering scalability . Similarly , caution should be taken against misapplication or technologies that are not fully integrated . This is where a systems integrator like VARGO ® sets itself apart with experts that not only develop processes but have extensive experience in production environments .
crucial for cutting edge companies to engage systems integrators with applied knowledge to see the full impact of their investments .
■ Evolution of legacy methods . Successful systems integrators will help organizations remove the restrictions still in place from legacy methods and unleash results with new processes and software that supports them . With this evolution , solutions that were previously too expensive will become more attainable as vendors adapt pricing models .
■ Becoming leaner . To keep up with the Amazon effect , cutting out waste will be a major focus , and businesses must focus on lean efficiency so that the goals of the operation become an inevitable side effect . With the help of an expert systems integrator , faster order cycle times and increased order accuracy are within reach .
■ Maintaining flow . The addition of new technologies also comes with the challenges of maintaining flow alongside new functions . Building flow needs to seamlessly alternate between expediency during critical shipping windows , and efficiency when shipments are not the priority . Automating the human decision processes and assignment of resources will be key to a successful operation . ■
The future of automation
While we have seen a significant boom in the growth of technology , we are not yet at the crest of the wave . Some things to be on the lookout for are :
■ Siloed solutions . We can expect to see new technologies coming to market become increasingly more siloed as part of the process rather than the entire operation . With this , vendors will be able to own a space or function .
■ Growth in systems integration . With that piece-by-piece approach , it will be
Art Eldred www . vargosolutions . com
Art Eldred is the Vice President and Growth Officer at VARGO ®, a proven integrator of intelligently designed fulfillment solutions across all work resources . As a supply chain professional and member of the executive board , Art oversees the company ’ s customer-centric strategy , as well as optimizing business partnerships and vendor relationships .
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