1. Space Savings
Automated storage systems make significantly better use of available space than manual solutions. Instead of keeping wide aisles clear, storage is compacted into an aisle-free grid. This creates space savings of up to 70 %, freeing up the newly available floor area for production or new value-adding steps.
2. Reducing Error Rates
Incorrectly picked items lead to rework, returns, or production downtime. This hampers the efficiency of warehouse operations and makes downstream processes dependent on picking performance. Robot-assisted warehouse processes measurably lower the error rate and deliver consistently high throughput. This significantly increases efficiency in the small parts warehouse.
3. Relieving Employees
Automated warehouses take over routine tasks such as searching, walking, and carrying. This allows employees to focus on value-adding activities, which becomes especially relevant in times of staff shortages.
4. Stocktaking
Stocktaking often ties up the entire team for many hours. If errors occur, they have to be corrected with additional time and effort. An automated storage system significantly reduces this workload, since every container and its contents are tracked digitally and stock levels are recorded in real time.
Real-World Example
A mid-sized manufacturing company invests in an automated small parts warehouse.
- Its annual stocktaking costs under manual warehousing run into several thousand euros due to staff time, production interruptions, and correction effort.
- After implementing an automation solution, its stocktaking effort drops significantly thanks to continuous, real-time stock tracking.
- Together with the other benefits, such as the space gained and the reduced error rates, the investment pays for itself after 1.5 years.
5. Conclusion
Anyone who calculates the ROI of warehouse automation using only space and throughput gains is leaving out decisive factors. Stocktaking, error prevention, and employee relief in particular are especially compelling for SMEs.
