In modern supply chains, there continues to be an increasing demand for automation and robotics to keep up with the ever-growing demand. Straps and strapping tools will likely change with the rest of the supply chain, including robotic and automated strapping tools, which are already playing a significant role in modern supply chains globally. At Strapping-Products.com, we bring our clients the modern tools and materials they need to meet the increasing demands of supply chains. Let’s look closer at the role of strapping products in automation and robotics in the modern supply chain.
The Evolution of Warehouse Automation
Before the 1980s, most warehouse work was done with manual labor and tools. This placed considerable strain on warehouse workforces, limited their efficiency, and increased the risk of workplace related injuries. In the 1980s, we began to see more automation in warehouse work, with conveyor belts becoming more common and affordable, basic automated tools, and bar codes to replace paperwork. By the 2000s, warehouse management systems and RFID technology had streamlined inventory control, strapping machines had improved load containment, and palletizing robots had become common. Today, in the 2020s, AI-powered robotics, fully automated machines, and complete system integration have completely changed how the modern supply chain is fed from warehouses.
How Strapping Products Integrate with Modern Automation Systems
While many things have changed in warehouses, proper strapping is vital, even with automated systems. Conveyor belts, for example, require their loads to be adequately secured with straps to ensure they run smoothly around the clock. Robotic and depalletizers rely on workers properly securing their loads with straps to prevent downtime with robotic handling due to improperly secured loads. Automated storage and retrieval machines rely on their loads to be adequately secured, as an unsecured load can cause failures and delays. Finally, automated strapping machines can secure loads with the right strapping material for the right load, eliminating or reducing the need for manual strapping. While modern automation continues to change the supply chain, strapping products will play a vital role in warehouses.
Benefits of Automated Strapping Solutions
Automated strapping machines bring several benefits to your warehouse operations. Faster strapping times allow more products to be secured in a shorter time and can reduce labor costs. Automated strapping provides more consistent strapping, leading to fewer damaged products due to improperly secured loads or using the wrong strapping material. Additionally, automated strapping tools improve workplace safety by eliminating the need for manual strapping, which can lead to overuse injuries in workers, and cut down on improper strapping techniques associated with warehouse injuries.
Key Considerations When Implementing Automated Strapping
Before implementing automated strapping solutions in your warehouse, be sure to keep the following considerations in mind:
- Compatibility – Compatibility with existing systems, including conveyor belts, load types, and your warehouse layout, should be considered to see where automated strapping tools best serve your team.
- Training – Your team will also need to learn how to properly work with these new systems and the type of maintenance required to keep these machines up and running.
- Return on Investment – Finally, your investment cost should be compared to your anticipated savings from decreased labor costs and increased efficiency. Strapping-Products.com is here to get you started with our modern automated strapping tools and supplies.
Future Proof Your Warehouse Today With Help From Strapping-Products.com
Strapping-Products.com has an excellent inventory of affordably priced straps and automated strapping products to bring your warehouse into the modern era of automated warehouse operations. To learn more about automated strapping machines and how you can get them into your warehouse at an incredible price point, contact our team at (888) 803-8140.
