The study reports on the forward-thinking fulfilment strategies companies are focusing on to keep up with the growth of the on-demand economy.
Both automation and worker augmentation solutions will be a key focus for decision makers’ plans during the next five years. More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents agree that augmenting workers with technology is the best way to introduce automation in the warehouse, but only 35% have a clear understanding of where to start automating.
Eighty-seven percent of decision-makers are currently in the process of or planning to expand the size of their warehouses by 2024, with 82% anticipating an increase in the number of warehouses during this timeframe.
“IT and operations decision-makers are prepared to meet this heightened demand over the next five years by taking an incremental approach to modernizing their warehouse operations, in which they will first work to improve individual and team productivity while achieving workflow conformity,” said Mark Wheeler, director of supply chain solutions, Zebra Technologies.
By 2024, leaders will shift their focus to the integration of more holistic solutions to build data-powered environments that balance labour and automation in the warehouse, ultimately empowering front-line workers with a performance edge to lead the way.”Key findings
The investment and implementation of new technologies is critical for remaining competitive in the on-demand economy