Warehouses are critical hubs in the supply chain and can be categorized based on their specific purpose. Here are some common types:
Public Warehouses: Operated by third-party providers and shared by multiple businesses for storage.
Private Warehouses: Owned by large retailers or manufacturers for storing their own inventory.
Automated Warehouses: Highly automated facilities that use robots and smart systems to handle, store, and retrieve goods.
Climate-Controlled Warehouses: Designed for storing goods that require specific environmental conditions, such as pharmaceuticals or perishable food.
Each type of warehouse faces unique operational challenges. The Warehouse Classification Matrix helps determine the right level of automation by comparing operational complexity with labor intensity. For example:
Distribution centers: Moderate complexity, higher labor
Centralized warehouses: High complexity, lower labor
Large fulfillment centers: High complexity and labor
This framework helps businesses choose the best-fit automation strategy for their warehouse type and workflow.
Figure 2: Warehouse classification matrix
1. Challenges in Warehouse Operations
Warehouses today face significant challenges that are accelerating the shift toward autonomous solutions like AMRs:
Labor Shortages - A shrinking labor pool and rising costs make it difficult to maintain operations 24/7. AMRs help fill the gap by handling repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
Space Utilization - As product diversity increases, efficient use of warehouse space becomes critical. AMRs navigate tight layouts and help improve storage density.
Efficiency and Speed - In fast-paced environments like e-commerce, delays in manual handling slow down fulfillment. AMRs enable faster order processing and continuous flow.
Accuracy - Manual picking leads to errors and returns. AMRs equipped with vision systems and real-time data integration increase picking accuracy.
Cycle Times - Reducing the time from receiving to shipping is vital. AMRs optimize these workflows by ensuring timely material movement.
To address these challenges, several technologies have emerged. Here's how automation is reshaping warehouse operations:
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): AS/RS systems are designed to automate the storage and retrieval of goods, minimizing human labor and speeding up operations. These systems are ideal for warehouses dealing with large volumes of goods in fixed locations. AS/RS systems are used for both small and large items and are particularly beneficial for maximizing vertical space in high-density storage environments.
Pick-to-Light / Put-to-Light Systems: These enhance manual operations with guided lighting cues, improving accuracy and speed in order picking.
Automated Sortation Systems: Conveyors and scanners sort items by size or destination. While effective for high-volume operations, AMRs offer more flexibility for decentralized and dynamic environments.
Drones: Used for inventory scanning in large facilities. While promising, drone adoption is still limited.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): These are game-changers. Powered by sensors, LiDAR, and AI, AMRs from SK Robotics:
Navigate dynamically in real-time
Transport goods between storage, picking, and packing areas
Adapt to layout changes without fixed infrastructure
Reduce dependency on manual labor
Scale easily to match business growth
At SK Robotics, our AMRs are purpose-built for modern warehouse operations, flexible, intelligent, and ready to optimize your material handling, whether you're running a distribution center, e-commerce hub, or automated fulfillment center.
