As every industry responds to its respective disruptions, new intralogistics trends and modern tools emerge annually to help organizations stay ahead. Shoppa’s, always at the forefront of innovation, offers comprehensive understanding of the trends that will become essential to intralogistics and material handling processes in 2024.
Employee Efficiency & Satisfaction:
One of the major obstacles faced by organizations today is the shortage of skilled workers. With the workforce growing older and the pool of talented individuals shrinking, companies in the intralogistics and material handling industry are compelled to seek innovative solutions to address this pressing issue. In 2024, we can expect a significant emphasis on automation and robotics to enhance employee productivity.
Technologies like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots (cobots) will play a crucial role in streamlining operations and reducing the dependence on human labor. In the future, robots will be capable of handling most labor-intensive tasks, but for now, organizations strive to ensure that their operations are as ergonomic as possible. Due to the limited availability of workers, companies will need to prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of their existing employees to avoid burnout and high turnover rates.
Demand for Instant Insight:
The need for immediate access to real-time insights has become crucial for making effective decisions. As customer expectations continue to evolve, businesses must ensure that they have seamless visibility and control over their supply chains. To achieve this, the use of WMS software streamlines inventory management while minimizing cost and lead times.
It is not just consumers who demand instant gratification; supply chains are also evolving rapidly, leaving little time to wait for expensive, customized systems. While lead times for material handling solutions have improved since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
As a result, there will likely be a significant shift towards off-the-shelf, quick-ship conveyor solutions that can be easily configured within a short timeframe. These solutions have the advantage of being readily available and can be implemented almost overnight, enabling businesses to quickly adapt to the changing demands of their supply chain.
Digitally Evolving:
The digital transformation wave is sweeping across industries, and intralogistics and material handling are no exception. In 2024, we can expect a significant shift towards integrated digital systems that connect all aspects of the supply chain. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) will be at the forefront, driving efficiency and accuracy in processes such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and warehouse operations. Cloud-based software solutions will enable seamless collaboration and data sharing, creating a connected ecosystem.
Sustainability and Green Initiatives:
Electric equipment, known for its eco-friendliness, will become more prevalent and cater to various industries. Unlike liquid propane (LP) and diesel equipment, electric forklifts emit no emissions as it operates on rechargeable batteries. Moreover, the adoption of circular supply chains will gain significance, encouraging the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials in material handling processes. Our valued power partner, Viking Power, offers a comprehensive recycling program and water treatment services that not only safeguard your financial interests but also protect the environment. Ensuring proper recycling and disposal of batteries, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal-hydride batteries, is essential in maintaining a clean environment within your business in 2024.
E-commerce Boom:
The rise of e-commerce has revolutionized the way consumers shop, and this trend is expected to further accelerate in 2024. As online shopping becomes the norm, intralogistics and material handling will have to adapt to support the rapidly expanding e-commerce market. Same-day and next-day delivery will become the new normal, necessitating efficient warehouse layouts, high-speed sorting systems, and optimized last-mile logistics solutions.
Be Ready For The New Year
At Shoppa’s, we understand the importance of staying competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment. Our dedicated team of experts is ready to assist you in embracing the latest trends and implementing effective strategies. Take the first step by requesting a consultation or giving us a call at 866-506-2200, where our experts will guide you in creating solutions that optimize efficiency, promote sustainability, and enhance customer satisfaction.