Clients in the News: Ever since Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the first loaf-at-a-time bread-slicing machine, automation has played a major role in the baking industry. Now, in today’s fast paced world of technology and efficiency, warehouse automation has been implemented in an increasingly growing number of bakeries, and it’s not hard to see why. Bakeries are challenged with managing their inventory’s short shelf-life and SKU complexity, but with the help of warehouse automation, product flow is streamlined in order to effectively meet growing customer demand.
According to Global Industry Analysts, the global market for bakery products is expected to exceed $570 billion by 2024. In order for companies to continue meeting the growing demand, they will have to implement solutions to increase efficiency over the next few years using current resources. Warehouse automation is a long-term solution that can help companies meet current demand, and position themselves for growth to meet future demand.
To make better use of resources, bakers can use an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) and warehouse execution system (WES). When combined, these systems can increase inventory visibility and control by providing real-time data, allowing manufactures to increase overall operational efficiency, and plan better for future production and supply chain strategies. In addition, warehouse automation can help to increase space utilization, reduce overhead costs and increase worker safety.