Key Points
- The Great Resignation refers to the increased rate at which U.S. employees quit their jobs beginning in the spring of 2021 due to the pandemic.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehouse labor shortages were 40.3% in 2016 and 44.0% in 2018. In 2020, the rate increased to 59.5%.
- Modern distribution centers are reducing staff turnover rates by implementing automated warehouse logistic systems at their facilities.
- Over the last several years, warehouse facilities have implemented robots to address warehouse labor shortages.
- Investing in automated warehouse logistic solutions that make your employees’ lives easier is a great way to address warehouse labor shortages at your facility.
- Modula VLMs produce an ROI in six to 12 months on average thanks to increased productivity and accuracy.
The Great Resignation and Warehouse Labor Shortages
The Great Resignation refers to the increased rate at which U.S. employees quit their jobs beginning in the spring of 2021 due to the pandemic. This phenomenon significantly impacted a wide range of industries, including warehousing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehouse labor shortages were 40.3% in 2016 and 44.0% in 2018. In 2020, the rate increased to 59.5%.
Modern distribution centers are lowering staff turnover rates by implementing automated warehouse logistic systems that reduce labor-intensive tasks and improve processes.
How Robots Improve Warehouse Labor Shortages at Your Facility
Robots aren’t new to American manufacturing. For years, automotive manufacturers have used robotic automation on assembly lines to handle thermal processes like spot welding. But over the last several years, warehouse facilities have implemented robots to address warehouse labor shortages.
An Affordable Automated Warehouse Solution
Economies of scale are also lowering the price of robotic systems. Robots are becoming more affordable because manufacturers are developing off-the-shelf models so warehouse owners can easily purchase robots rather than developing systems independently. Using robots as an automated warehouse solution is also becoming more popular because facilities can use them for multiple operation processes thanks to their user-friendly interface and flexibility.
Boosting Productivity and Efficiency
While using robots to address warehouse labor shortages is a recent solution, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) have been around for several years. This automated warehouse logistic system improves warehouse picking efficiency by bringing the part to the picker instead of the employee walking over to pick the part. Combining AS/RS and robotic solutions at your facility can further boost your productivity.
Modula Vertical Lift Modules: The Answer to Your Warehouse Labor Shortage Problems
The Modula Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is an automated storage system that improves productivity by reducing the time it takes for operators to retrieve items from traditional shelving. In certain facility setups, using a robot and VLM can reduce warehouse labor shortage issues by performing tasks that typically require human interaction, like removing items from a VLM tray and placing them on a conveyor system.
The Benefits of Modula VLMs
According to one of the largest manufacturers of Servos, AC Drives and Robotics Automation: Modula VLMs produce an ROI in six to 12 months on average thanks to increased productivity and accuracy.
There are several other benefits advantages to using a Modula VLM at your facility:
Optimize Warehouse Space
With the Modula VLM, you can save up to 90% of floor space compared to traditional warehouse storage methods. Conventional storage methods have a maximum height of 25 feet, while VLMs can be well over that—and don’t take up a significant amount of square footage.
Increase Productivity
Modula VLMs save time picking items and eliminate human-related picking errors. Carousels rotate horizontally, creating a slower product retrieval process, while VLMs pick up items immediately.
Ensure Employee Safety and Satisfaction
VLMs also give your employees a safer work environment, reducing the risk of job injuries by removing the strain related to reaching and bending motions.
Improve Your Automated Warehouse Logistic Solutions
Southwest helps you implement automated warehouse logistic solutions that make your employees’ lives easier and address warehouse labor shortages at your facility. Providing the Modula VLM is one way we lower employee turnover rates and improve facility efficiency. With this system, you can increase your warehouse floor space, improve working conditions for your employees, and enhance productivity. Contact us today to learn more about the Modula VLM, an automated warehouse logistic solution.
