Warehouse Automation

Logistics trends for 2022: resilience, traceability, and speed

The new logistics trends for 2022 promise to foster more effective, digitized, and sustainable logistics operations to ensure effective logistics service for end customers.

Examples of automated systems and robotics in the warehouse

These examples of automated systems show logistics facilities that have implemented technology to manage, optimize, and streamline their operations.

Automated guided vehicles warehouse: the need for speed

Automated guided vehicles are machines that transport goods between two points or two connected systems in a warehouse, without the need for drivers.

Top 10 most popular content on the Interlake Mecalux website in 2021

From Verlhac Logistique’s automated warehouse in France to our interview with MIT’s Yossi Sheffi: Interlake Mecalux’s top 10 most popular content in 2021.

Warehouse machines: which do I need for each operation?

Warehouse machines are an essential element in any type of logistics facility: they’re responsible for the internal movement of goods in order to streamline operations.

Industry 5.0: more human-centric, sustainable, and resilient

Industry 5.0: in this new paradigm, the human factor takes precedence over industrial robots, which are now at the service of workers to facilitate and optimize industrial activity.

Flexible automation in the warehouse

Flexible automation is based on the design and implementation of personalized automated warehouses adapted to the logistics requirements and specific demands of each customer.

Which to choose: the semi-automated or automated Pallet Shuttle?

The Pallet Shuttle system can be automated or semi-automated depending on the handling equipment that transports the shuttle between the storage channels.

Programmable logic controller (PLC) in logistics: the first step to automation

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a processor responsible for operating an automated system by receiving instructions from higher-level software.

Pick-by-vision: emerging technology for order picking

Pick-by-vision is an order picking method in which warehouse operators receive instructions from the warehouse management system by means of augmented reality glasses.

6 automated warehouse system trends you need to know

Warehouse automation systems are an alternative chosen by many companies from all sectors that are looking to increase their competitiveness and improve the level of service they offer.

Automated logistics: distant future or at full force now?

Automated logistics comprises the introduction and consolidation of all kinds of technologies in the phases that make up the supply chain. Solutions such as autonomous robots and automated storage and ...

Automate your warehouse: a step-by-step guide

Automate your warehouse: this will enable you to optimize logistics costs and increase efficiency as well as safety. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to automate your warehouse.

Smart logistics: new technologies for the warehouse

Smart logistics aims to minimize warehouse operating costs through the use of interconnected devices that automate the processes taking place in the facility.

Warehouse robots: technology automates logistics

Warehouse robots boost the productivity, accuracy and speed of operations. Companies are turning to this technology to drive their supply chains forward.

Tugger train: precursor to automated transportation systems?

Tugger trains can be effective in streamlining goods movements, but only in certain situations. We compare them to other types of automated transportation systems.

Temperature controlled warehouse: energy-efficient design

A temperature controlled warehouse is a logistics facility that houses products in storage systems designed to keep them at a specific temperature.

Collaborative robots and industrial robots: why use them in your warehouse?

Collaborative robots and industrial robots are two solutions that optimize goods movements and increase productivity. So, cobots or industrial robots? That is the question.

Automated storage: speed and accuracy in the warehouse

Automated storage comprises solutions used to store all kinds of goods with the help of handling equipment such as stacker cranes or conveyors.

Semi-automated warehouse: technology and the human factor combined

Semi-automated warehouse: this type of facility combines the efficiency and productivity brought by automation with a certain degree of human intervention.

Logistics automation: the road to maximum efficiency

Logistics automation: equipping a warehouse with automated storage and transportation systems ensures maximum efficiency, reducing operating costs and eliminating errors stemming from manual intervent ...

Tote picking: speedy picking directly in bins

Tote picking consists of grouping the goods that make up an order inside a plastic bin.

Goods-to-person: bringing products to operators

Goods-to-person picking is a new order preparation method that combines automated storage systems and agile, ergonomic workstations.

AMR vs. AGV: differences and which is better

AMR vs. AGV: these automated transportation systems streamline the internal transportation of goods between two areas in a logistics center, saving time and reducing accidents.

Pallet lifts and vertical conveyors in the warehouse

Pallet lift: its main function is to connect the areas in the warehouse located at different heights, among other tasks. It can be operated manually or can comprise an automated vertical conveyor.

Examples of automated storage & retrieval systems

Examples of automated storage & retrieval systems: 5 cases of solutions installed for companies from different sectors and countries and with very diverse logistics needs.

RF scanners and handheld barcode scanners in the warehouse

An RF scanner is a smart device that’s essential in a warehouse, as its ability to transmit the data it collects in real time helps to speed up operations.

Automation and coronavirus: speeding up logistics

Automation and coronavirus: to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have turned to automation to boost their productivity and maintain social distancing between staff.

Advantages of automated storage and retrieval systems

Advantages of automated storage and retrieval systems: AS/RS solutions enable businesses from all sectors to efficiently manage pallets and/or boxes with the help of automated handling equipment.

Automated storage and retrieval systems: types and characteristics

Automated storage and retrieval systems are ideal for speeding up logistics processes, minimizing errors, and improving safety when handling and moving pallets and boxes.

Combined cycles of stacker cranes: capacity vs. speed

In an AS/RS, the combined cycle of a stacker crane refers to pallets being deposited on and removed from racks in a single movement with the aim of reducing travel.

Pharmacy robots: automating small product storage

Pharmacy robots use technology that makes pharmacies agile and efficient, especially those with a large stream of daily customers.

Innovation in logistics: 5 real examples

Innovation in logistics: Interlake Mecalux has extensive experience in this field, adapting to the storage needs of any company and getting the most throughput out of its warehouse operations.

Types of automated storage and retrieval systems: characteristics and advantages

Types of automated storage and retrieval systems: in this post, we’ll run through the most common ones on the market, mainly for pallets and boxes, and analyze their particular features.

Stacker cranes: which type is best for your warehouse?

Stacker cranes: there are various types on the market, charged with inserting and extracting goods in and from their locations completely autonomously and without operator intervention.

Cobots: at your service in the warehouse

Cobots, together with the implementation of warehouse management systems, will raise efficiency and productivity in logistics installations. In this post, we analyze the effect that cobots will have o ...

Dark stores speed up online supermarkets’ logistics systems

Dark stores are warehouses geared towards picking and order fulfillment that generally look like supermarkets but aren’t open to the public.

Storage buffer: streamlining production and dispatch

A storage buffer is a space where goods needed for production lines, order picking, and/or kitting are temporarily housed.

AS/RS warehouse: safe loading and full autonomy

In an AS/RS warehouse, stacker cranes are responsible for inserting and removing goods from their locations with full autonomy and minimal operator intervention.

Cold storage automation and design

Cold storage automation consists of implementing robots and/or other automated systems such as conveyors or stacker cranes in a cold storage warehouse.

E-commerce automation: this is how it’s done

To meet challenges such as the last mile and personalized deliveries, e-commerce warehouses demand automated solutions that ensure maximum productivity and efficiency.

Motorized roller conveyors: when to install them

Motorized roller conveyors speed up the internal transportation of goods. Used in both automated and traditional warehouses, they boost efficiency, save time, and cut costs.

RPA: what is robotic process automation in logistics?

RPA: bots that incorporate robotic process automation technology perform a host of tasks efficiently, reducing costs, boosting productivity, and increasing end-customer satisfaction.

Automatic truck loading and unloading systems

Automatic truck loading and unloading systems can be used to automate the docking area. They make the process more agile and ensure the integrity of both the operators and the goods.

Industrial robotic arms take the wheel

Industrial robotic arms are devices that operate much like a human arm. In this post, we’ll examine their main functions in production and logistics.

Drones take off in the logistics sector

Drones in logistics would have two very different applications: streamlining order deliveries and facilitating warehouse management (inventory, maintenance, goods movements, etc.).

Warehouse control systems: calling the shots

A warehouse control system (WCS) is a system that manages the automated elements in an installation. The software receives instructions from the WMS and coordinates the machinery in the warehouse in o ...

Dock to stock: efficiency starts at the loading dock

Dock to stock: efficiency in this process helps to increase warehouse throughput. Cutting cycle times is possible through the implementation of automated storage systems and digital tools.

3D printing takes supply chain management into a new dimension

3D printing constitutes technology with an enormous potential for transforming logistics and transportation. Its main characteristic is easy product personalization.

Dark warehouses: say hello to full automation

Dark warehouses are installations in which no lighting is required: all processes taking place in them are fully automated, doing away with the need for human intervention.

Smart factories: the way of the future

Production plants are seeking to become smart factories with the help of smart automation and digitalization. What are the characteristics and advantages of smart factories?

Autonomous mobile robots: warehouse applications and uses

Autonomous mobile robots are devices that can perform tasks and move on their own, without human intervention. In this article, we’ll analyze their applications in the warehouse.

Industry 4.0: the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Industry 4.0: what’s it all about? Industry 4.0: find out in our article how this is affecting logistics organization and which technologies are playing a major role in the Fourth Industrial Revolutio ...

Digitalization of logistics

Digitalization applied to logistics refers to all the implications of technological developments for the way companies operate and for the overall supply chain.

Industrial process automation takes off

Industrial process automation constitutes the transfer of functions performed by an operator to a programmable electronic system. What are the trends in warehousing logistics? We’ll show you.

Industrial maintenance in automated warehouses

Industrial maintenance: this is one of the most common concerns when automating an installation. We’ll show you the options you have with Interlake Mecalux.

Warehouse robotics in the Logistics 4.0 era

A robotized or automated warehouse is one that has automatic systems and specialized software to control and handle the goods. Here, we show you the most established systems in the sector.

Roller conveyors: a complete in-warehouse guide

Roller conveyors are an industrial system designed to transport, accumulate and distribute goods in a warehouse. Here are their main in-warehouse applications.

Which warehouse processes can be automated?

How to streamline operations, increase quality and reduce costs Automating certain warehouse processes is the key to achieving it: see for yourself.

Protect your cold chain with these in-warehouse systems

Paying attention to the cold chain during food and medication handling in a warehouse is a challenge. These systems will help you maintain the correct temperature during the process.

When refrigeration meets automation: a perfect warehouse match

More and more cold stores are automating their operations to cut costs and improve process efficiency. Discover the Iberfresco, Schaal Chocolatier and Dafsa success stories.

Cold chain busters: identifying and preventing risks

Identify the weak links where the cold chain could be broken in your logistics process, and take precautions to keep food and pharmaceutical products in good condition.

3 smart warehouses designed by us

These intelligent warehouse projects show the versatility of automated system in conjunction with a WMS like our Easy WMS. Discover how we helped Bem Brasil, Trumpler and GKN Driveline.

How does an AS/RS work?

It is impossible to answer the question of how an AS/RS works without talking about automatable operations beforehand and the systems required to do so.

Automated warehouses: definition and levels of automation

Here we tackle what automated warehousing entails along with the different levels of automation that exist for logistics installations.

Logistics automation: reeling in a quick ROI

Why automate your warehouse? Interlake Mecalux does the math and explains how automated logistics works: it will save you time and money.

Continuous Material Handling 101

What is continuous material handling? What makes it different from traditional handling? What sectors can use it? Our warehouse professionals will give you the big picture.

Industrial conveyors: tricks of the trade

What types of conveyors are there? What questions should you ask yourself before purchasing an in-warehouse conveyor system? Discover how you can find the perfect model for your logistics warehouse.

Automated warehouse vs. Traditional warehouse

Has the competition already automated their warehouses? What solution is a best fit for you? Get to know the different levels in logistics automation to stay on the cutting edge of technology.

How to optimize your logistics

Would you like to fulfil customer needs and optimize your logistics? Weigh these issues and you might find these solutions will make you more efficient than the competition.

Warehouse Technology and Advancements

Prepare yourself for the future of warehouse technology and logistics. See how the Internet of things (IoT) and the analysis of big data are shaping the future of supply chain logistics.

Automated Material Handling: Advanced applications for your warehouse

Not sure how to apply automated material handling systems in your facility to get the most out of these technologies? Learn how to maximize the benefits and ensure successful order fulfillment.

Order Fulfillment Automation Strategies: Which AS/RS system is best for you?

Looking to decrease aisle widths, increase throughput of boxes or decrease labor costs? Discover order fulfillment automation strategies which bring you closer to achieving your objectives.

Implementation of Warehouse Automation Systems: 5 Essential Pillars

From pallet shuttles to stacker cranes, discover the critical systems which take warehouse automation to the highest levels of productivity. Here we explain the essential components and how they work.

Manual & Automated Storage Systems Compared

Want to know more about the pros and cons of manual and automated systems? Learn about the fundamentals of each operational strategy and explore how to take advantage of each for your warehouse.

Warehouse Operations: What processes can be automated?

Which automated processes have the largest impact on productivity? Explore the fundamental warehouse operations which can be significantly optimized through automation.