“Caja Robotics has done projects in the United States where ours is the main element, but there are additional solutions that link to ours from beginning to end,” adds Yanovsky. “This is an important element for customers.” While some companies are anxious to implement robotics quickly, others that know they need to add automation to speed throughput, maximize storage space, and improve safety remain reluctant to move forward. “A surprisingly small percentage of the warehouse population uses robotics,” says Scriven. FEAROFCHANGE A primary obstacle to adoption is fear of change. “People are terrified about blowing up their fulfillment strategy,” Seidl says, adding that inertia is his biggest competitor. “The amount of change management in robotics systems is dramatically higher because you eliminate and completely replace the existing process,” he notes. Even so, robotics offer lower-risk solutions. “Nobody wants to waste money or make a big mistake, but they don’t have to be as afraid about getting it right because the cost to switch isn’t as high,” says Klappich. “Some companies bring in five robots that do what they expect them to, then add five more, and then another five more.” Another problem with the low adoption rate is there are fewer industry mentors or colleagues who have gone through the process to learn from. “You need to be personally and professionally brave and the company you work for has to be brave,” Seidl says. “It’s a huge step forward for them,” agrees Ilan Cohen, CEO of Caja Robotics. His firm often overcomes reluctance by piloting automation in a small area of a warehouse before expanding. “This allows the company to see that they can still work hand-in-hand with other areas and that automation doesn’t interfere with operations,” he says. Understanding that robotics solutions are more flexible than conventional, large-scale automation also helps reduce anxiety levels among Caja’s customers.
Solutions such as GreyOrange’s Ranger GTP intelligent autonomous mobile robots can improve speed and accuracy, cut operating costs, and empower the warehouse workforce.
consulting firm MacGregor Partners. Finding someone with the right experience can be a challenge. “Most robotics people work in warehouse control systems while warehouse people use warehouse management systems,” Futch says. “Many companies try to bring those two together so there’s one brain, not two.” MAKEALIST, CHECK ITTWICE Yanovsky recommends using a methodical approach to understanding options and making an informed decision. “List and prioritize needs,” she says. “Identify pain points, then get educated about solutions.” Automation is no longer a “nice to have” but a “must have,” she adds. Factor in software integration capabilities when exploring vendors. “Make sure the robotics vendors you consider have already integrated their control systems software into the warehouse management system or ERP solution you use,” says Seidl. He also recommends working with a provider that has experience in your industry segment. The technology is new enough and the market large enough that there’s a sense of collaboration rather than competition among providers. “It’s the dawn of a new era,” says Futch. “Robotics automation suppliers have created and are refining unique, innovative solutions to address today’s challenges.” “The market is so big that everybody will find their cup of tea,” adds Cohen. n
Starting gradually and showing that they can make adjustments helps overcome hesitancy, Cohen adds. Flexibility applies not only to how and where a company uses robotics in a warehouse, but, thanks to robotics-as-a- service, also to how many they use and when. With this innovation, companies can upgrade or downgrade as needed by leasing technology. “With conventional, fixed automation, you either have to build the system to handle maximum capacity with some going unused throughout the year, or build it for normal capacity, then flex with manual labor for peak periods,” says Scriven. “With robotics, you can lease that automation briefly for peak periods.” Tompkins Robotics plans to introduce robotics as a service in 2022. “During the holiday season, customers can double their capacity with more robots, then return them,” says Futch. Tompkins Robotics customers use its sortation robots primarily for e-commerce fulfillment, store replenishment, and parcel shipping sorting. Working with a consultant to make sure you make the best decisions for the situation can also help, but there are more automation options and configurations than there are advisors. “You need a consultant who isn’t aligned with a particular manufacturer and can look at the warehouse, understand the situation, and create a mission profile,” says Jordan Teplin, strategic account manager with robotics
36 Inbound Logistics • February 2022
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