Factors Driving the Adoption of Automation in the 21st Century Warehouse

This 3-page whitepaper, written by Steve Harrington, begins by asking a question: "Have you ever thought about how those shoes you bought online last night arrived on your doorstep today?" Harrington uses this question to launch a discussion concerning logistics – how automation has impacted the world of supply chain management for the better. Areas impacted by automation include: E-Commerce Growth, E-Commerce Order Size, Mass Customization, Re-Shoring, Consumer Safety, Cost Control & Competitiveness, Immediate Delivery, and Flexibility. Harrington concludes his paper by stating that "the need for skilled technicians to operate, maintain, support, upgrade, and install these automated material handling systems is growing exponentially," which is why it is so important to understand as an emerging professional.