Without a doubt, the increasing complexities reverberating across the globe have created a difficult challenge for shippers when it comes to improving a new or existing last-leg fulfillment strategy. If you’re considering adding automation for microfulfillment, cross-docking, omnichannel fulfillment to your facility, or even designing a new warehouse, the strategy you choose should be well-planned and backed by data and the right equipment and software, representatives from systems integrator Bastian Solutions explained during a ProMatDX educational session this morning.
“Traditional fulfillment has changed to omnichannel fulfillment. That shift to omnichannel is only accelerating even more rapidly to what we are calling ‘future-omni’ – which is essentially figuring out a way to automate the final mile process. That complexity is only continuing to grow,” said Alex Haines, business development consultant at Bastian Solutions.
If your organization is looking to build a successful final-mile automation operation, here are some requirements to keep in mind:
- Look for small scale/dense storage
- A flexible system that fits various store layouts
- Offers turn-key installation
- Multisite deployable – a system that is repeatable, offers fast installation, strong return on investment per install, and standardized software
- High uptime
- Utilizes an experienced integrator and installer
- Bonus: Provides engaging customer experience – as more customers get back to in-store shopping, integrating that automation into the in-store experience would be beneficial
