This is the second post in our BAR (Be Automation Ready) series, which provides a simple and structured framework for achieving warehouse automation.
Phase 1 focused on evaluating manual operations to uncover inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Now, we delve into Phase 2: how to leverage tasking systems to enhance manual workflows and lay the groundwork for automation.
Maintaining operational efficiency without significant capital investment is critical in a world where customer expectations continue to rise.
While 26% of warehouses are projected to be automated by 2027, up from 14% a decade earlier and 18% at the end of 2021, many need a stepping stone to automation. Tasking systems, such as an advanced warehouse execution system (WES), can act as the bridge between traditional manual processes and full-scale automation.
The global WES market size was valued at $1.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 12.3% between 2024 and 2032. A WES uses intelligent task orchestration to optimize workflows, ensuring that each resource is used effectively. Without them, manual tasking leads to inefficiencies, bottlenecks and reduced productivity in dynamic warehouse environments.
For many organizations, adopting a tasking system is the logical next step after assessing manual operations. It’s a cost-effective way to address immediate inefficiencies while preparing for future automation. By prioritizing tasks, balancing workloads and integrating existing tools, tasking systems help warehouses achieve measurable improvements without upfront hardware investments.
Tasking systems assign and prioritize tasks based on real-time data, minimizing idle time and optimizing worker productivity. Some key functions include:
A robust tasking system provides a centralized view of all warehouse activities. Managers can monitor performance, identify potential issues and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency. Features like real-time KPI dashboards and predictive analytics offer actionable insights to optimize operations.
Tasking systems integrate seamlessly with your current technology stack, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), transportation management system (TMS) and warehouse management system (WMS) platforms. This ensures continuity while enhancing the functionality of existing systems. By centralizing task management, warehouses can streamline workflows without overhauling their infrastructure.
Unlike hardware-driven automation, tasking systems deliver significant benefits without major upfront investments. This makes them an ideal starting point for organizations looking to improve operations while managing costs.
RELATED READ: Be Automation Ready: Laying the Foundation for a Journey Toward Full Optimization
There are four key steps to getting started with intelligent tasking.
Start by identifying the specific goals you aim to achieve with a tasking system. Whether it’s improving order accuracy, reducing fulfillment times or increasing labor efficiency, clear objectives will guide your implementation strategy.
Choose a WES that aligns with your warehouse’s needs and integrates with existing tools. Consider scalability and flexibility to ensure the system can evolve alongside your operations.
Ensure your warehouse staff understands how to use the tasking system effectively. Provide training and support to help them adapt to new workflows and embrace technology-driven processes.
After implementation, continuously monitor the system’s performance and gather feedback from your team. Use this data to refine workflows and maximize the system’s impact.
In short, tasking systems are a great first step for warehouses transitioning from manual to automated operations. By improving efficiency, visibility and decision-making, these systems lay a strong foundation for the future phases of our BAR series, including assisted picking and goods-to-person automation.
Next in the series, we’ll explore Phase 3: Assisted Picking. Discover how combining human expertise with real-time guidance technology can further enhance your warehouse operations.
Find out if intelligent tasking could help you optimize workflows and achieve your automation goals.