Throughout 2020 demand for online shopping increased at an unprecedented rate in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has forced markets to migrate online at a shocking rate and while it hasn’t been an easy migration in many countries (due to not only a lack of infrastructure but a general reluctance of the public to trust digital payment), in the UK, we were already heading in that direction anyway.
Over 17 million Brits made a permanent switch to online grocery shopping last year and the retail sector, in general, saw a dramatic increase of £4.5 billion in online sales. But all those items still need to come from somewhere.
When you order something online, it doesn’t just beam into existence, there is an important middleman that often gets overlooked – the warehouse.
With greater online demand comes a greater demand for warehouse infrastructure. Amazon alone has announced 7,000 new jobs at its ‘fulfilment centres’ across the country to meet increased demand.
There are also more gigantic warehouses (some as large as 14 football pitches) being built in the UK by the month. But with larger warehouses and increased stock comes greater complication.
So, what’s the solution?
New builds and retrofitting
For warehouses that are yet to be built and are still in the planning stages, the sky really is the limit.
Specifically when it comes to traffic light systems and andon LED displays, the freedom to be able to plan the warehouse around these technologies will result in a system that’s safer and more practical.
This includes utilising dynamic floor space optimisation to get maximum efficiency from every square inch of the warehouse.
Even older warehouses can still be retrofitted with a range of solutions and systems to help increase productivity and ensure that stock and staff can work in perfect harmony.
Logistical and practical solutions
Temperature and humidity – In certain warehouses, particularly those storing groceries and medical supplies such as vaccines, temperature control is of critical importance.
Our robust and reliable temperature and humidity displays offer crystal-clear information that is 100% accurate and can be installed with minimal fuss.
Traffic lights and andon systems – On assembly lines, particularly, andon displays are perhaps the most reliable and visible way of keeping track of volumes, downtimes and more specific metrics such as pressure, weight, speed, and energy consumption.
LED traffic lights, meanwhile, can be used in several applications. From traffic control for trucks, vans, and lorries to safety signs and even automatic gate controls.
Vehicle call systems – Our LED displays are ideal when used as a comprehensive vehicle call system.
In an environment, where there are dozens or even hundreds of delivery vans that have to be ordered and called in a very specific and timely fashion, this could save hours of time and money.
Gantry displays – These LED signs are built to monitor flow lines, display machines faults, and plenty more besides.
Gantry displays can be produced in significant quantities and quickly too and can be used in a multitude of ways to dramatically increase warehouse efficiency and productivity.
Of course, there are also bespoke solutions available for almost any situation. If you have an idea that you think we could help bring to live, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
You take care of the concept and we’ll take care of bringing it to life.
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