In what Kardex is calling a critical discussion on automation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a panel at CeMAT Australia 2024 highlighted the importance of aligning business, technical, operational, and commercial aspects to drive sustainable growth.
On 25 July, the panel, organised by Kardex, featured logistics consultants Francis Meier and Arthur Dardoumbas, who discussed the necessary steps for SMEs considering automation solutions. "Understanding the balance between these four aspects helps companies make the right decision about automation," said Arthur Dardoumbas, executive director of ThreeSixty Supply Chain Group.
Meier, executive director of Trios Consulting, emphasised the need for SMEs to thoroughly understand their current state and future goals before embarking on their automation journey. “The right level of automation is driven by your data, your objectives, and projected growth rate,” he explained.
Key drivers for automation, identified by Meier and Dardoumbas, include property constraints, labour shortages, and safety concerns. Automation, they noted, can reduce the physical footprint needed for operations and address labour shortages by making logistics careers safer and more appealing.
Meier and Dardoumbas stressed that SMEs should seek the right level of automation tailored to their specific needs, with solutions becoming more adaptable and easier to integrate. They advised exploring all options in line with business objectives and growth projections, as "automation may not be for everyone."
A case study presented during the panel showcased New Zealand pharmaceutical company Douglas Pharmaceuticals. Faced with challenges in space and efficiency, the company opted for Kardex’s AutoStore systems to handle increased sales and complex order fulfilment.
"One of the greatest things about automation is the scalability it provides," said Ryan Gibbs, warehouse operations manager at Douglas Pharmaceuticals.
Grant Smith, director of business development AutoStore, ANZ Kardex, highlighted the event's success, noting the engaging discussion on how SMEs can integrate automation through careful planning and strategic understanding.
"Kardex FulfillX Software and the Intuitive Picking Assistant were on display at CeMAT, demonstrating increased capacity, efficiency, and accuracy for businesses," Smith added.
