6 Technological Advances Impacting the Industrial and Warehouse Workplace

Discussions about technology and the workplace often revolve around topics such as e-commerce, social media, and mobile apps. However, technology is also making rapid advances within the industrial and warehouse workplaces. Here are six useful technological advances that are improving industrial companies.

Lean Manufacturing

Traditionally, companies used process management techniques, such as Kanban, to hand-write critical production data on a signboard. Today, companies that embrace the innovative principles of Kanban can use software to continually access and monitor production numbers, schedules, and related results. This technology is critical in maintaining efficiency and quality.

Quality Control

Quality control equipment software uses sample product measurements to ensure consistent quality. Gone are the days when workers had to manually measure products, record on QC sheets, and enter into a spreadsheet. Now, workers can simply scan products with digital readers, which can be uploaded into the computer software for instant results.

RFID Tags

Previously, monthly inventory counting was a very difficult task to complete because it involved physically counting and manually entering product totals. Today, RFID tags are scannable product barcodes that increase accuracy, timeliness and convenience for manufacturers. Employees can easily process products while management can use the inventory software to obtain real-time inventory data and reports.

Supply Chain Information

Many larger companies rely on Supply Chain Management (SCM) software or outsource to a third-party logistics company. However, smaller businesses also have access to excellent supply chain tools. For example, all major shipping lines allow businesses to reserve containers, submit shipping documentation, and track container shipments through their websites. Businesses can simply log into their account and view real-time data about the location and status of their container.

Movable Equipment

Any sort of downtime for a warehouse, manufacturer, or others can cost thousands of dollars a minute. When a major piece of equipment breaks, such as the boiler, it may take weeks for a replacement to be sourced and installed. Luckily, many rental companies not only offer traditional equipment rentals, such as forklifts, but also rentable stationary equipment. Trailer-mounted boilers, available from places like Nationwide Boiler, can be rented and easily used while maintenance fixes or replaces the previous boiler.

Preventative Maintenance Software

As mentioned above, downtime is an expensive proposition for any company. However, preventative maintenance is one of the keys to avoiding unexpected equipment failures. Preventative maintenance software can track and automatically inform maintenance personnel when equipment and parts reach the end of their expected life cycles. Industrial workforces now enjoy a variety of technological advances that help them remain competitive, efficient, and profitable. These are just a few of the key technologies that continue to support thriving workflow and business.