TECHNOLOGY
60 manual work , even in highly automated environments .
Today , the focus for most automation is centered around picking larger bulk items such as pallets and boxes . Piece picking single items , such consumer sales or within the spare parts industry for example , is difficult for automated systems and still typically requires a great deal of human intervention . Manual pickers and packers will still be needed to carry out this kind of intricate task for some time .
Coupled with this , we see a growing need for resources that understand these more complex systems and are able to operate them , as opposed to warehouse operatives who are simply following a defined unoptimised series of warehouse instructions .
Today , many manufacturing organisations rely on zero-hour contracts and employment agencies specialising in short-term temporary staff to supply resources into the warehouse at times of peak demand and to meet seasonal changes . As automation gets more sophisticated and enabled throughout warehouses , this requirement will decline . However , in parallel with this ,
SEPTEMBER 2019