Global survey highlights trends in automated workflows.

 

A global study into warehousing trends has highlighted the impact of radio frequency identification technology (RFID) on the logistics sector.

 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the invention of RFID and according to the 2023 Global Warehousing Study, over the next five years, a majority of warehouse decision-makers plan to deploy fixed, passive or handheld RFID readers and fixed industrial scanning solutions that can better track assets, workers and goods throughout the warehouse environment. 

 

The study, carried out by Zebra Technologies Corporation, found that 58 per cent of warehouse decision-makers plan to deploy RFID technology by 2028 which will help increase inventory visibility and reduce out-of-stocks.

 

The Zebra study found that seven-in-10 of warehouse decision-makers (69 per cent globally, 70 per cent in APAC) already have or are planning to automate workflows by 2024 to support warehouse associates and shift them toward more customer-centric, high-value tasks. 

 

Close to half of warehouse decision-makers believe automation increases worker efficiency and productivity by reducing manual picking, order errors and cycle time. 

 

Meantime, around eight-in-10 warehouse associates globally (81 per cent) and in APAC (78 per cent) agree using more technology and automation helps them meet or exceed productivity goals.