In the wake of COVID-19 and the challenges related to its lingering economic impacts, we saw a dramatic shift in the labor market. Across the private sector, businesses are hanging “Now Hiring” signs—and keeping them up. The end of extended unemployment benefits for prospective workers is near, but the traditional labor pool is beginning to rethink where and what types of jobs they want to apply for or return to.

Employers, who once held much more leverage in negotiations, have done some math of their own and realized that embracing automation in lieu of a large dependency on the human element can have them coming out ahead. In the warehousing and distribution sectors, this means making upfront investments to optimize operations, trusting that they’ll pay off in the long run. If you’re still apprehensive about making that commitment, here are five benefits of warehouse automation as you consider modernizing your warehouse.

Volume Maximization

Increased automation for redundant or non-skilled tasks improves efficiencies, reduces expenses related to training, and, depending on the system, allows you to optimize your warehouse’s cubic footage. Implementing automation for picking and packing tasks means you can optimize your space using narrower aisles than you’d need for manual operations. What’s more, you can make better use of floor-to-ceiling space with machines that can retrieve loads from high places without the apprehensive movements of humans.

Adjust Supply and Demand

Though e-commerce, with its heavy reliance on logistics, is a thriving sector, you don’t experience a rush every day of the year. Some days have lulls, which can mean you’re paying workers to sit around. Automation allows you to adjust for productivity, speeding up and slowing down operations to make the most of the workforce you do have. Automated warehouse conveyor systems from RMH Systems can ramp up efficiency when you need it most.

Greatly Increased Accuracy

It’s easy to make order processing and shipping errors in a busy and unorganized warehouse. Automation reduces those occurrences by using robots or other automation that learn, know, and remember thousands of item locations. Fewer errors in order processing and outgoing inventory means lower return costs and a higher ROI.

A Happier Workforce

By automating more and more of your warehouse, you can devote a leaner workforce to higher functions within the warehouse. Give workers tasks that are more specialized and value-added, making their work less draining and more rewarding.

Happier Customers

In your warehouse, you’re getting goods from Point A to Point B, but then they have to reach or satisfy Point C—the customer. Whether your customer is the end-user or represents the end-user you are processing the orders for, a good customer experience is everything. The last of our five benefits of warehouse automation is a customer base that can enjoy transparency and trust they are partnering with a dependable supplier. As in any industry, satisfied customers are returning customers.