Ever shorter delivery times, the development of artificial intelligence and decentralised warehouses – these changes are already happening. See what to look out for when planning the development of your warehouse and your entire supply chain. Here are three key trends that will change warehouse management.
In the world of logistics and warehouse management, one thing is certain – change isn’t slowing down. In recent years we’ve seen rapid technological development and growing consumer expectations. Companies that want to stay competitive must adapt their processes to the new reality. Below we discuss three key trends that will have a decisive impact on the industry in the coming years – and show how XWMS helps companies adapt to these changes.
1. Delivery “right now” – speed is becoming the new standard
The most important – and at the same time most demanding – trend is instant order fulfilment. More and more customers expect goods ordered in the morning to be delivered the same day. This challenge forces a complete change of approach to supply chain management, and cross-docking is becoming a key piece of the puzzle.
Cross-docking is a method in which goods are received without needing to be stored, or with minimal storage time. This model reduces costs, optimises the use of warehouse space and speeds up order fulfilment. It’s crucial in e-commerce and in regions where warehouse space is limited. In the coming years we can expect further development of technologies supporting cross-docking – making the whole process even faster, smoother and easier to scale. XWMS supports this logistics process both in terms of processes and integrations.
2. AI in the warehouse – a fad or real value?
Artificial intelligence is becoming popular not only in home devices, but also in the warehouse. Although many companies implement AI to be “on trend”, the real benefits of using it are hard to overstate. XWMS includes specific AI solutions that meet the needs of operational logistics. The system uses machine learning algorithms, among other things, to optimise product storage – it analyses historical data on stock rotation and automatically suggests the best storage locations for new or returning items. This shortens picking time and makes the warehouse more efficient.
Another application is intelligent picking route planning, where the system determines the most optimal path for collecting products, shortening warehouse staff working time and reducing unnecessary steps.
There’s also an innovative chat app based on natural language. It lets users communicate with the system in a simple way – for example by asking: “Hey XWMS, how many orders have been shipped today?” – and get an instant answer based on data from the system.
3. Micro-fulfilment – the warehouse right next to the customer
Another fast-growing trend is micro-fulfilment, i.e. creating networks of smaller warehouses located as close as possible to end customers. Examples can be found in Poland at Żabka convenience stores and Poczta Polska, which are gradually becoming distribution points, not just points of sale. The goal of this approach is to give customers instant access to products without having to go to large shopping centres or warehouses tens of kilometres away. Distribution micro-cities are emerging, in which last-mile logistics becomes the foundation of the entire sales model.
How does XWMS support companies and warehouse management?
XWMS was designed to respond flexibly to the needs of rapidly changing logistics. What sets it apart? Above all, it can be tailored to the client. Whether a client needs an extensive warehouse management system or a non-standard solution – such as managing customs processes – the EX7 team can deliver it. This approach means the system not only supports daily operations, but becomes a real tool for transforming the entire supply chain.
In the coming years, warehouse management will be increasingly focused on speed, “intelligence” and proximity. Companies that start implementing solutions supporting cross-docking, AI and micro-fulfilment today will gain a competitive advantage. And with flexible systems such as XWMS, they can do it efficiently, without compromise.
Want to find out what changes we can make in your warehouse? Write to us.
