ABSTRACT
The modern-day warehouse is serving as a testing ground for the introduction of innovative supply chain technologies. Automation is transforming virtually every aspect of warehouse and distribution center operations. The age of e-commerce demands unprecedented levels of efficiency and speed of order fulfillment. Software is playing a major role in driving new advances in the warehouse. Over the past year, declining unemployment rates and a rise in the minimum wage have only aggravated the situation for employers. In addition, the growth of the ‘gig economy’ has created a less reliable labor pool, with employers struggling to staff up during periods of peak demand. The rapid adoption of robots throughout the warehouse has led to sharp reductions in staffing. But the choice doesn’t necessarily come down to one of robots or humans.
