Developing the collaborative skillset needed for a semi-automated smart workforce

From #Skills to Safety: Considerations in the creation of a smart workforce and the evolving skillset for the material handling and logistics engineers of tomorrow.

Within two years, the majority of organisations plan to have automated at least 50% of supply chain operations, according to research conducted on behalf of Jungheinrich UK “Automation in intralogistics: Is automation the future of intralogistics and how will it shape the industry?“.

With companies focusing on semi- rather than fully-automated intralogistics models, it is also important to consider the role of the workforce in this new, collaborative environment.

Automated intralogistics

Organisations within every industry continue to face growing pressure from an increase in customer expectation for a more flexible and faster service. As a result, more complex working environments within the warehouse and distribution centre are being created, with the need for a 24/7 operation. 

Automation is firmly on the agenda and the key areas for development over the next two years are within order picking (25%), fulfilment (22%) and packing (32%). The workforce of the future will therefore, require very different skillsets and over the next two years there will be a gradual increase in skilled staff – from 52.5% today to 56.5%. 

With the number of manual tasks being handled automatically, automation is providing operators with the opportunity to focus on different aspects of their job, such as looking at ways to improve customer service, reviewing both the usage and charging cycles of trucks and their environmental impact, as well as safety within the warehouse.

There will also be tasks which will become more complex – with, for example, an increasing focus on data scientists as companies look to explore the power of Artificial Intelligence and augmented reality to drive operational efficiency. As a result, businesses will need to consider new strategies for attracting, training and retaining this skilled workforce. 

The role of the Engineer

Within the automated warehouse, forklift trucks are driving around on laser guidance systems, pallets are being moved from A to B on conveyors and elevators and there are high bay warehouses with stacker cranes going up and down aisles moving product. Whilst automation requires minimal human interaction, the software and programming behind the systems used is considerable and this is where engineers are very much needed. 

Being an engineer in the logistics and material handling industry is no longer completely about working with nuts, bolts and spanners. The image of being elbow-deep in grease is becoming an outdated one and the role has dramatically evolved into working with the latest innovations around improved efficiency, productivity and space optimisation. Lithium-ion technology is also leading the way in achieving faster charging times, zero maintenance and longer product life, creating a more flexible and environmentally friendly working environment.

Educational qualifications, where you learn on the job, are increasingly attractive. Apprentices spend valuable time out in the field, gaining hands on experience with monitoring, maintaining and servicing products. They become a brand ambassador for their business, working closely with customers to ensure all efficiency gains are maximised. 

One of the key benefits to training as an engineer in this industry is the longevity in the career choice. There will always be a need for the movement of goods – from a truck to a ship, to products being moved on a conveyor and put onto a pallet, to them being lifted out of a van and placed onto shelves. 

For organisations enrolling apprentices, it offers them the opportunity to have individuals grow alongside their business and for their customers, it means they have access to highly experienced individuals that know the products they are using inside out. They are also able to help fully train their staff on the solutions that have integrated into their business.

Safety

With the working environment of warehouses and distribution centres becoming very different – how will man and machine work together safely? There may be fewer workers on the shop floor in a more automated environment, but companies need to think carefully about the new risks created when the workforce is operating alongside robots and AGVs. 

The development of advanced forklift truck technologies, from sensors and remote controls to on-board cameras and collision protection are ensuring that the safety of pedestrians is of the highest priority. Anything from floorspots that shine a light onto the warehouse floor through to anti-collision systems can be fitted to equipment to warn of their approach and avoid accidents.

New innovations in forklift truck technology are crucial in continuing to reduce risk. It’s vital that organisations look at advancements in intralogistics technology, to not only to help drive efficiencies and optimise their operations but also utilise the technology to enhance safety for those workers on the frontline of all operations within the warehouse.

Technology however, is not enough on its own, especially within a fast-changing warehousing model. Operator training is a crucial part of safety and engineers contribute significantly to this. It’s the combination of people, processes, equipment and software that will successfully safeguard employees and create a collaborative warehouse. 

Conclusion

From starting a career as an apprentice, through to qualifying as a fully connected customer services engineer, this diverse role will continue to be valuable not only to material handling and logistics vendors, as they build extensive industry expertise but to their customers’ businesses as they help them work towards creating a smart and safe workforce.

Once they are equipped with the right skillset, technology and safety features, organisations will be able to move their business forward and fully embrace the new more efficient, productive and safer warehouse of the future.

Jon Divers, Customer Service Director, Jungheinrich UK