From intricate packing to lifting heavy loads, robots are revolutionizing supply chain operations, delivering big efficiency gains and forging safer working environments. As robots become more integral in our global networks, many roles across the supply chain are poised to require advanced technology expertise and exciting new leadership opportunities.
In fact, a new Gartner report predicts that one in 20 supply chain professionals will manage robots, rather than humans, by 2030. The potential benefits of this shift are many: First, OSHA data reveals that a one-standard-deviation increase in robot exposure (1.34 robots per 1,000 humans) minimizes work-related injury rates by 1.2 injuries per 100 full-time employees. And research from the National Safety Council affirms that robots significantly reduce musculoskeletal disorders and exposure to dangerous environments, leading to ongoing and substantial cost savings in worker compensation and lost productivity. The rise in robot adoption between 2005 and 2011 alone saved an estimated $1.69 billion annually in injury-related expenses.
Beyond these advantages, ASCM Editor in Chief Elizabeth Rennie notes in her investigation of robots and the supply chain professional: “Intelligent robots are transforming supply chains. Robots free human employees from mundane, repetitive tasks and empower them to concentrate on core business objectives. This advances supply chain organizations by keeping employees mentally engaged, increasing their productivity and filling ongoing talent gaps.”
Indeed, robots can’t do the work alone, so they need trained people to program and guide them and ensure they’re moving safely through the workplace. With this in mind, Gartner suggests several ways that supply chain organizations can support the transition to managing mobile robots:
- Develop a dedicated robotics competency center for driving successful adoption across the organization.
- Create a holistic approach to robotics by outlining a robust automation strategy.
- Consider the entire robotics journey, from knowledge gathering to deployment, support and maintenance.
- Implement governance to address the robotics-selection process, contract service-level agreements, various pricing mechanisms and cybersecurity standards.
One company leading the way in robotics is Ulta Beauty, which has transformed its supply chain to handle surging online sales. Vice President Heather Lane and I discussed this initiative on ASCM’s The Chain podcast. She explained her company’s application of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that travel alongside associates, taking on the heavy lifting by replacing pushcarts to improve safety and ergonomics. Plus, AMRs offer another unique benefit: the ability to pre-program them with up to 26 preferred languages for Ulta’s diverse teams.
Mastering tech in supply chain
As advanced technologies become increasingly central to our global networks, understanding how to effectively manage them is essential for career growth and operational success. Prepare yourself and your teams to lead the future of automated supply chains with ASCM’s Supply Chain Technology Certificate. This program is a proven way to unlock new opportunities and become an indispensable asset in the age of intelligent supply chains.
