How Robotic Process Automation benefits the Logistics, Warehousing and Transport sector

The Logistics, Warehousing, Supply Chain and Transport sectors have seen its fair share of changes and pressures over the last few years. With an increased demand of moving goods across vast distances, processes have become more and more complicated, leading to more touchpoints that are vulnerable to human error. In addition, shortages of qualified staff have put an additional strain across the industry. 

These factors have led to more delays and increased turnaround times, which in turn resulted in poor cost efficiency and lower productivity levels. Many companies are moving to software robots to mitigate these negative factors. 

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a rapidly growing technology that is transforming the logistics, warehousing, and transport sector. RPA refers to the use of software robots to automate repetitive and time-consuming manual processes, freeing up our key resource, people, to focus on higher-level tasks. The logistics, warehousing, and transport sector is well suited to RPA considering they have many manual, repetitive tasks such as order processing, inventory management, and delivery tracking that can be automated either completely or according to the business need.

As a result of RPA, business and organisations can leverage of the below benefits:

  • Improved Accuracy in Inventory Management 
  • Efficient Order Processing 
  • Improved Delivery Management 
  • Efficient Warehouse Operations 
  • Streamlined Supply Chain Operations 
  • Enhanced Cost Management.
  • Improved Customer Experience 

We discuss each of these benefits and include relevant examples. 


Improved Accuracy in Inventory and Warehouse Management 

One of the key advantages of RPA is improved accuracy in inventory management. Automated systems can accurately track and manage inventory levels, reducing the risk of overstocking or stock shortages. For example, in a warehouse setting, scanned barcodes on goods can be linked through an RPA to inventory levels in real-time, providing a real-time view of available stock. This not only reduces the risk of stock shortages but also helps to optimize inventory levels, reducing the risk of waste and overstocking.


Efficient Order Processing 

Another benefit of RPA is efficient order processing. RPA can automate the process of receiving, processing, and fulfilling orders, reducing processing time and errors. For example, an RPA bot can automatically extract order information from an email or website, validate the information, and update an order management system. This reduces the time required to process an order and reduces the risk of errors, improving overall efficiency.


Improved Delivery Management 

Automated systems can support Improved Delivery Management through delivery vehicles and shipments tracking in real-time, providing real-time delivery updates to customers. Typically, an RPA bot can integrate with GPS tracking systems to provide real-time updates on the location of delivery vehicles and shipments. This helps organizations to provide accurate delivery estimates to customers, reducing the risk of delivery delays and improving customer satisfaction


Streamlined Supply Chain Operations 

RPA can integrate with other supply chain management systems, providing real-time visibility and reducing the risk of disruptions. An RPA bot, as an example, can automatically update the status of shipments in a transportation management system, providing real-time visibility of the supply chain. This helps organizations to quickly identify and resolve any issues, reducing the risk of disruptions and improving overall supply chain efficiency.


Enhanced Cost Management.

Automated processes can help organizations to optimize costs by reducing waste, improving efficiency, and lowering operational expenses. An RPA bot can automatically compare delivery quotes from multiple carriers, matching this with your approved supplier/vendor list and selecting the most cost-effective option. This helps organizations to optimize their delivery costs and reduce overall expenses.


Improved Customer Experience 

RPA can improve the accuracy and speed of order fulfilment and delivery, leading to a better customer experience. For example, an RPA bot can automatically update customers on the status of their orders, providing real-time delivery updates. It can also help compile data for later analysis in Customer Satisfaction Reports (late or failed deliveries; regular site/delivery delays at client warehouses, etc). This helps organizations to provide a high centric service level. 

The benefits RPA provides is clear to see. The scope is almost limitless and allows us to better utilize that resource we value so much… our people. 

Contact SmartTechNXT below for a free consultation and to stay up to date on news related to RPA in your sector.