Imagine a busy warehouse environment where employees no longer wait in line to check out scanning devices. Instead, they simply scan their ID badges and retrieve equipment from smart lockers within 10 seconds, immediately ready to work. This isn't science fiction—it's the reality being implemented by Apex Supply Chain Technologies. As the pandemic accelerates automation adoption, Apex's "low-touch" solutions are helping businesses maintain employee safety while significantly improving operational efficiency.
Automation Trends: Accelerating Toward "Low-Touch" Solutions
Scott Medford, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Apex Supply Chain Technologies, observes that since 2020, companies have been rapidly automating various business processes. Social distancing requirements during the pandemic have intensified this urgency. Apex's self-service solutions automate previously manual processes while maintaining minimal physical contact. In distribution centers (DCs), employees can independently access scanners, radio frequency (RF) devices, or voice-picking equipment. For wholesale distributors, customers can place orders via phone or app and collect items from automated lockers—streamlining the entire process.
Economic Benefits: Time Equals Money
Beyond safety advantages, "low-touch" solutions deliver measurable economic benefits. Medford emphasizes that in traditional distribution centers, employees often waste substantial time waiting to check out scanners. With automated solutions, workers retrieve devices in seconds by scanning their ID badges. When multiplied across hundreds of employees, this translates to tens of thousands of hours saved annually—a significant financial impact.
Future Demand: Sustained Growth in Automation
Medford anticipates continued growth in demand for both "low-touch" and high-productivity automation solutions. Nearly all businesses face pressure to enhance efficiency and intelligence—where every minute counts. In today's sensitive environment, minimizing human interaction remains critical, making self-service solutions particularly valuable. For example, in office settings where employees require computers and phones, IT departments can use automated systems to repair laptops or replace peripherals with minimal contact. Increasingly, companies seek solutions that reduce queues and crowded areas while maintaining excellent service standards.
Apex Solutions: Enabling Smarter, Safer Warehousing
Apex's automation technology helps build intelligent, low-contact warehouse environments through several key applications:
- Self-Service Equipment Management: Smart lockers allow employees to independently check out and return scanners, RF devices, and voice-picking equipment—eliminating queues and improving device utilization.
- Automated Material Management: High-value tools, parts, and consumables can be securely stored in smart lockers. Employees access items via badge or QR code scans, with automatic tracking of user and material data for full traceability.
- Contactless Package Handling: Automated parcel lockers enable employees or customers to retrieve deliveries using QR codes or PINs—reducing labor costs and improving efficiency.
- Customer Self-Pickup: Clients can place orders remotely and collect items from automated lockers without staff interaction, enhancing convenience and safety.
Case Studies: Quantifiable Improvements
Real-world implementations demonstrate the tangible benefits of automation:
- A major retailer deployed Apex's equipment management system in its distribution centers, reducing scanner checkout time from five minutes to 10 seconds—saving tens of thousands of labor hours annually while increasing device utilization by 20%.
- A manufacturing company adopted Apex's material management solution for high-value tools and supplies, significantly reducing loss and waste while boosting production efficiency.
- A logistics provider implemented automated parcel lockers, streamlining package handling, cutting labor expenses, and improving customer satisfaction.
The Future: Automation as Standard Practice
As technology advances, automation will play an increasingly vital role in warehousing and logistics. "Low-touch" intelligent environments will become the post-pandemic norm. Businesses that proactively embrace automation—leveraging advanced solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and provide safer, more convenient services—will gain a competitive edge.