Companies have been able to adopt the continuously advancing technology of robotics, especially in the supply chain. Robots have proven to be highly efficient in ensuring activities are delivered on time. But their high cost has made traditional manufacturing robots unaffordable for many companies. Luckily, there have been recent advancements in low-cost robotics specifically designed to improve the supply chain. These developments carry significant potential in today’s modern world (Aberdeen 2010).
Effective utilization of robotics is necessary for supply chain management to improve production and decrease associated costs. Previous implementation of low-cost robotics in the supply chain has proven to reduce production costs and enhance order turn-around time. The utilization of affordable robotic technology offers more advantageous outcomes compared to human labor. From an economic standpoint, substituting automated robotics technology for low-level factory workers results in increased production and safety (Aberdeen 2010).
To enhance global competitiveness, it is crucial for companies to utilize affordable robotic systems in their supply chains. It is important for companies to understand the functionality and advantages of these automated robotics systems and ensure their proper implementation (Aberdeen 2010). The commercial robotics should be reasonably priced, easy to assemble and operate, to minimize the need for costly technical assistance.
The demand for commercial robotics in industries and the supply chain has risen, resulting in the creation of more user-friendly robots. There is also an increasing requirement for affordable robotics tailored for use in the supply chain due to high consumer demands (Christensen 2009). Developed countries like the U.S. have been utilizing robotics in manufacturing since the 1960s, and this trend is especially noticeable in these nations. The population’s advanced education levels and inclination towards higher-level occupations have contributed to a greater need for smaller and more accurate robots.
According to Zhang (2009), supply chain management faces numerous challenges as the workforce it relies on can be affected by inevitable factors such as sickness, leave, fatigue, and old age. However, robotics presents a solution as they can work continuously without requiring rest and are capable of enhancing production and maintaining quality. In response to the shortage of workers, American companies are opting for robotics as a substitute for human resources. By doing so, they aim to increase production, decrease production costs, and enhance customer delivery (Christensen 2009).
Companies and warehouses in the United States have been utilizing robotics technology, even though earlier versions were large and needed technical assistance (Zhang 2009). These companies have taken part in initiatives to promote the progress of future robotics. The robots that have been developed are equipped with user-friendly features to improve production quality and expedite order turnaround time.
The industrial robotics industry is increasingly popular among smaller companies due to the accessibility of information about its advantages. Over time, industries using robotics have achieved impressive outcomes, including enhanced customer satisfaction, increased productivity, reduced staff expenses, lowered operation costs, and faster customer order turnaround time (Zhang 2009). Additionally, workers benefit from being able to choose more engaging tasks and have their safety ensured.
Embracing the deployment of robotics in the supply chain is a strategy that all players in the channel adopt because of the advantages linked to automation. One effective method of promoting the integration of robotics in the supply chain is by ensuring the production of affordable robotics and facilitating easy repairs for the robots.
