Levelling up sustainability in warehousing operations

The goal of warehouse sustainability is to minimize the negative environmental impact of operations in a warehouse or distribution centre and promote a more sustainable supply chain. By implementing sustainable practices, warehouses can improve their environmental performance, reduce costs, and improve their reputation as responsible corporate citizens.

Warehouse sustainability is a practice of designing, operating, and maintaining a warehouse in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner. This involves reducing waste, conserving energy, using sustainable materials and improving operational processes to reduce their impact on the environment. Additionally, it can also include measures to improve the well-being of workers and reduce the carbon footprint of the supply chain.

Digitization in logistics can have a significant positive impact on sustainability. Adopting a paperless transaction can eliminate the need for physical paper documentation in the warehouse operations. This can be achieved by using digital systems such as warehouse management systems (WMS), electronic data interchange (EDI), barcode scanning, and mobile devices. Aurobees’ WMS integrates with other systems such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, providing real-time information and automating tasks including receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and shipping, as well as inventory management, space utilization, and labour management.

Digitization in logistics can help to reduce the amount of paper used, which can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions and less deforestation. For example, electronic documentation, such as electronic bills of lading and invoices, can replace paper-based processes. It uses barcode scanning for inventory management, and digital record keeping for tracking and reporting. With our WMS, embracing paperless transactions can give impetus to increased efficiency, improved accuracy, reduced costs, increased transparency, and improved data management. By eliminating paper-based processes, warehouse operations can become more streamlined and automated, leading to better decision-making, improved visibility throughout the supply chain, and reduced errors. Additionally, real-time data and updates can be easily accessed and shared, improving collaboration between departments and streamlining communication. WMS provides real-time visibility into the inventory, order status, supports multi-channel fulfilment, automates and streamlines warehouse processes, and helps optimize the use of storage space and resources. Overall, it aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction in the storage and distribution of goods.

By going paperless, additionally digitization can contribute to sustainability in warehouse as below:

• Improved transportation efficiency: By using digital tools, logistics providers can optimize their transportation routes and reduce the number of empty miles driven, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
• Better inventory management: Digital tools can help companies manage their inventory more efficiently, reducing waste and minimizing the amount of excess stock that needs to be transported and stored.
• Digital tools can provide real-time visibility into supply chain operations, allowing companies to identify inefficiencies and areas where they can improve sustainability.
• Enhanced visibility and transparency: Digitization can provide greater visibility into the entire supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final delivery. This can help identify inefficiencies and opportunities to reduce waste and emissions.
• Increased collaboration and resource sharing: Digital platforms can facilitate collaboration and resource sharing among logistics companies, reducing the need for duplication of resources and improving efficiency.

A best warehouse management software can result in less staff carrying out the essential duties of a warehouse. More can be picked in less time, picking errors can be greatly reduced and orders can be fulfilled swiftly. Overall, digitization can help reduce the environmental impact of the industry while also increasing efficiency and improving customer service.