DECEMBER 2021CIOAPPLICATIONSEUROPE.COM8IN MYOPINIONWEvolving Past Robotic Ambition to Adoptionarehouse robotics are past the awareness stage. From mobile robots to robotic piece picking systems, these increasingly capable robotic solutions have become regular fixtures at warehousing and automation events and in trade and business publications across the globe. Instead of building an understanding of robotic capabilities and theoretical value, distribution center managers are asking for practical guidance to turn robotic ambition into adoption.To set operations up for a successful robotics investment, there's plenty to consider. The pace of change keeps accelerating ­ what does that mean for today's robotic technologies? Will they become outdated in a couple years like the newest smartphone? And that's just the tip of the iceberg ­ questions abound regarding employee acceptance, IT, integration, long-term planning and more. Appoint an internal championWhether tapping an existing resource or hiring a specialist, more companies are assigning an internal champion to be responsible for automation throughout the organization. This resource is in charge of finding answers to the aforementioned questions, coordinating automation projects and more. They act as a bridge between outside experts and the unique demands of their operation, identifying best-fit applications for robotics and managing return on investment. Implementation is an especially critical time for an internal champion. With a consistent point-of-contact, technology suppliers get the access and resources they need for efficient implementation and commissioning, including everything from Kevin ParamoreKEVIN PARAMORE, EMERGING TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION MANAGER, HYSTER-YALE GROUP [NYSE:HY]
< Page 7 | Page 9 >