3PL automation and how it’s transforming logistics warehouses

3PL automation plays a key role in logistics warehousing, improving operational efficiency, accuracy and speed. With the growing demand for fast, reliable services, automation has become an essential tool for third-party logistics (3PL) providers.

3PL logistics refers to the logistics services a company subcontracts to a supplier. They can include storage, order picking and product transport.

Robin Enterprises : 3PL Logistics & Warehousing in Bhiwandi

We are leading 3PL logistics & warehouse services companies in Bhiwandi. Our goal is to completely transform the logistics industry by offering unmatched supply chain solutions that enable companies to prosper. Our mission is to be the driving force behind your success in the fast-paced world of business, with a vision firmly based in innovation and customer-centricity.

Benefits of 3PL warehouse automation

More and more 3PLs are investing in automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) because of their multiple advantages:

  • Increased productivity. Robotic systems can operate 24/7, significantly ramping up throughput and reducing logistics providers’ response times.
  • Efficient order fulfilment. Automated technology minimises human errors in 3PL warehouses, making order picking, consolidation and shipping more accurate.
  • Optimised inventory management. Automated systems provide real-time tracking of stock belonging to various clients. They know the specific processes each client requests and their respective time frames.
  • Enhanced safety. Automation reduces the risk of accidents, creating safer work environments.
  • Greater transparency. Digitalisation strengthens relationships between logistics providers and their clients. It grants each client transparent and restricted access to information on the stock it owns.
3PL warehouse automation solutions

The market features a wide array of 3PL solutions that cater to each process, the needs of each logistics service provider and their respective clients.

  • Conveyors. 3PL warehouses produce a large number of goods movements that can be automated with pallet or box conveyors. Electric monorails, transfer cars, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are other types of logistics automation solutions.
  • Stacker cranes. Logistics providers with a high pace of work can install stacker cranes for pallets or boxes to automate product storage and retrieval for their clients. This variety of automatic handling equipment moves vertically and horizontally along the aisles, inserting and removing products from their locations.
  • Robotic arms. This solution facilitates order picking in 3PL warehouses that manage heavy loads. The robots resemble a human arm, as they contain components that carry out rotational and translational movements. Robotic arms can operate completely independently (e.g., pick and place robots, which are outfitted with an artificial vision system) or can work together with operators.
  • Automated truck loading systems (ATLS). Also known as automatic truck loading and unloading systems, ATLS perform this operation robotically, requiring minimal human intervention.
  • Logistics software. Implementing a warehouse management system capable of working for many clients in one or more warehouses, this software effectively manages a large variety of SKUs. Moreover, it organises shipping with the various carriers integrated into the software.