Why is Robots-as-a-Service so Important in 2023? In the first quarter of this century, we’ve seen huge leaps in technological advancement and a wholesale movement towards automation in industry. We’ve also seen global events that destabilise supply chains, workforces and markets at a rate that taught us the value of flexible, versatile solutions that can adapt to changes in business needs. However, the uptake of automation in the UK is still relatively low. One barrier to automation is the perceived high cost relative to benefits, particularly in manufacturing sectors. The Robots-as-a-Service ..read more

Warehouse Automation Jargon Buster: Goods-2-Person vs Person-2-Goods Automation Automating Warehouses is one key strategy in increasing productivity and efficiency across fulfilment centres and logistics facilities, but there is a language barrier. The number of complex phrases used across the automation market can make it difficult for SME businesses to find affordable warehouse automation that suits their needs. In this article, we aim to explain two terms used in material handling automation: Goods-to-Person and Person-to-Goods. These terms relate to material handling particularly in pickin ..read more

Visit Guidance Automation at Tomorrow’s Warehouse 2023 It’s definitely event season, and if you didn’t get a chance to come and hear first-hand about our system integration services at IWLEX in Telford, you haven’t missed out. We’re exhibiting at Tomorrow’s Warehouse 2023 in Coventry on 8th June to show how we can help implement Industry 4.0 solutions in your facility. If you’re interested in process control, machine automation and keeping your business competitive in a challenging twenty-first century, there is a lot to gain from visiting this event. Guidance Automation provides automation co ..read more

Pick-to-Light Explained: Using Light for Direction When distribution centres, manufacturers and logistics companies are looking to increase efficiency, shorten delivery cycles and reduce order-picking errors, the fastest operator-based solution is pick-to-light. It is easy to install and highly user-friendly, so pick-to-light can be implemented with very low disruption to day-to-day operations. Pick-to-light strategies can reduce labour requirements by up to 50% through improvements in productivity and accuracy, which is a significant advantage when tackling labour shortages. What is Pick-to-L ..read more

Industry 4.0: What Manufacturers Need to Know Industry 4.0 refers to the 4th Industrial Revolution, a shift in the way manufacturing and other industries operate and the knock-on economic effects. Technological innovations have historically triggered surges in production and economic activity. The first industrial revolution was spurred by the widespread adoption of steam power and the invention of cast iron in the late 18th century, bringing about railways and a boom in coal mining, iron-based architecture, steel manufacturing and mechanisation. Manufacturing was suddenly done by machines, s ..read more

Supply Chain and Logistics Automation: Overcoming Roadblocks In a market with high demand and high labour costs, businesses in the UK logistics sector are at a key moment for logistics automation. Consumers have adopted online shopping more than any other European nation, with consumer eCommerce making up 30% of the total retail market in 2022. This is great for eCommerce companies, but for logistics providers, it produces a problem.  Consumers expect fast delivery of almost any and every product, putting pressure on delivery and fulfilment businesses to provide a competitive price for ..read more

5 Frequent Questions about Our Autonomous Mobile Robots As automation consultants, we are used to fielding questions from businesses looking for innovative and accessible automation solutions. Autonomous Mobile Robots are a great first step for small and medium businesses, but there is still plenty of confusion among business leaders about what AMRs are and what they can do. In this article, we address some of the frequently asked questions about AMRs, to help our readers on the way to implementing automation that works with their business. In this article we will answer: What is the differe ..read more

Automation has emerged as a game-changer in today’s fast-paced business landscape, promising increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved productivity. However, the thought of implementing automation can seem especially out of reach for SMEs with limited budgets and resources. At Guidance Automation, we aim to support businesses of all sizes through the process and help create clarity for business leaders. In this article, you can explore the first steps necessary to begin working with automated technologies. Imagine streamlining your repetitive tasks, reducing errors, and freeing up valua ..read more

Warehouse Execution and Control Systems (WECS) are nothing new in the warehousing industry, though the terminology may be new to some. A WECS can package together functions that have been available from Warehouse Control System suppliers for many years. In this article, we’ll cover some of the FAQs about Warehouse Execution & Control Systems, and determine how WECS can support your operations. Definitions: What are WMS, WCS and WECS? In the field of warehousing, there are now so many acronyms assigned to the different software systems available that things can be difficult to follow. To he ..read more