Zebra Technologies Corporation, a global leader in digitizing and automating frontline workflows, has released its latest Warehousing Vision Study, titled "Elevating Every Move: The Formula for High-Performance Warehousing." The study highlights the growing adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in warehouse operations and the potential risks associated with slow implementation.

The report reveals that 63 per cent of global warehouse leaders plan to adopt both AI software and augmented reality (AR) within the next five years. Additionally, 64 per cent of respondents worldwide intend to increase investments in warehouse modernisation, with similar figures in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. To accelerate this transformation, 63 per cent of warehouse leaders globally, and 64 per cent in APAC, have set modernization goals for completion by 2029.

Industry analysis indicates significant growth in warehouse infrastructure. Interact Analysis projects that global warehouse space will expand from 33 billion square feet in 2023 to 42 billion square feet by 2030, representing a 27 per cent increase. Concurrently, warehouse labour expenditures are anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 per cent through the same period.

As warehouse operations expand, increasing order volumes and workforce capacity present challenges. The study identifies key concerns among warehouse associates, including excessive time spent on manual tasks that could be automated, safety risks on increasingly crowded warehouse floors, and staff shortages leading to fatigue and physical exhaustion. Warehouse leaders also face difficulties in maintaining fill rates, preparing orders, and meeting service level agreements (SLAs), with accuracy and outbound processes emerging as major operational challenges.

Rising e-commerce activity is adding further pressure on warehouse teams to expedite order fulfillment. The study highlights the importance of implementing collaborative robots, ergonomic mobile devices, communication applications, and task management tools to address workplace challenges. Increased automation and mobile technologies are also seen as critical in attracting and retaining warehouse workers, as employees report feeling more valued when provided with these advanced tools.

As warehouse modernization continues, bridging the gap between growing customer expectations and operational efficiency will require accelerated adoption of technology-driven solutions.

News source: KBI Media