Synopsis
A recent report highlights the rapid growth of India's warehousing sector, with a significant shift towards AI and automation for efficiency and safety. Companies are planning substantial investments in technology to meet rising demands and improve operations.Key Takeaways
- 63 percent of warehouse leaders globally plan to adopt AI-driven software in five years.
- 65 percent of APAC warehouse operators will implement augmented reality (AR).
- Global warehouse space will grow by 27 percent to 42 billion square feet by 2030.
- 85 percent of warehouse associates stress the need for technology investment.
- 72 percent of global workers are concerned about safety in busy warehouses.
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) With the rapid expansion of India’s warehousing sector, businesses are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance efficiency and safety, according to a recent report released on Tuesday.
The report by Zebra Technologies revealed that 63 percent of warehouse leaders globally, including in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and India, anticipate implementing AI-driven software within the next five years.
Furthermore, about 65 percent of APAC warehouse operators, including those in India, are poised to adopt augmented reality (AR) within the same timeframe.
As warehouses manage increasing order volumes, companies are prioritizing technology to optimize operations.
The report emphasized that 64 percent of global warehouse operators and 63 percent in APAC, including India, intend to boost investments in warehouse modernization over the next five years.
Research firm Interact Analysis forecasts that global warehouse spaces will expand by 27 percent, reaching 42 billion square feet by 2030, up from 33 billion square feet in 2023.
Additionally, warehouse labor costs are projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 percent over the decade.
Companies are also accelerating the adoption of automation. The study indicated that 85 percent of warehouse associates, including 88 percent in APAC and India, believe that businesses that do not invest in technology will face challenges in achieving their goals.
Moreover, 74 percent of global workers and 77 percent in APAC, including India, feel they are spending excessive time on tasks that could be automated.
Safety remains a significant concern, with 72 percent of global workers and 79 percent in APAC, including India, expressing anxiety about working in increasingly crowded warehouses.
Approximately 70 percent of global respondents are also worried about workplace injuries.
Warehouse leaders recognize these challenges, as 51 percent globally and 45 percent in APAC, including India, admit that sustaining fill rates is becoming more challenging.
As India’s warehousing industry continues to grow, AI and automation are expected to be pivotal in boosting productivity, enhancing safety, and ensuring that businesses remain competitive.
