Streamlining Processes for Greater Efficiency and Safety

The metal industry is embracing automation and robotics to revolutionize material handling. As companies aim to reduce human interaction with materials, the focus has shifted toward minimizing manual handling and optimizing storage solutions. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, businesses are increasing efficiency, improving safety, and enhancing inventory management in metal service centers.

According to industry leaders, reducing human contact with materials is key to improving operational efficiency. Paul Short, president of Combilift North America, explains that fewer human touchpoints mean fewer chances for errors and damage. Companies like KASTO and Steel Storage Systems have developed automated solutions that integrate with warehouse management software, allowing businesses to track inventory in real time and ensure efficient storage practices. This approach minimizes manual effort, enhances the accuracy of inventory counts, and helps businesses avoid costly mistakes in storage.

Stefan Dolipski, Vice President at KASTO, highlights how automated systems work in conjunction with integrated scales to offer instant inventory feedback. Every time material moves through the system, the weight is recorded, providing continuous data on inventory status. Similarly, Lauren McCallin, COO at Steel Storage Systems, underscores the importance of optimizing layout and accessibility for quick retrieval. Automated solutions now predict material needs based on historical data, helping businesses avoid shortages and reduce unnecessary manual labor.

Safety and Labor Efficiency with Advanced Technology

As automation and robotics continue to shape the metal industry’s material handling systems, companies are also focusing on improving safety and addressing labor shortages. The trend toward automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and overhead crane automation is gaining traction. These innovations not only increase productivity but also minimize risks associated with manual handling, such as operator errors and potential collisions in high-traffic areas.

Safety is a significant concern in metal facilities, as manual material handling often leads to injuries. The shift toward automation mitigates these risks by reducing human involvement in potentially hazardous environments. Kim Hindle, Chief Product Officer at CareGo Tek, explains that with automation, products are moved safely and efficiently, eliminating the need for workers to operate cranes in tight, high-risk spaces. Additionally, the use of sensors and AI technology enhances safety by ensuring that moving parts stop when operators enter restricted zones.

Labor shortages in the metal sector have made automation even more appealing. With fewer workers willing to take on dangerous and low-paid material handling tasks, companies are turning to automation to bridge the gap. Ron Piso from G.W. Becker Inc. points out that automated cranes, robots, and AGVs are not only increasing productivity but also offering a safer, more attractive work environment for employees.