NAI, a designer and manufacturer of custom interconnect solutions that deliver power and signals to monitor data, connect people and keep equipment operating, announced the expansion of its capabilities to provide interconnect solutions for the growing warehouse automation industry. NAI custom designs and manufactures cable assemblies and harnesses for warehouse equipment OEMs and system integrators.
Only about 5% of North American warehouses are fully automated. Automation can reduce labor costs, increase operational efficiency, increase safety in the workplace and address the concerns over the availability of labor. These benefits significantly outweigh the challenges faced in implementing automation in warehouses and distribution centers. And technologies like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have begun to significantly transform warehouse automation. It entails automating a variety of operations, from automatic data capture to software systems, automated storage and retrieval, picking, labeling, identifying, transport, deliver, and much more.
NAI Interconnect Capabilities for Automated Warehouse Applications
NAI focuses on providing the interconnectivity solutions needed for digital warehouse automation and IIoT initiatives, including high-density warehouse storage, narrow-aisle equipment, high picking, high storage, and other operational efficiency measures.
NAI can produce cable assemblies and harnesses for automated warehouse equipment such as:
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
- Smart Picking
- Intelligent Robots for Sortation Systems
- Other Robotic Systems
- Tote Handling
- Smart AC forklifts – Pallet, Stack, Reach, VNA, and Counterbalance Trucks
- Driverless Autonomous Forklifts
- Conveyors & Overhead Systems
- Palletizing & Depalletizing
- Storage Systems
- Workstation Systems
- AC Charging Stations
- Other IIoT applications
NAI provides cable assemblies for the newer shuttles to move inventory in the warehouse, an operation that is replacing traditional conveyor systems, for which NAI has supplied cable assemblies as well.
NAI can also provide the connectivity solutions needed to interconnect the whole warehouse operation. Historical inventory data can be accessed to accurately determine optimal storage methods and areas. Equipment collaboration platforms are activated to perform integrated scheduling of various robots and logistics equipment to efficiently complete the flow of goods. Goods-to-person picking systems can reduce the movement of workers, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating errors. Robots with advanced visual recognition technology can accurately pick the required goods per the order requirement. Conveyor systems are used for long-distance transportation of goods. Automatic packaging machines can pack according to the exact size of goods, effectively reducing waste. Order status tracking is maintained throughout the operational system.
NAI Interconnect Solutions for Warehouse Automation
Recent product development now allows NAI to expand their capabilities to include coax assemblies among their main portfolio of interconnect solutions and benefits:
- Copper Cable Assemblies for Power and/or Data
- Fiber Optic Assemblies for High-speed Data
- Hybrid Copper / Fiber Assemblies and Harnesses
- Coaxial Cable Assemblies for Vision Systems and Other Applications
- Ruggedized Interconnect Products to Withstand Harsh Environments
- IP 67 and IP 68 Rated Assemblies
- High Mix / Low Volume AND Low Mix / High Volume
- Control Panel and Box Builds
- Global Footprint to Optimize Shipping to Customer Locations
- Global Supply Network for Best-value Sourcing of Cable, Connectors and Other Parts
- Complex Harnesses, such as Used in the Semiconductor & Mining Industries
- Privately Held Company Moves Quickly to Make Investments for Ramping Up
- Larger Custom Interconnect Manufacturer with More Resources
Benefits of Automated Warehouse Technologies
Autonomous vehicles, drones, sensors, and wearables are enabling warehouses to create a more intelligent supply chain. Driverless autonomous vehicles improve visibility and increase productivity. Drones map the warehouse and update data on inventory and facility conditions. Sensors and identification tools for safety, motion, light, and climate control automatically locate and profile warehouse inventory in real-time. Wearable technology provides the capability to exchange data between devices and the network, supporting core processes such as shipping, receiving, routing, inventory management, picking, and replenishment. The smart warehouse is flexible, automated, scalable, and customer-focused.
For more information, visit NAI or Ask A NAI Expert.
