The past 12+ months have seen Warehouse face considerable disruption – disruption that has altered perspectives and priorities. While Covid-19 is not the only reason for these disruptions, it is a significant factor. The pandemic isn’t over yet, either, bringing further uncertainty.

While there are uncertainties, there are also opportunities in warehouse and supply chain management as we look to 2022 and beyond, it is also time to gear up for the upcoming year with new ideas and strategies that can enhance your business productivity and efficiency. While we all know how crucial a role warehouse management plays in the supply chain of any eCommerce business, sellers often overlook staying up-to-date with the latest warehousing trends that can help them stay ahead of the game.

Implementing technology into warehouse management is going to be the most cost-effective and quickest way to increase the efficiency of warehouse operations. As we progress into 2022, warehouse management technologies are likely to grow by leaps and bounds. Let’s take a look at some of the top warehouse management trends 2022 that are going to rule in the next year:

1. Creating Sustainable Warehousing

With an increased number of people willing to reduce their carbon footprints, 2022 will witness a sea change in warehousing management techniques. More and more business owners will be looking for sustainable warehousing in the coming year. It will not only reduce your utility bills but also provide your employees with an eco-friendly business they are proud to be a part of.

2.   The Introduction of the Blockchain

Blockchain technologies in warehousing are in infancy, but they have the potential to be a substantial growth area. Blockchain technologies can also increase transparency in warehousing operations, while also reducing risks and streamlining processes. We are still at the start of this journey, but it is a trend to look out for.

3. Robotic Automation

As the Indian warehousing industry has entered into an era of consolidation, more and more advanced technologies such as robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are likely to be integrated in 2022. Although in labor-intensive countries like India, implementing full-scale robotics is a little difficult, as certain tasks will always be cheaper if undertaken by humans, warehouse managers are trying to find ways to implement robotics, machine learning, and AI into the back-end to improve operations. With such technologies, the Indian warehousing industry will witness almost 2X growth in the next 2 years.

4. Insulate your Warehouse Properly

Poor insulation disrupts the temperature control you set up for your warehouse building. This drives up your heating and cooling bills and increases your warehouse’s impact on the environment. Make sure your warehouse is properly insulated to help keep climate-controlled air inside where it belongs. In addition to keeping your employees comfortable, doing so reduces wear and tear on your warehouse management system and reduces energy bills.

5. Invest in Energy-Saving Equipment

Changing your lighting is one of the most effective ways to make any warehouse more environmentally friendly. Opt for eco-friendly options such as LED lighting. While they may cost a little higher than the traditional bulbs, they will definitely last longer as well as conserve energy in the long run.

6.  Introduction of Drones

The year 2022 is likely to witness drone technology in warehousing. Large retail companies such as Amazon have successfully used drones in their warehouses for inventory management. Smaller retailers will probably be following their example and enjoy the benefits of drone technology. For example:

• Two drones are able to do the job of about 100 humans and do it more accurately.

• Aerial drones equipped with special cameras with optical sensors can find items and scan respective barcodes from 10 meters away with a close to 100% accuracy rate

    7)  Automation (AI & Machine Learning)

As the Indian warehousing industry has entered into an era of consolidation, more and more advanced technologies such as robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are likely to be integrated in 2022. Although in labor-intensive countries like India, implementing full-scale robotics is a little difficult, as certain tasks will always be cheaper if undertaken by humans, warehouse managers are trying to find ways to implement robotics, machine learning, and AI into the back-end to improve operations. With such technologies, the Indian warehousing industry will witness almost 2X growth in the next 2 years.

All the trends on this list will help warehousing improve throughout 2022, becoming more competitive, productive, and efficient, while also increasing profitability. It is a period of transformation, and that brings challenges, but there are exciting opportunities too.