Efficiency in warehouse operations is a crucial component of modern supply chain management; it’s keeping the market on edge, as companies get dialed back in after recent disruptions to the supply chain. The demands on warehouse efficiency are becoming increasingly complex, and the landscape is broadening as more businesses are beginning to optimize their operational process.
This necessitates a technologically advanced and trustworthy network infrastructure supporting a seamless flow of warehouse operations to meet the demands of organizations everywhere. That’s what this article is about: how building the right network can lay the foundation for, and improve overall value from an improved supply chain management plan. Â
Organizations must work with low-voltage companies that can leverage the right parts in the process to benefit from the improvements in efficiency and planning. At the core of this segment of the technology landscape are skilled individuals who are focused on low-voltage networking design, installation and maintenance as part of the critical building blocks to a future-proof organization. The best warehouse companies in the world are scrutinizing their operations to ensure they are competitive, not only right now, but well into the future.
The right low-voltage contractors are experts that can ensure peak performance of the technology backbone of a warehouse. Building a robust network that supports various mission-critical applications while allowing for real-time data exchange, communication, and decision-making. This is true of companies that are strategic warehousing partners, but also for organizations that simply have warehousing assets and need to consistently optimize logistics to improve the bottom; line and encourage the top line as well.Â
Warehousing is a crucial component of running a streamlined organization, but small mistakes in network optimization can cause big ripples in the consistency of earnings and overall efficiency at the operational level.
Let’s dive into the concept of why building the best network is so important to the warehousing component of the supply chain.
Understanding Low Voltage Installation in Warehouses
From a 30,000-foot view, warehouse networking is an important part of the overall goals of a company, but it’s not until you look at the details of building a properly optimized network for warehouse operations that you see the real value. It’s that deeper dive that makes the most sense for this article, as it helps to provide context for more than just another buildout, and instead explains why prioritization of certain aspects makes more sense. Planning, implementation, and infrastructure are all important aspects – we’ll explore them below.
Low voltage networking generally refers to the deployment of communication and control systems that operate at relatively low voltage levels. This low voltage typically ranges from 12V to 48V. The reason it matters is that these low-voltage systems support a wide range of devices and applications, including wired and wireless networks, fiber cabling, security systems, access control, and building automation. All of these systems are crucial in maintaining consistency, lowering cost from a per-employee perspective, and streamlining daily ops.
Components of Low Voltage Wiring
The key components of a low-voltage network in a warehouse setting may include:
Structured Cabling: A warehouse network relies on structured cabling. This cabling often utilizes copper cabling such as Cat5/Cat6 shielded twisted-pair (STP) or fiber optic cables to transmit data and control signals. The network infrastructure includes various IT closets/rooms throughout the facility, these are called Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF). These rooms connect back to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) via fiber or copper cabling, which would house the core of the network, fed by the backbone communications provider.
Network devices:Low voltage networks in warehouses typically support a range of devices, such as network switches, routers, wireless access points, security cameras, ethernet hardlines, and security camera NVRs.
Network management and control systems:Robust management and control systems are essential for monitoring, configuring, and troubleshooting the network, ensuring its optimal performance and reliability. These network management systems will live in either the MDF or IDF.
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Key Benefits of Low Voltage Networking
The key benefits of low-voltage networking in warehouse environments include:
Network Connectivity: Low voltage networks are meant to service network connectivity for clients (‘clients’ can generally be seen as ‘connected devices’). Within a warehouse, the majority of the ‘clients’ could be wireless scanners that warehouse workers use or work stations that office workers use that have connected devices that need to access internal work functions. The foundation of any network is the cabling.
Network Redundancy: Redundancy is a major factor for optimal network performance and uptime, with the proper low voltage planning and installation that can be achieved. There are varied ways to implement redundancy, but every situation is different, and the specifics need to be evaluated to make the best determination.
Scalability and Future Proofing:Installation of the professional cabling comes with careful consideration and planning. A low-voltage contractor with a high knowledge of low-voltage infrastructure, and network engineering gives you the biggest cost-saving potential. With the future in mind, this is an important aspect, because you can scale properly in the future when the right type of cabling is installed. Additionally, with the right pre-planning and procurement, you can hit the budget today to meet the current business goals too. Certain structured cabling has bandwidth limitations, it’s important to have the right type of cabling installed to make sure bandwidth won’t be an issue in the future.
Centralized management and control:Low voltage networking enables the centralized management and control of various warehouse systems, facilitating efficient monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization. It’s not necessarily a default setting though – if possible, you should be working with a contractor that prioritizes a ‘single pane of glass’ interface, or understands how to properly document and plan the centralization of a network.
Improved system integration: Low voltage networks seamlessly integrate with a wide range of warehouse management systems, enabling the exchange of real-time data and the coordination of various operational processes. Cohesion is a huge benefit for warehouse connectivity. You want to be able to monitor your warehouse in every way that matters to your organization and make integrated decisions about that information.
The Impact of Low Voltage Networking on Warehouse Efficiency
The deployment of a robust low-voltage networking solution in a warehouse environment can immediately impact overall operational efficiency, touching on various aspects of warehouse management. It can have lasting positive effects too, if it’s orchestrated properly. Let’s explore the key areas where low-voltage installation experts can make a significant difference:
Improved Network Connectivity for Inventory Management Systems
Accurate and real-time inventory visibility is a cornerstone of efficient warehouse operations. Low-voltage professionals play a crucial role in designing and implementing networks that support inventory tracking systems that leverage a wide range of sensors and devices, such as RFID readers, barcode scanners, and weight sensors, to capture and transmit data about the movement and status of goods within the warehouse.
Integrating a network installed by professional low-voltage installers that supports the warehouse management system (WMS) enables warehouse operators to maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of inventory levels, item locations, and product flow.
This enhanced visibility allows for more accurate forecasting, streamlined order fulfillment, and reduced instances of stock outages or overstocking, ultimately improving overall inventory management and improving operational costs.
To have this crucial systems component at 99.9% uptime it starts with the physical layer of the network being installed by the low-voltage contractor. The impact of a professional low-voltage contractor goes far beyond what appears on the surface.
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Streamlined Communication with Professional Network Installers
Effective communication and coordination among various teams and stakeholders within a warehouse is essential for maintaining optimal efficiency.
Low-voltage networking experts play a pivotal role in designing and implementing communication systems that seamlessly connect the diverse elements of a warehouse operation.
By integrating voice, data, and video communication capabilities into the low-voltage network, these experts enable warehouse personnel to stay connected and collaborate in real time, regardless of their physical location within the facility. This could include features such as:
- Wireless communication devices for warehouse workers to coordinate tasks and share information.
- Intercom systems to facilitate instant communication between different areas of the warehouse.
- Video conferencing and collaboration tools to enable remote team meetings and troubleshooting.
- Automated notification systems to alert personnel of critical events or operational changes.
Furthermore, by integrating the communication systems with other warehouse management tools, low-voltage networking experts can ensure that the network is connected at a physical level properly so data flows smoothly and securely between different functional areas, enabling more effective decision-making and problem-solving.
Increased Energy Efficiency with Low Voltage Wiring
Energy consumption is a significant operational cost for warehouses, and low-voltage networking experts can play a crucial role in optimizing energy usage throughout the facility.
By leveraging the capabilities of low voltage networks, these experts can design and implement a physical network that supports advanced building automation and control systems that regulate the operation of various energy-consuming components, such as:
Lighting systems: Low voltage installers and implement a network that reaches lighting controls and sensors to automatically adjust lighting levels based on occupancy, daylight availability, and other factors, resulting in substantial energy savings.
HVAC systems: By integrating HVAC controls into the low voltage network, in-house staff can optimize temperature, humidity, and airflow based on real-time conditions, reducing energy consumption while maintaining optimal environmental conditions.
Power management systems: Low voltage contractors can implement cabling that supports centralized power management systems that monitor and control the energy usage of various equipment and devices, identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements.
Enhanced Safety and Security
Warehouses are dynamic and sometimes hazardous environments, necessitating broad safety and security measures. Low-voltage contractors play a crucial role in designing and implementing systems that enhance the overall safety and security of warehouse operations.
For example, low-voltage networking can be utilized to power and integrate safety systems, such as:
Access control and surveillance:Low voltage networks support access control systems, such as card readers and biometric scanners, as well as video surveillance cameras, to enhance overall security and monitoring within the warehouse.
By seamlessly integrating these safety and security systems into a centralized low-voltage network, warehouse management can ensure coordinated and effective responses to various incidents, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of warehouse personnel and assets.
This level of connectivity and data insight can also improve internal shrinkage concerns and monitor important SKUs and areas to improve the loss ratios that can result from a variety of concerns.
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Conclusions about leveraging Low Voltage in warehouses
The warehouse of the future is marked by a growing reliance on automated and autonomous systems, from robotic material handling equipment to self-driving vehicles. Low-voltage networking experts are pivotal in enabling the seamless integration and coordination of these advanced systems within the warehouse environment.
By designing low-voltage networks that can support real-time data exchange, remote control, and fail-safe mechanisms, these installers are empowering warehouse operators to harness the efficiency and productivity benefits of automation while ensuring the safety and reliability of these advanced systems.
Do you have a warehouse project you’d like to get consulting for? We would love to work with you to improve your warehouse connectivity – let’s chat.