Technology and Automation in Logistics

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
T/617/6668
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Aim

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of how technology and automation is used by logistic organisations to deliver and support operational functions.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand technology and automation in logistics.

  • Technology
    The combination of skills, techniques, processes and methods which have been developed by scientific knowledge to produce goods and services.
  • Automation
    Using technology to create systems process to reduce human intervention and where activities are conducted by a mechanical device.
  • Types
    Autonomous vehicles; drones; 3D printing; robotics; mobile applications; self-driving stacking vehicles; IT; automated docking; automated storage and retrieval systems; barcode labelling and scanning; inventory automation.
  • Supporting the Supply Chain
    Increased control, effectiveness and efficiency; reduced costs; better inventory management; increases collaboration and transparency; holistic tracking; meet increasing demands; workflow automation. 

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain the different types of technology and automation used in logistics. 

  • 1.2

    Explain how technology and automation supports the supply chain.

2

Understand how technology and automation are used in transportation systems.

  • Handling and transporting goods
    For example – Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are self-driving and capable of operating with little or no human input. AVs load, unload and transport goods within a logistics environment.
  • Benefits
    AVs reduce the requirement for drivers which will reduce operational costs, they can operate for long period of times which overcomes restrictions of the Working Time Directive and can connect to each other which can improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Explain how technology and automation are used to handle and transport goods.

  • 2.2

    Assess the benefits of using technologies and automation to handle and transport goods.

3

Understand how technology and automation are used in warehouse systems.

  • Warehouse operations
    For example - Barcode labelling represents data which describes what the good is and in what quantity, whereas scanning recognises this data. Barcode labelling and scanning help stock management systems to identify and track goods in a warehouse.
  • Benefits
    Learners will extend the explanations required for 3.1.
    Barcode labelling and scanning speeds up the picking and stocking process, improves inventory management and reduces the amount of human input which will reduce operational costs.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Explain how technology and automation are used in warehouse operations.

  • 3.2

    Assess the benefits of using technologies and automation in warehouse operations.

4

Understand developing technologies and automation in the logistics environment.

  • Future technologies and automation
    Robotics; artificial intelligence; augmented reality systems; vehicle platooning; blockchain technology; chatbots.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Explain how emerging technologies and automation will impact on global supply chains in the future.