IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/rbs/ijbrss/v14y2025i3p18-29.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Impact of automated picking systems on operational efficiency in South Africa’s manufacturing warehouses

Author

Listed:
  • Tshepo Mabotja

    (University of Kwazulu Natal)

Abstract

The study seeks to examine the determinants affecting warehouse performance, emphasising the impact of warehouse management systems on improving the worldwide competitiveness of South African steel manufacturing firms. It aims to underscore the difficulties in existing procedures and the strategic significance of proficient warehouse management. The study utilised a qualitative methodology to examine warehouse management methods in South African steel manufacturing firms. Data was gathered via structured interviews and questionnaires to ascertain current management system frameworks, picking methodologies, and the incorporation of automated solutions. The results indicate that the majority of South African steel manufacturers employ non-automated and non-integrated warehouse management systems. A notable deficiency in formal picking systems and zone picking was seen, leading to inefficient operations, excessive moves, and a failure to attain a competitive advantage in the worldwide market. The report emphasises a widespread undervaluation of warehouse management's strategic importance by senior management in enhancing manufacturing competitiveness. This report emphasises the necessity for South African steel manufacturing firms to implement integrated and automated warehouse management systems to optimise processes and improve global competitiveness. The enhancement of warehouse operations, particularly through the adoption of formal picking methods, could markedly diminish operational inefficiencies and elevate consumer satisfaction. This study offers significant insights into the constraints of existing warehouse management procedures in South Africa's steel manufacturing industry. By pinpointing particular obstacles and opportunities for enhancement, it provides actionable recommendations for utilising warehouse management as a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Key Words:Zone picking, Warehousing, Manufacturing, Picking systems, Supply chain management

Suggested Citation

  • Tshepo Mabotja, 2025. "Impact of automated picking systems on operational efficiency in South Africa’s manufacturing warehouses," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 14(3), pages 18-29, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:18-29
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v14i3.3853
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.ssbfnet.com/ojs/index.php/ijrbs/article/view/3853/2742
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i3.3853
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i3.3853?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:18-29. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    We have no bibliographic references for this item. You can help adding them by using this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Umit Hacioglu (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://edirc.repec.org/data/ssbffea.html .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.