DIGITIZATION OF WAREHOUSING PROCESSES: AN OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In the domain of logistics system, the role of warehousing is frequently underestimated in comparison to transportation and distribution. Historically, warehouses were regarded exclusively as storage facilities, with operational efficiency being accorded negligible priority. However, with the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing need for fast deliveries, the situation has changed. In the context of intense competition, businesses are compelled to expedite order processing while maintaining precision, thereby exerting increased pressure on warehouse operations. Consequently, the adoption of digitization is becoming more common in warehouses, helping improve inventory visibility, task coordination, and access to information. The aim of this study is to present how digitization influences warehouse operational efficiency and to examine the main difficulties that may appear during its implementation. This research is based on the analysis of recent scientific publications, with focus on Warehouse Management Systems and barcode technologies. Results confirm in general that digitization can mainly improve operation accuracy in inventory tracking and make processes transparent and more controlled in everyday tasks. However, it was also observed that to achieve the goals, it is not enough to simply integrate technological solutions, companies also need to focus on organizational aspects such as employee training, changing management and overcoming the hesitance to adopt new technologies which present significant obstacles.