Subscribe

Month: April 2026

Record Store Day Logistics Surge

Posted on by David Priestman

DP World’s Bicester warehouse – Britain’s largest physical music distributor – is preparing to handle record volumes this ‘Record Store Day’ as demand for vinyl continues to surge across the UK.

Record Store Day – the music industry’s standout annual retail event – is expected to see more than 210,000 vinyl records shipped from Bicester, with over 230 individual releases distributed to record stores nationwide on 18 April.

In 2025, DP World handled 8 million vinyl records, a new annual high and an increase of more than one million units year-on-year, bringing the total number shipped from Bicester to over 15 million since it opened in 2023.

In the final quarter of 2025 alone, more than 7 million records, CDs and other music formats passed through the warehouse, including nearly 3 million vinyl records as customers sought out the format’s listening experience and collectability.

Across all music formats, the 270,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art site distributed more than 21 million units last year, highlighting the scale of operations underpinning the UK’s music retail supply chain.

Angela Howard, Vice President Contract Logistics, North Europe, DP World said: “Record Store Day is a moment for the music industry to celebrate the record shops we serve and the enduring popularity of vinyl and physical formats. At DP World’s Bicester operation, our team brings real passion and pride to supporting this moment, working alongside more than 80 autonomous picking robots to ensure hundreds of releases reach stores nationwide on time.”

“This commitment goes beyond logistics – we’re proud to play a role in supporting artists and independent retailers, while contributing to the industry’s long-term growth. By continuing to invest in our people, technology, and partnerships, we aim to help sustain the vibrant future of music, connecting fans with everything from globally renowned acts to cult favourites.”

Kim Bayley, Chief Executive, ERA, the digital entertainment and retail association, said: “Record Store Day is the single, most important day in the calendar for independent record shops in the UK and is bigger than Christmas, so it is fundamental to all UK retailers getting the physical products in their stores. Thanks to the Bicester operations, DP World has managed to re-invigorate the physical redistribution process such that retailers are able to service their customers creating the foundation for future growth.”

Partnership for AI-Powered Mixed-Case Palletizing

Posted on by David Priestman

Fortna and Jacobi Robotics, a physical AI innovator for warehouse automation, have announced a strategic partnership to bring AI-powered mixed-case palletizing to distribution and fulfillment operations. The collaboration adds the Jacobi Robotics ‘OmniPalletizer’ platform to the Fortna solution portfolio, expanding an ability to solve one of the most complex and labour-intensive workflows in high-volume distribution environments.

Mixed-case palletizing has historically required significant manual labour due to its operational complexity and variability. With OmniPalletizer, Fortna can deliver a scalable, production-ready solution that automates this process without requiring upstream sequencing infrastructure or major facility redesign, unlocking new levels of efficiency, safety and performance. Through digital twin simulations and AI-optimized workflows, the partnership translates advanced AI into reliable, scalable outcomes on the warehouse floor.

“At FORTNA, we partner with companies that are redefining what’s possible in warehouse automation, and Jacobi Robotics is doing exactly that,” said Rob McKeel, Chief Executive Officer. “Our commitment is to deliver the right solution for each customer’s environment, and Jacobi Robotics adds a best-in-class capability that allows us to solve a problem that has historically been challenging while driving measurable results.”

“FORTNA is exactly the kind of partner we built OmniPalletizer for,” said Max Cao, Chief Executive Officer, Jacobi Robotics. “Their deep expertise in distribution and fulfillment solutions and proven track record of delivering best-fit technologies for their customers make them an ideal partner. Together, we’re bringing a proven, high-impact solution to customers across parcel, retail, grocery and food and beverage industries.”

Expanding a Best-in-Class Automation Partner Ecosystem FORTNA will leverage the addition of AI-powered mixed-case palletizing to further enhance and strengthen its ecosystem of best-fit technology solutions that also include:

AutoStore – to deliver high-density, goods-to-person solutions that maximize space utilization and accelerate order fulfillment. Recent innovations like AutoCase and AutoStore Intelligence expand these capabilities by enabling automated full-case and each picking in a single system and providing advanced, AI-driven insights to help make confident, faster decisions across design, deployment,operations and ongoing optimization.

Geekplus – to deliver advanced robotic solutions, including the OptiSweep™ system,designed to automate the sorter close-out process for distribution operations. By seamlessly orchestrating mobile robots with proprietary intelligent software, Fortna OptiSweep™ reduces labour dependency, enhances operator ergonomics and optimizes material flow in high-volume e-Commerce and sortation environments.

Hai Robotics – to help warehouses maximize vertical space, improve throughput and adapt quickly to changing demand through its HaiPick Systems, including the recently upgraded HaiPick Climb solution. As a global system integrator, Fortna designs and implements the high-density, goods-to-person solutions to optimize storage, picking and order fulfillment while increasing capacity and productivity. These flexible systems scale from small to large facilities, combining intelligent software with advanced robotic automation to enable more resilient, high-performing operations.

OTTO by Rockwell Automation – to deploy autonomous mobile robots that streamline material movement across facilities. These solutions improve operational flexibility and enable scalable automation of repetitive transport tasks.

Packsize/Sitma – to deliver on-demand, right-sized packaging systems that reduce corrugate waste, lower shipping costs and improve sustainability.

Swimwear Brand Gets Euro Logistics Base

Posted on by David Priestman

Kulani Kinis, a fast-growing Australian swimwear and apparel brand with a loyal global following, has announced a new partnership with Bleckmann, specialists in supply chain management for fashion and lifestyle brands. Bleckmann will provide warehousing, order fulfilment and returns processing from its facility in Venlo, the Netherlands, launching Kulani Kinis’ first logistics operation based on European soil.

Supporting a bold growth strategy

Founded in Sydney in 2015 by Dani Atkins and Alex Babich, Kulani Kinis has grown from a side hustle into a globally recognised brand, expanding its reach far beyond Australia. In particular, the US market has been a strong growth engine, with a majority of the brand’s business currently generated there. Europe is another important market, and the brand has been building toward a dedicated European logistics presence for several years. “Europe has gone from a relatively small share of our business to around 10% and growing”, said Will North, Head of Commercial and Performance at Kulani Kinis. “Being based in Australia, we simply couldn’t service our European customers the way we wanted to.”

This made delivery speed and operational efficiency top priorities in a new potential logistics partner. Now, with Bleckmann handling warehousing, fulfilment and returns for all the brand’s EU business, customers can expect a step change in the end-to-end shopping experience. “Previously, delivery times to the EU were up to six days as orders shipped from Australia”, said Melissa Blume, Head of Customer Experience at the brand. “With fulfilment now based in Venlo, many customers will receive their orders the next day via local carriers they know and trust.”

Dedicated expertise, cost efficiency and faster returns

After visiting several potential providers in the Netherlands, Kulani Kinis selected Bleckmann for both its ability to deliver service improvements and its fashion and lifestyle focus. “What really stood out was that Bleckmann isn’t a generalist player – they have the deep expertise we need”, continued North. “Our products demand careful handling and precise presentation, so Bleckmann’s strong SLAs around fulfilment accuracy and value-added services were a deciding factor.” This was illustrated during a team visit to Bleckmann’s Venlo facility. “We arrived in the days after Black Friday and everything was running like clockwork”, noted Blume. “That told us exactly what we needed to know.”

The economies of scale achieved with Bleckmann have also allowed Kulani Kinis to introduce free shipping on orders over €100 – a first for the brand’s European offering. Returns, too, will be transformed: rather than items being sent all the way back to Australia, items returned from European customers will benefit from faster, more efficient processing, handled locally in Venlo. “Customers can now receive their exchange orders and refunds more quickly”, explained Ruud Mars, Business Development Business Transport at Bleckmann. “This typically results in a smoother post-purchase experience and stronger customer relationships.”

Euro summer, delivered

The partnership go-live comes at a key moment for the brand. Kulani Kinis is launching its European fulfilment operation alongside the release of its new Espresso Island collection – foregrounding retro glamor, deep espresso hues and playful core prints. Bleckmann will help give European customers faster access to the brand’s latest styles just as the summer season gets underway. “Launching a major new collection and a brand-new logistics operation at the same time is a real test of any provider”, said Blume. “But the way Bleckmann has handled it has given us complete confidence going forward.”

Looking ahead, Kulani Kinis sees Europe as a key pillar of its long-term growth strategy – not just in direct-to-consumer, but in wholesale too. The brand has already appeared twice at Splash, the leading swimwear trade show in France, and is looking to build the kind of wholesale momentum in Europe that has accelerated growth in the US.

“Having product physically on the continent makes everything easier – from marketing activations to wholesale conversations”, concluded North. “When potential partners see that you’re here, that you’re invested, it sends a very clear signal: we’re here to stay.”

New Ink Jet Printer Series at Interpack

Posted on by David Priestman

The launch of a new continuous ink jet (CIJ) printer range will be the centrepiece of the Linx Printing Technologies stand (C59, Hall 8B) at this year’s interpack exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany.

This latest addition to the Linx product portfolio will be shown alongside the company’s current ranges of advanced coding and marking solutions which, in addition to CIJ, include laser coding machines, thermal transfer printers and large character marking printers. All reflect Linx’s ongoing commitment to practical innovation with the development of coding and marking products and services that make production life easier for factory personnel.

interpack provides a global showcase for the packaging industry and it therefore presents the ideal opportunity for us to share with visitors what we believe will be a gamechanger in coding and marking for busy production managers,

said Mark Cooper, Senior Director Product and Marketing, Linx Printing Technologies.

In another first at the exhibition, Linx will also be previewing a new model for its large character marking printer range, which will be launched later this year. This will set new standards in the coding of text, logos and graphics directly onto porous substrates such as cardboard, paper and wood in industries including manufacturing, packaging and logistics.

Among the other highlights on the stand, the three models on show from the Linx laser coding machine range underline the variety of solutions offered by the company to meet the needs of many different markets and applications. All offer high-quality permanent marking at high speeds and, with no reliance on consumables, operating costs are reduced while the substrates being coded remain intact and unblemished.

The Linx UVG5 is ideal for delicate mono-recyclable films and difficult to mark rigid plastics, delivering fast and consistent code marking, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing production lines.

The Linx CSL30 produces sharp codes, even on hard to mark materials such as glass and rubber, on high-speed production lines in markets including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and electronics. The adjustment focus of the coder’s CO2 laser marking head, which incorporates integrated simplified focus technology, means there is no need to move the laser or adjust it for different height or width products. This reduces changeover times and eliminates errors on lines with frequent product changes.

Linx’s fibre laser coder, the FSL20, achieves very fine spot size to deliver excellent quality codes for the clear and effective marking of very small components or products which require large amounts of information in a small area. In addition, the extreme clarity of the codes makes the coder ideal for traceability requirements in markets such as pharmaceutical, medical devices, automotive and electronics.

Linx will also showcase three models from its thermal transfer printer range, which offer high quality printing onto flexible materials including bags, pouches, labels and flow wrap. All offer a large range of ribbons to match individual applications and production line printing needs, with bi-directional stepper motors to deliver more prints per ribbon. An easy-to-use colour touch screen and simple cassette system ensure ease of set-up, operation and changeovers.

Customs Reform Puts Focus on UK-EU Fulfilment

Posted on by David Priestman

An overhaul of the EU customs framework isn’t deterring expansion of UK-to-Europe retail supply chains, writes Andrew Scanlon (pictured, below), Head of Sales and Marketing at e-commerce logistics provider Paxon.

The European Council and the European Parliament recently agreed on reform that will collect customs duties more efficiently and tighten controls on non-compliant, dangerous or unsafe products. It’s a move that’s been regarded as the EU’s greatest customs reform since the creation of the Customs Union in 1968 and has seen headlines about a crackdown on low-value parcels entering Europe.

Changes are expected to see the end of duty relief on parcels valued at less than €150 entering the EU, with this being replaced by new fees. However, there is much more to the reform, with significant changes potentially encouraging, rather than deterring UK businesses from exporting to the EU. Our experience suggests this is the case, with retailers and brands keen to plan early and adapt supply chains to grow sales among European shoppers.

Facilitating trade

The new EU customs framework will see the introduction of a data hub, which is scheduled to become operational for e-commerce goods on 1 July 2028. A phased rollout will bring all movements of goods into its scope by 1 March 2034. The EU customs data hub will be a single online platform for collecting and analysing customs data, supporting the secure and efficient movements of goods into and out of the EU. A new, decentralised agency for EU customs will utilise the hub to help identify the riskiest cargo, flagging this for inspection.

Businesses will submit customs information to the new portal, meaning they only submit information once, rather than up to 27 individual entries for each of the Union’s member states. This should help facilitate and simplify trade by saving exporters time and money. It will also create opportunity for ‘trust and check traders’ – a new process that streamlines customs obligations for companies that consistently provide comprehensive information about their goods. Companies recognised under the scheme could find they are able to release goods into the EU without any active customs intervention at all.

Benefits of the new reform appeal to UK-based retailers and brands, which want to cut the complexities of cross-border trade. Businesses are seeking advice to improve the accuracy and compliance of customs declarations, ensuring they’ve got tried and tested processes in place well ahead of the changes.

It’s the new rules for small consignments that are more likely to be causing concern among UK businesses exporting to the EU.

Changing fees

In December 2025, EU member states agreed to eliminate the customs duty relief threshold for goods valued at less than €150 entering the EU. From 1 July 2026, there are plans to replace this exemption with a temporary customs duty, which is expected to be around €3 per item, in parcels valued up to €150. A new flat rate handling fee has also been proposed, with plans for this to be introduced from November 2026, although this is still to be confirmed.

In the most recent communication (26th March) from the European Council and the European Parliament, it was indicated that the level of the handling fee will be decided by Commission delegated act, before it starts being applied by EU member states no later than 1 November 2026.

Communications further indicated that platforms and those selling into the EU by distance sale (e.g. via e-commerce) are expected to be responsible for ensuring that all customs formalities and payments are taken care of. A new system of financial penalties will be introduced for e-commerce operators systematically failing to comply with their customs obligations.

Although further clarity about the new EU-wide handling fee is still required, UK companies are acting early. They are reviewing fulfilment strategies, considering options such as dual-entity warehousing and EU-based bonded warehouses, as well as hybrid models of centralised supply chain planning and inventory management, supported by regional distribution hubs.

The EU presents a strong growth opportunity for UK-based retailers and brands. European e-commerce is thriving and shoppers are willing to buy from outside the EU – around a quarter (27%) of shoppers did so in 2024. The new customs reform may sound daunting but can present opportunities to streamline exports and fulfilment. Planning early will be key to adapting supply chain and fulfilment strategies that enable effective cross-border trading.

Andrew Scanlon is Head of Sales and Marketing at Paxon – a newly formed third-party logistics brand created by bringing together three specialist providers: Active Ants, Staci and Radial.

Hormuz Crisis’ Supply Chain Impact

Posted on by David Priestman

The ongoing severe restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by the United States and Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran, has gone from an understandable reluctance for ships to pass during the conflict to Iranian threats and attacks on vessels, plus attacks on Gulf ports and facilities, to a new US naval blockade on Iranian tankers and potential blackmail ransoms involved to allow navigation to resume via this critical chokepoint. Predictions on the increasing supply chain consequences for all products are being constantly revised.

“If peace with Iran is not locked in within weeks, structural changes in global supply chains will begin to harden,” Kevin O’Marah, Chief Research Officer, Zero100 told us. “War risk becomes baseline: higher insurance/security costs, persistent surcharges, and redesigned shipping networks around safer hubs; longer, less reliable transit times.

“Short-term tactics to shift inventories, seek secondary sources, and pay freight premiums are getting us through this crisis, but nothing will change the fact that ongoing geopolitical tensions mean costs are set to keep rising for the foreseeable future. This means redundant manufacturing capacity, higher inventories, smaller-scale production assets, and rising transaction complexity – all of which add both capital and operating expense.

“Regionalization is a good thing in the long run, and AI could be the breakthrough technology needed to make it all profitable. But the transition will take years. Rising costs of living are the new normal, and until we fully dial in the productivity effects of AI, we will be forced to pass along the costs of transitioning to regionalized supply chains.

“Supply chain transparency is a critical unlock as business leaders look for not only lower product supply costs, but also a good way to explain what customers get for higher prices.”

Pan-European Logistics Joint Venture Launched

Posted on by David Priestman

The European logistics property market continues to attract strong investment interest, with demand for high-quality warehouse developments rising across key industrial hubs. In response, La Caisse, a global investment group, and Prologis have announced an agreement to launch Prologis Logistics Investment Venture Europe (PLIVE), a new pan-European joint venture dedicated to acquiring, developing, and operating prime logistics properties.

La Caisse and Prologis will hold 70% and 30% interests, respectively, with governance rights shared between the partners. Prologis will provide specialised asset management and development expertise as the operating partner of the platform.

The PLIVE launch portfolio will provide immediate scale in Europe’s key logistics corridors and a strong foundation for demand-led, long-term growth. This venture builds on an established relationship between the two firms dating back to 2019, when they formed a logistics joint venture in Brazil.

With approximately EUR 1 billion in seed assets (CAD 1.6 billion), the platform will initially combine income-generating properties and development sites contributed by both partners. This will include approximately 844,000 square metres of Class A logistics space across France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

We have seen Prologis’ best-in-class capabilities to drive returns firsthand through our partnership in Brazil, and we are building on our combined strengths to create a truly consolidated pan-European platform. This joint venture brings together Prologis’ deep hands-on operational expertise and our vision to actively transform assets to enhance long-term value… Together, we will gain greater exposure to the European logistics sector, strengthen execution, and maximize the performance and scale of our logistics portfolio.

said Rana Ghorayeb, Executive Vice-President and Head of Real Estate at La Caisse.

Our partnership with La Caisse is built on years of working together and delivering results… Together, we’re expanding that success in Europe, combining long-term capital with our operating platform to scale high-quality logistics assets across key markets.

said Ted Eliopoulos, Managing Director, Strategic Capital, Prologis.

The partners plan to expand the platform through acquisitions and development across key European logistics corridors, leveraging Prologis’ sourcing, development and operating platform.

While the PLIVE platform will benefit from a shared pipeline of opportunities, Prologis will manage the properties, including accelerating leasing and development, with major strategic and financial decisions made jointly. The joint venture reflects the companies’ confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the European logistics sector, as companies reshape supply chains, move production closer to home and continue to invest in e-commerce.

Electric Empty Container Handlers Deployed

Posted on by David Priestman

Transtec World has become the first operator in the Americas to adopt Konecranes’ electric empty container handlers.

Two E-ACE 7/8 ECC 90 electric empty container handlers will operate across Transtec World’s container depot at the Port of Santos in Brazil, marking the first deployment of Konecranes electric empty container handlers in the Americas. The order was placed In Q4 2025, with delivery planned during Q2 2026.

Transtec World is one of the largest container depot operators at the Port of Santos, managing eight container yards and handling more than 710,000 containers annually. The two Konecranes E-ACE 7/8 ECC 90 electric empty container handlers will support daily stacking and repositioning operations across the depot.

“Konecranes stood out for the quality of its brand, as well as the strong local support provided through distributor Equiport. We’re proud to be the first customer in the Americas using these fully electric empty container handlers. They will help us to improve efficiency and further reduce our operational CO2 emissions in line with the expectations of our customers,” says Rogério Oliveira, Operational Director at Transtec World.

Designed for intensive container handling, the high voltage electric models deliver strong lifting performance without local tailpipe emissions. Their electric drive system reduces noise, improves energy efficiency and lowers overall operating costs compared with diesel powered equipment. The new lift trucks combine high performance with strong safety and ergonomic standards, ensuring a comfortable and efficient operator environment. They are also equipped with TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring, providing real time insights to support preventive maintenance and maximize equipment uptime.

“Introducing high voltage electric empty container handlers into a major depot operation like Transtec World shows how Konecranes electric solutions can meet the performance demands of day to day container handling. This step reflects a broader shift in the Americas as operators look for ways to boost efficiency, reduce emissions and align with the expectations of global supply chains,” says Andres Ramirez, Regional Sales Development Manager, Konecranes Lift Trucks.

The contract marks another proof point for Ecolifting, Konecranes‘ comprehensive step-by-step roadmap to zero tailpipe emissions that supports the decarbonization of port operations. Our solutions range from renewable diesel-powered drives, to hybrid and fully-electrified fleets, and emerging options like hydrogen, all designed to meet the needs of each customer today and for the future.

A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes one of the material handling industry’s leaders. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that support the decarbonization of the economy and advance circularity and safety.

Throughput Doubled with Warehouse Management

Posted on by David Priestman

A growing consumer products company has scaled operations without added labour, achieving 98.5% accuracy and zero audit errors. Durham Brands (DBA Gimme Beauty®), a hair accessory company, has transformed its warehouse operations with Infios Warehouse Management (WM) – enabling the company to improve accuracy and deliver record-breaking peak season performance.

Following the implementation of Infios WM, Durham Brands exceeded its December peak forecast by 170% while nearly doubling throughput from 10,000 to 19,000 cases per FTE, without adding labour. The company also achieved 98.5% inventory accuracy and recorded zero audit errors for the first time ever.

“This strategic move was more than a system upgrade, it was a meaningful shift in how we operate. We scaled through our biggest volume surge in company history without adding labour, and we improved accuracy and created opportunities to promote from within. The impact continues to compound across the business,” said Jeff Durham, CEO of Durham Brands.

Durham Brands has experienced more than 30% year-over-year growth for several consecutive years, supplying major retailers including Target, Walmart, Kroger and Ulta. As order volumes, SKU complexity and warehouse footprint expanded, the company outgrew its legacy warehouse management system, which relied heavily on manual processes and disconnected workflows across picking, packing and shipping.

Through Infios WM, Durham Brands introduced system-directed workflows across picking, license plating, lot control, and scanning – within a unified fulfillment environment. These capabilities eliminated manual steps, reduced mis-ship risk and improved real-time visibility across operations.

The system’s intuitive workflows and NetSuite integration have empowered employees across the operation – including a hearing-impaired, Spanish-speaking team member who now independently manages e-commerce fulfillment.

Durham Brands also strengthened inventory control and financial performance by moving to continuous cycle counting and improving lot visibility, enabling more strategic sourcing decisions and generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in tariff savings.

“Durham Brands’ results demonstrate how intelligent supply chain execution can unlock new levels of performance at scale,” said Tim Moylan, Chief Growth Officer, Infios. “The team is now completing a full week of work in just three days while maintaining exceptional accuracy and throughput. This is exactly the kind of continuous optimization and agility modern supply chains require to keep pace with growth.”

With a scalable, modern warehouse management platform in place, Durham Brands is now positioned to sustain its rapid growth while maintaining high service levels, operational efficiency and workforce productivity. The company plans to continue investing in automation, data visibility and scalable infrastructure to support its next phase of growth.

New Warehouses: Human-Optional/Robot-Centric

Posted on by David Priestman

By 2030, 50% of new warehouses in developed markets will be designed as ‘robot-centric’ facilities, with humans being optional, according to Gartner.

As warehouse workers become less keen to perform manual tasks, many organizations will be challenged to sustain operations through hiring alone, as labour costs and supply remain under significant pressure for most of the year. In response, chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) are accelerating adoption of intralogistics smart robotics (ISRs) to scale operations as manual labour warehouse models become increasingly obsolete.

“AI continuously optimizes warehouse environments in real-time, shifting them from static structures into agile systems that adapt as demand changes,” said Abdil Tunca, Senior Principal Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice. “This changes how CSCOs think about designing warehouses for scalability, from settings that primarily rely on human labor to environments that maximize the ability to orchestrate robotic fleets.”

The ISR market is highly fragmented and will require most companies to adopt more than one type of robot and a multiagent orchestration platform to coordinate heterogenous fleets of robots. As robot adoption accelerates, organizations are moving beyond retrofitting traditional facilities with automation to designing new warehouse environments. In these modern warehouses, human labour is required only for exception handling, rather than serving as the foundation of daily operations.

Workforce and Cost Pressures Are Driving a Shift to AI Orchestrated Operations

Warehouse designs will increasingly prioritize flexibility, efficiency and adaptability to support automation-led, human-aided workflows. Workstations, storage of goods and fulfillment workflows can be adjusted instantly based on changes in demand patterns or labour availability, allowing facilities to respond without costly physical redesigns.

Over time, fixed warehouse infrastructure will give way to more software managed environments that continuously self optimize. For example, re-routing robotic pickers to higher priority orders during peak demand or reallocating tasks between humans and machines when staffing levels fluctuate.

This shift enables organizations to scale operations more efficiently. Autonomous facilities can operate with reduced lighting and climate requirements and reconfigure workflows without physical infrastructure changes. While there will be upfront capital costs, automation offers structural cost advantages that can help organizations handle higher order volumes with lower costs.

Gartner recommends CSCOs take the following steps when designing robot centric warehouse environments:

● Adopt digital twin and simulation models early to validate layouts and optimize robotic performance prior to construction.
● Favour scalable, software defined robotics platforms over single purpose automation to improve adaptability and reduce obsolescence risk.
● Establish long term vendor ecosystem partnerships to support future integration, flexibility and expansion.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.