Automating a warehouse can take up to three years, so it’s good to take into account all the many factors involved and how long they will take to implement, says Michael Fiorito, senior sales executive at Exotec.

On the plainly practical side, there are construction schedules, lead times for automation and equipment, building permits, fire-suppression systems, increased electricity supply, and even how much extra air conditioning will be needed. The list is extensive.

“All of those things can play into how long it may take to get ready, as well as any of the things that you will end up interrupting operationally or organizationally prior to erecting new equipment, putting in the equipment, programming and integrating,” says Fiorito. 

A typical warehouse automation schedule will involve about a year's worth of preparation, another year of development work, and probably another six months or so before the project can go live, Fiorito says. “So two to three years is probably a fair assessment.”

Many events or pressures can prompt an automation project, Fiorito says, including a merger or acquisition that's bringing another whole business unit into a facility, the impact of COVID-19, and supply chain and logistics interruptions. “Those prompt businesses to really start thinking about how they can future-proof their operations,” Fiorito says.

Then, of course, there are the technological aspects to consider, and figuring out how to integrate the new IT with the old is critical, Fiorito warns. “First is taking a look holistically at what are the technologies that are currently being used in the facility,” he says. “Because whenever you automate, there's always going to be the IT component.”