Will McInnis, director of sales with Robust.ai, talks about how third-party logistics providers can start their automation journey, and make the right choices in an ever-expanding world of choices.

3PLs are increasingly prioritizing flexibility over fixed infrastructure as they evaluate warehouse automation, says McInnis.

He points out that many 3PLs operate on customer contracts that last only three to five years, making it critical for automation systems to adapt as warehouse needs change over time.

“Flexibility truly is the name of the game,” he explains, noting that 3PLs increasingly want robotics and automation systems that can be adjusted, expanded or replaced without requiring major infrastructure overhauls.

Automation needs can vary widely depending on the type of operation, with some 3PLs focused on pallet-in/pallet-out cross-docking, while others handle high volumes of e-commerce fulfillment. Because of those differences, there is no universal automation strategy, McInnis says, making it so companies need to evaluate solutions based on their product mix, workflows and customer requirements.

There’s also been a broader industry shift away from traditional conveyance and sortation systems, toward more modular robotics that can be deployed faster and tested on a smaller scale before wider adoption. Pilot programs, simulations and live demonstrations have become increasingly important as 3PLs try to avoid overcommitting to systems that may not fit future operational needs.

“You could make the investment, and if it’s not working out or your needs change down the line, it’s difficult to rip that sort of heavier infrastructure out,” McInnis says. “Ideally it’s something that you can try before you buy.”