Agility and execution matter as much as forecasting.

Companies can implement new automation technology in steps rather than throwing everything out and starting over, says Fred Fox, president of Kardex Solutions Americas.

Ray DeMelfi, senior vice president strategic services with Hy-Tek Intralogistics, explains what sets successful cold-chain operations apart from ambient warehousing.

Fueled by robotics and AI, and following the trend in many factories, warehouses seem to be on a relentless march toward total automation. 

There’s been a lot of talk recently about designing robots in human form for manufacturing and distribution environments. Does that make sense? 

Through 2026, robotics will be designed into the network, not added at the edges. 

Focus on process discipline first over equipment investment, and consider traditional solutions before adopting automation.

The next decade will bring a fundamental shift in material movement as facilities evolve into autonomous logistics networks.

Over time, yards and warehouses will evolve into a single collaborative ecosystem.

The current "state-of-the-art" warehouse is often heavily automated but dangerously inflexible.