Pragmatic Automation and Equipment: What is Essential for Effective Warehouse Robotization?

A pragmatic discussion on where to start, which solutions to choose, and how to build an effective automated warehouse—focusing on real-world operations rather than just presentations.

Robots alone cannot fix chaotic processes, data, or infrastructure. Amidst labor shortages, the growth of e-commerce, and demands for faster delivery, automation has become a necessity. Its foundation lies in storage organization, labeling, standardized processes, and a robust WMS.

In this expert session, we will discuss how to prepare a warehouse for automation, select the right technologies, and avoid costly solutions that lack a clear return on investment.

Topics for discussion:

- Traditional automation vs. robotics: Which direction is the market taking—conveyor systems, robotics, or a hybrid approach? How do you compare CAPEX, operating costs, implementation timelines, and ROI? 

- Unified management of a robotic warehouse: What kind of system should coordinate the operations of various robot types and equipment? How can you avoid integration complexities while maintaining the flexibility to add new systems in the future? 

- Automation and robotics in the current climate: Which projects are in demand? Is rapid deployment possible, and which solutions should smaller warehouses start with? 

- Retail automation: How do you handle a wide product assortment, seasonal peaks, returns, and omnichannel operations involving physical stores, e-commerce, and marketplaces simultaneously? 

- Process-driven WMS: How does it help accelerate warehouse launch, minimize the need for custom modifications, and establish standardized operating procedures? 

- AI in information systems: How ready is the market to adopt proprietary or third-party AI tools? Where are they already delivering value—forecasting, inventory management, computer vision, routing—and how can data be protected against breaches? What solutions are currently available? 

- Teams and expertise for large-scale projects: How can WMS developers and integrators quickly prepare for project participation and ensure consistent implementation quality? - Warehouse readiness for change: what needs to be established prior to implementation—from racking layout, labeling, and identification to business processes and data quality?

Speakers:
Vladimir Lykov, Commercial Director, EME - Moderator
Vasily Kuznetsov, Supply Chain Automation Director, Lemana PRO
Dmitry Geller, Sales Director (Automated Solutions), Comitas
Maxim Ludin, Logistics and IT Director, Gulliver Group
Sergey Ivkin, CEO, consulting firm
Alexey Katilenkov, Expert