FOCUS Operations & efficiency
SOFTWARE FIRST APPROACH TO AUTOMATION
Jon Roberts, Sales Director, Inteq, says warehouse automation is
I
n today’s fast-moving, high-risk environment, automation is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic imperative. Businesses are under pressure to
improve resilience, reduce risk, and drive growth, all while navigating volatile supply chains, rising costs, and a competitive labour market.
challenges – which businesses do recognise, as more than half (56%) of retailers we spoke to told us that their current facilities are impacting business growth. But it can only be a solution when it’s approached with the right mindset. And too often, it is not.
A mindset shift
transformation. It’s a long- term journey of continuous improvement – a mindset shift that is essential for organisations that want to unlock automation’s full strategic value. Rather than aiming for a single, transformative project that delivers tactical gains, businesses need a strategy that allows for incremental upgrades, constant as technology and operational demands change.
It’s tempting for businesses to focus
especially when faced with pressure from internal bottlenecks. But that approach often leads to a fragmented system of bolt-ons that are hard to scale, and even harder to manage. If the automation strategy looks apart.
Instead, businesses need to shift their
starts with the right integration software. It is this that enables businesses to integrate
30 July/August 2025 | Automation
data insights, and deliver long-term value. and increase control, which is particularly important in large-scale or multi-site operations. Crucially, automation must also be recognised It cannot be siloed within logistics or delegated to IT alone. The most successful
projects bring together the full range of stakeholders - operations, technology, procurement, and the C-suite. This collaboration ensures that the automation strategy is aligned with wider business goals, from cost management and sustainability.
Prioritise software integration especially important. When software integration is prioritised at the outset, reduced. Procurement also plays a key role.
Too often, investment cycles and siloed procurement processes can get in the way of innovation. But when procurement teams are engaged early, able to collaborate across the business and fully aligned to strategic goals, they can help avoid costly delays and steer the business towards smarter, more future-proof solutions.
Finally, an automation strategy also needs to be looked at through the lens of people. This could sound counter- intuitive in a discussion about robotics, but people are central to the success of any automation rollout. It’s not about right combination of skilled people and technology to deliver the best possible performance. Whether it’s using robotics to support picking and packing, or automation to streamline quality control, the goal should always be to enhance individual capabilities, not sideline them.
Risk and resilience
Businesses should not overlook the crucial role of automation in reducing risk and increasing resilience. When supply chains are challenged and cost pressures are high, automation can create a more stable operational environment. It helps businesses adapt to change faster, reduce reliance on manual processes, and build gains aren’t just operational: they’re strategic, providing the foundation for long-term growth and competitiveness. Ultimately, businesses need to move away from piecemeal thinking to unlock these gains. Automation isn’t just about connected operation that can meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Inteq
www.weareinteq.com
automationmagazine.co.uk
SOFTWARE FIRST APPROACH TO AUTOMATION
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