The A3 Business Forum, hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation, has wrapped up in Orlando, FL. Mark Boedecker and Palmer Jones represented LogistiVIEW and had the privilege of connecting with partners like BlueSkye Automation and other automation leaders shaping the future of supply chain innovation.
The State of Automation in Supply Chain
One standout statistic that resonated throughout the forum: only 20% of U.S. warehouses currently have any form of automation. This striking figure highlights the vast untapped potential in the supply chain sector and the critical role of solutions that can enable automation in new industries.
Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) like LogistiVIEW are sure to play a big part in both standing up new greenfield sites and retrofitting existing brownfields, especially as WMS customizations become cost prohibitive.
A Continued Shift to Online Fulfillment
A recurring trend we observe is traditional brick-and-mortar businesses transforming their warehouses to accommodate online fulfillment. While physical changes to the facility and implementing new technology are critical, they represent only half the battle. Often overlooked are the challenges of integrating existing systems, such as a WMS, with one or multiple new automation solutions. Additionally, prioritizing change management with the workforce is essential for a smooth transition.
The success of these projects often hinges on finding a flexible, experienced partner who can seamlessly bridge the gap between legacy systems and cutting-edge technology. This partner must also navigate demanding time constraints to ensure the facility remains operational during its transformation.
Expert Insights
The forum also delivered impactful insights from leading thinkers in the field:
- Alan Beaulieu (ITR Economics): Shared a positive outlook for U.S. economic leadership and manufacturing, while emphasizing the importance of navigating global trends like onshoring and AI-driven energy demands.
- Rodney Brooks (Robust.AI): Highlighted the immense potential of warehouse automation and underscored the importance of updating infrastructure to fully realize these benefits.
- Ayanna Howard (The Ohio State University): Delivered a compelling message about keeping end users at the heart of automation design, emphasizing trust, transparency, and maintaining human autonomy in human-robot interactions.
Inspiration and Looking Ahead
Leland Melvin, the former NFL player turned NASA astronaut, gave an inspiring keynote. His stories about the importance of having “people in your corner” struck a chord and reminded us why it’s important to strive for partnerships with our Customers, not just pursuing transactional relationships.
As we look ahead to the Automate Show in May, we’re excited to continue these conversations and share our vision for supply chain innovation. Let us know if you’d like to touch base with our team in Detroit.
Thanks again to A3 for putting on an exceptional event!
