{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/5d6996ad156201903067e8c4/68e3dae7965488b63a134095?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Macro Shifts, Micro Systems: The Strategic Rise of Automation in Intralogistics","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/5d6996ad156201903067e8c4/1759763129381-2535e5f1-f3ea-4d4c-87a4-ad4b1a1519da.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode of <em>Interlinks</em> I’m joined by <strong>Clemens Schoeller</strong>, VP of Global Consulting and Business Development at <strong>AutoStore</strong> — a global pioneer in modular, cube-based warehouse automation systems, with over 1,600 systems deployed in 60+ countries.</p><p><br></p><p>We explore:</p><ul><li>Clemens’ personal journey through engineering, consulting, and automation leadership</li><li>How AutoStore balances its identity between software intelligence and hardware performance</li><li>The impact of labor shortages, real estate pressures, and customer service demands on logistics</li><li>Emerging models like robotics-as-a-service, flexible system scaling, and AI-driven predictive picking</li><li>The role of integrators and the importance of early cross-functional alignment in implementation success</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This conversation reveals how demographic shifts, societal expectations, and rapid technological advancement are pushing companies toward more modular, adaptive automation. From labour retention challenges to the rise of speculative AI-driven order fulfillment, it’s clear: resilient operations now require systems that are not only efficient but <em>responsive, scalable, and integrated</em>. Leaders must move beyond cost optimization and embrace automation as a strategic enabler of agility and business continuity.</p><p><br></p><p>📲 Find me on <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-daly-consultant/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn</a> or join the conversation on Reddit <a href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/InterlinksPodcast/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">r/InterlinksPodcast</a>. If your business is facing challenges with automation — strategically or tactically — reach out. I’m always open to a conversation about how I can help you bridge global complexity and local execution.</p><h3><br></h3><h3>Episode Highlights</h3><p><br></p><p><strong>Why Modular Automation is Gaining Ground</strong></p><ul><li>Labour scarcity, retention risks, and negative job perception in logistics</li><li>Urban real estate constraints demand higher density, smaller-footprint systems</li><li>Evolving SLAs and customer expectations call for faster, more precise fulfillment</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>AutoStore’s Market Position</strong></p><ul><li>Straddles hardware (robotics, bins) and software (routing algorithms, uptime AI)</li><li>Operates via global partner integrator network — never sells directly to end users</li><li>Offers an agnostic consultancy layer for complex, multi-tech projects</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Shift from Efficiency to Resilience</strong></p><ul><li>From ROI based on labour replacement to ROI based on volatility response</li><li>Demand for “breathing” systems that flex with throughput changes</li><li>Increased use of vehicle-based robotics, AMRs, and modular capacity scaling</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Financial Innovation in Automation Adoption</strong></p><ul><li>Growing interest in leasing, RaaS (Robotics-as-a-Service), and asset-light models</li><li>Questions of asset resale, residual value, and upgrade pathways becoming central</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Pitfalls and Best Practices in Implementation</strong></p><ul><li>Avoid siloed decisions — logistics must engage IT, security, and finance early</li><li>IT is now often a gatekeeper in automation decisions (security, integration)</li><li>Use external consultants where internal capability is thin</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>AI and the Future of Fulfillment</strong></p><ul><li>Predictive picking based on weather, seasonality, and demand AI</li><li>Enhanced inventory positioning and dynamic slotting</li><li>Greater integration between order systems and robotic workflows</li></ul>","author_name":"Patrick Daly"}