Until recently, warehouse automation was the domain of e-commerce giants. Today, it is increasingly being adopted by mid-sized companies. Faced with rising operating costs and labour shortages, businesses are turning to modern technologies – from simple solutions that streamline individual processes to fully automated logistics centres.
At the same time, the approach to warehouse space is also evolving. Companies are increasingly seeking facilities that not only support day-to-day operations but also enable growth and process optimisation. Technical considerations such as available grid connection capacity and IT system integration are gaining importance. Automation supports efficient space utilisation, but it also drives demand for highly skilled specialists in data analysis and systems oversight.
Key challenges include the high cost of facility adaptation. Investment in robotics, automated sorting systems and energy infrastructure frequently exceeds the value of the property itself. As a result, automation decisions are increasingly made at the project planning stage. Tenants define their requirements in detail, while developers tailor facilities to specific technological needs. In some cases, such expenditure is partly recovered by landlords through rent, helping tenants to effectively reduce upfront costs. This is where advisors come in, coordinating technical matters and ensuring compliance with regulations and OHS standards.
The market is clearly moving towards smart warehouses, where robotics, IoT and digital twins deliver a genuine competitive advantage. These technologies enable logistics and manufacturing companies to respond more quickly to changes in demand and provide greater operational flexibility. In practice, they not only streamline day-to-day processes but also help scale operations in response to changing market conditions.
