InVia Robotics is challenging the use of warehouse floor area as the main trigger for automation investment. The company says process complexity, employee travel and peak demand are more useful indicators for mid-sized operations.
Its 25 September 2026 guidance presents a warehouse execution system (WES) as a possible starting point. By applying real-time data to task priorities, a WES can help coordinate people and equipment without requiring an immediate robot deployment or major facility redesign.
Operators are advised to review order volumes, average order size, SKU density, pick-location strategy and peak demand. Labour costs should include replenishment, exception handling, overtime and temporary staffing, as well as picking activity.
The approach highlights hidden inefficiencies in smaller facilities. Long walking distances, poorly positioned inventory, overfilled pick faces and repeated exception handling can increase cost even where the building is compact. Task and scan data can help quantify these issues.
InVia proposes a staged investment path: establish a baseline, use software to orchestrate work, then consider targeted equipment such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) when the measured constraint justifies it. Results can be assessed through travel time, errors, overtime and backlogs.
The framework is aimed at retailers, manufacturers and third-party logistics providers seeking higher throughput without a complete site redesign. Further detail is available in InVia’s warehouse automation guidance.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.