Exotec: warehouse robotisation is key to building retail resilience in an unstable economic environment

Flexibility, reliability, and security in logistics warehouses are crucial for staying competitive amid ongoing uncertainty for businesses, says Thomas Genestar, Managing Director of Western Europe at Exotec.

Global supply chains are operating under considerable strain, with issues such as international conflicts, product shortages, new tariffs and stricter regulations causing significant disruption. Warehouse operators are very much in the middle of this maelstrom, and according to Exotec, robotisation of the warehouse will be key to successfully navigating these challenges.

Genestar says: “While certain geopolitical and economic factors cannot be controlled, there are always things you can do as a business to soften the blow. As an organisation in the logistics sector, it’s important to fortify your own operations to build resilience. This is where robotisation has a major role to play."

“Effective stock management streamlined picking processes and efficient order preparation are critical. Start by mapping these processes to identify areas for improvement. Once optimised, warehouse automation through robotics becomes a vital ally, automating essential tasks. And goods-to-person systems reduce walking distances and improve operator ergonomics, speeding up order preparation. This not only reduces errors but also ensures 24/7 operational continuity, regardless of external disruptions.

“Seasonal peaks, unexpected order surges and labour shortages also present a challenge for logistics operations. Robotic automation systems feature a modular fleet of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), allowing businesses to scale up or down flexibly in response to fluctuating demand. This adaptability ensures operational efficiency in both short- and long-term scenarios."

 “Such systems should be simple to install and deliver smooth flow capacity, with the option to easily add new robots to active systems in minutes depending on demand. They should also be able to adapt to both business-to-business and business-to-consumer models and operate in both environments simultaneously when required."

 “Additionally, geographical reconfiguration is an important consideration, and warehouses should be close to consumers or production sites to minimise delays and guarantee product availability.”

Genestar concludes: “To remain a step ahead and prepare for economic instability, or business fluctuations, having a robotic automated system is a real asset to manage operations. Flexibility and scalability provide our clients an outstanding additional value, even more when economic disruptions emerge.”

“Robotic systems integrate with warehouse management systems and provide real-time visibility and traceability of inventory, helping businesses plan for the toughest of periods. This results in faster fulfilment, better working conditions, and higher customer satisfaction.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain automation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.