Today’s supply chain and warehouse managers face numerous challenges arising from changing market demands.
The challenges logistics, supply chain, and warehouse professionals face are complex and interconnected – from skilled labor shortages and rising operational costs to changing regulations and varying consumer expectations.
While solving these issues may seem like an impossible mission, automation can offer the right direction for change, enabling warehouse managers to take a holistic approach while remaining aligned with broader supply chain traceability goals.

Global Business Challenges

The trend of challenging business environments is expected to continue into 2025. According to Deloitte’s 2025 manufacturing industry outlook:

“Manufacturers are expected to continue to face a challenging and uncertain business climate due to a combination of higher costs, potential policy changes following US and global elections, and geopolitical uncertainty.”

Raw material and other input costs are expected to rise, increasing operational costs, while finding and retaining skilled workers will remain difficult. Expected policy changes following elections and other geopolitical events may also impact supply chains, demand, and long-term manufacturing investments. Changes in trade policies and tariffs could influence international regulations, drive up the cost of raw materials and components, and trigger a ripple effect throughout the supply chain.

At the same time, consumers are increasingly expecting faster deliveries, Amazon-like distribution capabilities, and greater supply chain transparency – placing even more pressure on logistics and warehouse leaders.

This complex web of interdependencies is pushing businesses to find ways to increase productivity and do more with less: to produce and deliver goods faster without increasing costs. This requires operational agility and efficiency, with optimized workflows and near real-time visibility of supply and demand – essential to managing disruptions, product shortages, and fulfilling orders efficiently and transparently.

It may seem like an impossible challenge – but in today’s digital age, smart technology and automation offer a clear path forward.

The Case for Warehouse Automation

For decades, companies have been investing in warehouse automation, using technology to automate routine, repetitive, and manual tasks such as picking, palletizing, data entry and analysis, inventory counts, quality control, and shipping.

The benefits of warehouse automation are numerous:

• Reduction of human error
• Increased productivity and efficiency
• Most importantly – access to real-time data that provides full visibility into what is happening both inside the warehouse and across the entire supply chain.

This real-time data is the foundation for addressing today's operational challenges.

Elemd’s Loupe WMS warehouse management system is at the heart of automation. To successfully increase productivity, optimize efficiency, and meet consumer and regulatory expectations, companies must ensure that the right data enters, flows through, and exits the Loupe WMS.

Machine-readable codes and identification technologies – such as GS1 QR codes, barcodes, and RFID tags – enable seamless data flow from the production line into the warehouse. Vision systems can further verify code accuracy, ensure reliable data transfer, and efficiently sort products. Within the warehouse, automated barcode and RFID scanners can facilitate data exchange – speeding up inventory checks and enabling product traceability throughout the system.

Warehouse managers can also incorporate cobots and automatic print & apply labeling systems to support workers in routine tasks like packing, sorting, and pallet labeling – further accelerating processes and reducing the risk of injury.

When systems and technologies are well integrated, production line automation and warehouse automation complement each other and support seamless data flow – a crucial link for complete end-to-end supply chain traceability.

A warehouse manager’s ultimate goal might be a fully automated facility – a smart, dynamic environment where data flows effortlessly, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning analyze data patterns, predict potential issues, and further optimize operations.

How to Make Automation Work

The three most common barriers to successful warehouse automation are:

• Poor planning
• Lack of integration
• Workforce unpreparedness

It’s essential to plan carefully and implement changes gradually – because unclear business value and misaligned systems will inevitably lead to confusion, miscommunication, and poor data flow.

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of employee education. Automation requires digital literacy and process familiarity that traditionally trained workers may lack – so it’s crucial to invest in training early.

Key steps:

• Plan and execute carefully. Define your business case and success metrics. Start with smaller, achievable projects that deliver quick wins and build trust.
• Collaborate for success. Choose vendors willing to integrate their solutions with your existing systems – especially your WMS.
• Align with suppliers and production teams. Ensure the quality and readability of barcodes, 2D codes, and incoming data.
• Align with delivery partners. Ensure complete transparency throughout the supply chain – especially if operating in retail.
• Bring your workforce on the journey. Identify digital skill gaps and invest in training. Involve employees in early automation projects for quick, positive results.

Conclusion

The warehouse is arguably the most critical point in today’s supply chains – the junction where all distribution flows meet. Warehouse efficiency, productivity, and operational visibility are essential for an organization’s ability to meet modern business demands.

However, the challenges are many and complex. Partnering with a trusted expert in production and warehouse automation can be the key to successfully implementing change and automating your entire supply chain.

Book a free consultation and discover how automation can transform your operations.