Warehouse Mechanization to improve productivity and logistics performance

Warehouse mechanization offers a powerful opportunity to significantly improve logistics performance, whether in terms of productivity, footprint or processing times.
We help you assess whether mechanization is relevant, select the right technologies, design the optimal layout and deploy the chosen solutions.

Our convictions

Mechanization is not an objective in itself

Mechanization must address the company’s key challenges, whether gaining space, dealing with labour shortages or improving economic performance.
Clarifying these challenges is what will determine which activities should be mechanized, the appropriate level of mechanization and the most suitable technologies.

Do not hesitate to combine technologies

A single technology rarely meets 100% of operational needs.
It is therefore essential to segment activities effectively and apply the most suitable technology to each one.
A combination of manual and automated operations is often necessary, allowing automation to focus on the activities where it delivers the greatest value while avoiding excessive constraints related to oversized, fragile, or non-standard products.

Define a clear long‑term vision before launching

The required investments can be substantial and must therefore be designed for the long term.
Facilities should be sized and configured to meet current and future needs, as well as peak activity levels.
A clear logistics master plan is therefore essential.

Do not try to automate/mechanize everything

It is essential to carefully identify which operations should be automated—namely, those for which the benefits are clear and the solution is viable.
Attempting to automate tasks that are not well suited to it can prove very costly and reduce the overall efficiency of the facility.
It is also often possible to implement automation in stages, helping to limit risk and build experience progressively.

Do not underestimate the constraints of mechanization

Warehouse automation requires a high degree of precision, creating significant constraints that must be considered when designing the solution and selecting the most appropriate technologies.
The quality of handling units, pallet construction, and parcel strength are key factors to assess before implementation.
Particular attention must also be paid to critical building requirements, including floor load capacity, fire compartmentation, sprinkler systems, and electrical power availability.

Our solutions
and expertise

Opportunity study

Identification of future operational requirements, including volumes, expected service levels, and flows to be handled.
Assessment of available market solutions to select the most suitable combination of technologies for your specific context.
Financial and qualitative impact assessment, followed by recommendations.
Training teams on warehouse automation technologies.

RFP management

Preparation of the request for proposal and identification of relevant market players.
Organisation of discussions with bidders.
Analysis of bidders’ proposals using our evaluation framework, tailored to the client’s specific requirements and expectations.
Functional, technical, and financial assessment, followed by support in selecting the most suitable partner.

Implementation support

Structuring the implementation project.
Facilitating design workshops with solution providers.
Structuring and managing the testing and acceptance process.
Planning the cutover and ramp-up phases.
Overseeing implementation through to full operational stabilisation.

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Maxence Chrétien

Partner

A graduate of INSA Lyon in Industrial Engineering, Maxence has held both operational and project roles throughout his 20-year career.

He has served as a Supply Chain Manager for major logistics service providers and industrial companies, enabling him to lead significant supply chain projects in a wide range of environments.

Today, Maxence leads major supply chain transformation programmes across various industries.