Most warehouse automation projects don't fail because of the technology. They fail because of the approach.

In this episode, Scott W. Luton sits down with Don DeLash, Sales Director, Logistics Automation at SICK Sensor Intelligence, for a candid conversation on what it actually takes to modernize warehouse operations, and how to avoid the pitfalls that derail even well-funded initiatives. With more than 25 years spanning project management, finance, sales leadership, and logistics automation, Don brings a refreshingly grounded perspective. Ditch the glossy pitch, focus on real operational impact, and lead with curiosity and clear communication.

Together, they paint a vivid picture of today's warehouse floor, quieter, cleaner, and increasingly populated by AGVs, mobile robots, unmanned forklifts, and sensor-driven systems. Don walks through the full automation journey, from planning and piloting to scaling and long-term support, covering how to choose the right partners, define success upfront, build flexibility into implementation plans, and invest in aftercare. The conversation also digs into how AI and vision technology are reshaping decisions around package inspection, palletizing, and damage detection, and how smart automation ultimately frees people to focus on higher-value work.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(05:48) Don’s career path in logistics automation

(07:24) What SICK Sensor Intelligence brings to modern warehouses

(09:09) Earning trust as a technology partner

(11:01) Don’s guideposts for supply chain success

(13:15) What today’s warehouses look and sound like

(15:03) Why smart automation matters more than ever

(16:57) The role of experimentation in supply chain technology

(21:02) Planning for successful automation projects

(23:39) Choosing the right partners and defining success

(26:08) Scaling automation from pilot to enterprise-wide impact

(35:38) How vision technology and AI are improving warehouse decisions

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Don DeLash: [email protected]
• Connect with Don DeLash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dondelash/
• Learn more about SICK Sensor Intelligance: https://www.sick.com/
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
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• WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
• WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/smart-logistics-101-modern-warehouse-operations-1580