In this episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart and Kait Peterson, VP of Product Marketing at Locus Robotics, discuss the critical role of flexibility and automation in modern warehouse operations. They explore the challenges faced by warehouses today, including labor shortages and fluctuating demands, and how automation can help address these issues. The conversation covers the importance of metrics for measuring throughput, common misconceptions about automation, and future trends in the industry. Peterson also offers valuable advice for warehouse operators considering automation to improve scalability and efficiency.

00:00 Introduction to Warehouse Automation

01:08 The Importance of Flexibility in Warehousing

02:26 Challenges Facing Modern Warehouses

05:01 Automation's Role in Scalability and Efficiency

07:22 Managing Returns and Seasonal Demands

09:51 Innovations in Picking and Throughput

12:24 Maximizing Throughput with Automation

14:24 Key Metrics for Measuring Throughput

17:13 Misconceptions About Automation

20:21 Future Trends in Automation Technologies

22:10 Advice for Warehouse Operators