From investment to impact: The rapid ROI of robotics & automation

With consumer demands and pressure on retailers increasing, small logistics inefficiencies can add up to significant losses. Our research found that 79% of consumers would stop shopping with their favourite online retailer if a competitor could deliver products faster. This highlights the strategic importance of bolstering logistics operations with robotics and automation solutions that reduce errors, optimise costs and increase efficiencies.

To meet rising expectations, over half of retailers are planning to implement robotics or fixed automation into their warehouses. By enabling faster, more accurate order fulfilment, these technologies directly enhance the customer experience and boost brand loyalty, while allowing retailers to stay competitive.

Start small, scale smart

While these technologies require upfront investment, businesses don’t need to take an all-or-nothing approach. Many businesses are adopting a test-and-learn approach by starting with a few installations or piloting shared-user facilities. Another way to start small is to find a robotics and automation integration partner with a hardware agnostic approach. This process means businesses can adapt more easily over the long term, allowing for increased flexibility as operations evolve. Modular automation systems are another key enabler – retailers can pick and choose elements to automate allowing them to evolve their systems in line with business growth. These options help reduce risk, avoid disruption and allows businesses to gather proof points before committing to full-scale robotics and automation rollouts.

A smart place to begin is to use automation to reduce repetitive or manual administrative tasks first, freeing up staff to focus on more value-adding activities. As you scale, a data-led consultancy partner can help guide investment decisions based on evolving fulfilment needs.

Driving fast ROI

Robotics and automation can streamline fulfilment and deliver ROI in measurable ways. Robotics specifically offer benefits such as reduced human error, lower damage rates and reduced cost to serve while fixed automation can provide even greater scalability, more consistent efficiency during peak periods and a notably improved customer experience.

In many cases, ROI can be achieved rapidly – our research shows that 69% of retailers saw measurable benefits within the first year, and 41% of mid-sized retailers (turnover of £10m-50m) realising value in under five months.

Finding the right automation partner

To unlock the full potential of robotics and automation, retailers need the right roadmap, and this requires finding the right integration partner. Inteq specialises in scalable robotics and automation systems that are purpose-built for your business. By collaborating with clients to identify fulfilment challenges, we implement flexible solutions that can evolve with your business and deliver streamlined operations for long term success.

Real results: a leading pet retailer

Read the case study: Our collaboration with a leading UK pet care retailer demonstrates the ROI on investing in reliable warehouse automation maintenance and support.

Back yourself to grow

With customer expectations rising and operational pressures mounting, the ability to scale efficiently, reduce costs and improve accuracy is critical for sustainable growth. Investing in robotics and automation and partnering with the right business can unlock measurable value, sustainably and quickly. Future-proof your business, and back yourself to grow.

Need a blueprint for making a business case for robotics and automation? Download Inteq’s Fit for growth – Achieving a profitable future through robotics and automation.

Written by

Scott Merrick

Managing Director