Assimilation and Impact of Automation Technologies in Warehouse Operations

Abstract

​This research focuses on exploring the adoption of automation in warehouse practices. It investigates the motivations, benefits, and challenges associated with warehouse automation through an exploratory study that combines the perspectives of users and solution providers. This research is motivated by an apparent lack of relevant academic literature, with existing studies focusing heavily on the technical side of automation projects. In contrast, this research focuses on managerial aspects and seeks insights into the human and organisational side of the new technologies. At the same time, this research is motivated by practitioners’ and policymakers’ demand for more case studies on warehouse automation.
​The thesis commences with a systematic literature review that was conducted to understand the antecedents of warehouse automation and to examine the implications of warehouse automation on organisations by acknowledging the work of previous researchers. Following that, two empirical studies were conducted to explore the gaps emerging in the literature review: first, a single case study with embedded units of a global logistics company, interviewing managers, users and developers of warehouse automation technologies (WATs); and second, a multiple-case study of technology providers who provided their point of view on warehouse technology adoption. Even though the majority of data was collected online semi-structured interviews, data were also collected through secondary sources provided by the companies or found online, such as industrial reports, and presentations about the automation projects.
​Automation is a critical and highly debated topic with contradictory perspectives. For instance, while some argue that automation leads to significant job losses and increased unemployment, others suggest it drives job creation by complementing labour and creating new technology-related roles. These perspectives increase the complexity of automation's impact, highlighting the need for further research and balanced discussions to address its implications.
​This research contributes to the understanding of warehouse automation by combining the perspectives of technology providers and end-users. It provides valuable insights into how automation transforms warehouse operations and redefines workforce roles and human perspectives on new warehousing technologies. One important implication for management is that the findings of this research might reduce biased perceptions and lack of awareness of automation, and more accurate knowledge might be provided to industry and businesses to benefit during the automation decision-making processes.
​Findings reveal that the increase in e-commerce, concerns related to employee health and safety, and cost reductions are primary drivers of warehouse automation. Besides, operational benefits, such as enhanced productivity, order accuracy, and reduced labour requirements, are the advantages most frequently cited by both users and providers. However, challenges like customer contract types and lengths, the high product diversity in the warehouse, high number of stakeholders, and low technological maturity in the warehouse sector emerge as critical concerns.
​Moreover, it is found that automation is replacing repetitive, low-skilled roles, but it is also creating new opportunities and changing skill requirements, highlighting the need for education systems to adapt. In the warehousing sector, labour shortages mean workers are typically upskilled or shifted to new roles rather than being displaced, ensuring continued demand for human involvement alongside automation.

Date of Award	26 Mar 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Alistair Brandon-Jones (Supervisor) & Vaggelis Giannikas (Supervisor)