The pressure is on for today’s food and beverage distribution centers (DCs). They’re navigating a perfect storm of operational challenges, from labor shortages and rising costs to evolving sustainability requirements. Combine that with rising customer expectations for greater fulfillment speed and accuracy, and it’s clear that manual processes just can’t keep up. Automation is the next practical step for staying competitive.
How can you tell if your facility is ready to automate? Chances are, your DC is already showing the signs. With automation tailored to your needs, you can unlock your facility’s full potential for efficiency, reliability, and growth.
Here are five signs it’s time to modernize your distribution operations with automation:
- You’re struggling to hire and retain staff
If labor challenges are slowing you down, you're not alone. Ongoing labor shortages are common across the industry, leaving DCs struggling to meet demand. In fact, the 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report ranked “workforce and talent shortages” among the top three trends impacting supply chains today. The physically intense nature and ergonomic risks of warehouse work make careers in warehousing and distribution less than appealing to jobseekers. And once hired, employees rarely stay for long.
Automation can fill any gaps in the workforce, efficiently handling a wide range of order fulfillment tasks with minimal human involvement. Operations then run smoothly even when labor is scarce. With automation taking over the heavy lifting, existing employees can shift to safer, technical positions like operating, supervising, and maintaining automated equipment. These new roles may even help attract jobseekers in search of fulfilling, tech-focused careers.
2. You can’t afford to fall behind on speed or accuracy
Order delays and errors can mean angry customers, spoiled products, and higher operational costs. If your DC struggles to keep the right products flowing out the door, it’s time for an upgrade. Automated order fulfillment systems deliver consistent, high-speed performance, while increasing the work quality and productivity of human employees.
In this collaborative environment where humans and automation work in sync, everything is optimized. Your DC can maximize output capacity, reduce picking errors, and guarantee on-time deliveries of the freshest products, even during peak demand.
3. You need to meet sustainability goals
Sustainability is a necessity as environmental regulations tighten, and DCs are under pressure to improve resource efficiency. Automation can support your sustainability goals by streamlining operations and cutting excess waste. For example, automation can optimize truck loading and routing to minimize emissions and contribute to a lower environmental footprint. When it comes to fighting food waste, automated order fulfillment solutions can reduce lead times from field to store, thereby extending shelf life for perishable products.
4. Your growth is limited
Is your business focused on growth, but you’re held back by outdated processes or systems? A modular automation system can provide the flexibility and scalability you need. Modular solutions are made up of individual cells of automation, like building blocks. This design allows you to start small, introducing automation to address your most pressing needs first. Over time, you can expand your implementation to meet changing demand, accommodate more SKUs, and support overall business growth—without disrupting ongoing operations.
Don’t let manual processes hold you back
If one or more of these signs are familiar, it may be time to consider automation. From reducing repetitive tasks to optimizing material flow, automated order fulfillment solutions enable smoother, faster workflows across your entire distribution operations.
Remember, automation doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, and you don’t have to make the transition alone. With modular, scalable technology and an experienced automation partner, your journey can be smooth and rewarding. Start on the path to automation today, and your DC can quickly achieve new levels of efficiency, sustainability and growth.
