When you think about warehouse automation, it’s natural for robotics to come to mind. Robots are visible, dynamic, and often at the center of the conversation about innovation. But beneath every robot’s movements and every automated process lies something less tangible but equally essential: software.
Let’s explore how software-first automation is the key to building smarter, more adaptable fulfillment operations.
The Role of Software in Warehouse Automation
Warehouse automation software uses AI and data analytics to drive decision-making and task execution. While robots handle physical tasks, software ensures everything works together seamlessly. Without it, even the best robotic system can’t deliver on its promise.
Automation software directs key activities in fulfillment operations like putaway, replenishment, picking, and packing, preventing delays and keeping workflows on track. It assigns tasks in real-time and manages inventory levels, avoiding stockouts or overstocking. Beyond day-to-day operations, the software analyzes data to identify improvements, helping warehouses adapt to changing demands and challenges.
Warehouse Execution System (WES) software plays a central role in this process, coordinating workers, robots, and equipment. It integrates with other systems like WMS, OMS, and other ERP systems to keep information flowing and operations running as a unified whole.
Automation software gives precise instructions to robots, enabling them to perform tasks efficiently and integrate into the broader workflow. Without intelligent software, robotics alone cannot deliver the speed, accuracy, or flexibility warehouses need to stay competitive.
inVia’s Software-First Approach
inVia’s intelligent automation system is built on the principle that automation should begin with smart workflows, not hardware. Instead of immediately implementing costly, large-scale robotic systems, it is crucial to first identify inefficiencies in all workflows and then optimize the fulfillment process. This approach leads to quick improvements and lays the groundwork for scalable, long-term gains.
- The process starts with the Twin IQ simulation tool, which models optimal workflows and operational designs. Twin IQ identifies bottlenecks and uncovers opportunities for optimization before automation is deployed. Warehouses can test different layouts, workflows, and inventory placements virtually to find the most efficient configuration. Previously, this required extensive consultancy work, but Twin IQ simplifies the process. It enables companies to quickly uncover inefficiencies in their current workflows and strategically plan how automation can address them.
inVia Logic, Warehouse Execution System (WES) software
- Next, inVia deploys inVia Logic, an AI-powered WES software that orchestrates tasks to meet order deadlines. It assigns tasks in real time, keeping workers and robots busy with the most important jobs. Smart algorithms reduce travel distances and increase hits per pick. The software also improves inventory organization, speeding up order fulfillment and making better use of warehouse space.
- Once workflows are fully optimized, robotics are introduced to amplify productivity. The inVia PickerWall innovative Goods-to-Person (G2P) system uses inVia Picker robots (AMRs) to autonomously deliver inventory to a hyper-dense pick/put wall. Workers stay behind the wall, while the robots bring goods directly to them. This innovative solution condenses the picking area by 75% and reduces warehouse walking by 90%, significantly improving efficiency and throughput.
By starting with smart software and scaling up to robotics, inVia’s software-first approach ensures that automation delivers meaningful, measurable results from day one.
inVia PickerWall, Goods-to-Person (G2P) system
The Future of Smarter Warehouses
The success of warehouse automation doesn’t start with adding robots; it starts with creating smarter workflows powered by intelligent software. This method not only transforms fulfillment operations today but also provides the flexibility to adapt to tomorrow’s challenges. As demands shift and complexity grows, a software-first approach ensures that warehouses stay ahead, delivering speed, accuracy, and efficiency at scale.
Start smart, and the rest will follow.