93% of Warehouses Prioritise Throughput; Automation Critical for ROI
A new global report from AutoStore, with analysis by Swisslog, reveals that 93% of supply chain leaders consider improving warehouse throughput a top priority for 2025. The study also indicates that nearly all surveyed (97%) have already implemented some form of automation. With the Middle East logistics market projected to double this year compared to 2020, the findings emphasize the growing need for businesses to optimize automation and software capabilities to achieve higher performance and faster returns on investment.
The “State of Warehouse Management and Fulfillment 2025” report surveyed over 300 global executives responsible for supply chains, benchmarking automation trends and identifying key operational priorities. Swisslog, an AutoStore integrator, analyzed these findings, focusing on how advanced warehouse execution and automation control software, such as Swisslog’s SynQ platform, can drive improvements in crucial business metrics.
Key highlights from the report include: improving throughput moving from the eighth highest priority in 2024 to fourth in 2025, with 93% of respondents citing it as “very” or “extremely important.” Automation adoption is nearing universal levels, with 97% of companies having implemented some form of automation, and 47% planning further investments. Companies are increasingly investing in software to enhance automation capabilities, with over 75% reporting that software is either “very” or “extremely important” for maximizing automation benefits.
The report also notes that 93% of companies that invested in automation experienced a positive return on investment (ROI) within two years, with 46% achieving ROI in less than one year. Furthermore, 76% of respondents confirmed a direct correlation between improved throughput and increased profitability. The top drivers for automation investment were identified as enhancing picking efficiency and increasing storage density.
Rami Younes, General Manager at Swisslog Middle East, commented, “This year’s report makes it clear: automation alone is no longer enough. Businesses that want to stay competitive must also focus on software that enhances performance and integrates seamlessly across technologies. In the Middle East, where we’re seeing fast growth in omnichannel retail and an e-commerce sector projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, the pressure to improve throughput, maximize density, optimize order fulfilment and adapt to demand spikes is mounting. Software is the key enabler of these capabilities.”
The report also cautions against the risks of fragmented automation systems, which can lead to inefficiencies and limit the value of operational data. Swisslog’s SynQ platform is presented as a solution to this by providing a unified software to manage and optimize automation assets. The full “State of Warehouse Management and Fulfillment 2025” report is available for download.
