The state of warehouse automation in 2025

Key insights

• Warehouse automation is rapidly evolving, with AI, robotics, and data-driven insights driving efficiencies.
• Micro-fulfillment centres and ERP software like MYOB Acumatica are helping businesses scale and automate while reducing errors.
• Wholesale distributors adopting automation are seeing improvements in inventory visibility, order fulfillment, and cost savings.
• Implementing automation requires a strategic approach — learn how to future-proof your warehouse.

Why warehouse automation matters

For wholesale distributors, managing warehouses efficiently is the key to sustained success. However, outdated manual processes, fragmented inventory tracking, and a distinct lack of real-time visibility can hold businesses back from achieving their goals related to growth, profitability and customer satisfaction.

With margins tight and customer expectations higher than ever, warehouse automation is a necessity no distributor can do without. Businesses are now rapidly and continually leveraging automation to stay competitive and improve their bottom line.

In this article, we explore the top warehouse automation trends for 2025 and beyond, and how your business can get ahead.

Trends shaping warehouse automation in 2025

Big data and analytics

Advances in data storage, processing, and analytics have impacted all industries in recent years, and warehouse automation is no different in 2025. Real-time insights allow distributors to optimise inventory levels, predict demand, and reduce waste.

In particular, wholesale businesses using data analytics can:

• Identify sales trends to prevent stockouts and overstocking.
• Improve decision-making with accurate demand forecasting.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for greater operational control.
• Enhance visibility on shipment and carrier performance.

Micro-fulfillment centres

Micro-fulfillment centres (MFCs) are reshaping supply chains by allowing distributors to store products closer to customers, speeding up delivery times. This approach helps:

• Reduce shipping costs and delivery lead times.
• Improve flexibility for omnichannel fulfillment.
• Scale operations without requiring massive warehouse expansions.

For wholesale businesses, this means better service levels and the ability to compete with major e-commerce players. Retailers and distributors alike are adopting MFCs to keep pace with evolving customer expectations.

AI and robotics

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming warehouse operations. Wholesale distributors are using AI-powered automation for:

• Smart picking and packing – AI-driven robots streamline order fulfillment, reducing human error.
• Predictive maintenance – AI anticipates equipment failures, minimising downtime.
• Automated quality control – Machine learning ensures product consistency and accuracy.

AI-driven inventory management tools can also help businesses allocate resources effectively, preventing bottlenecks and maximising productivity. AI is no longer futuristic — it’s the reality of modern warehouse automation.

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and drones

Warehouse operations are benefiting from AGVs and drones that handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks. These technologies help:

• Automate material transportation, reducing the need for manual labour.
• Improve warehouse safety by minimising human interaction with heavy machinery.
• Enhance order fulfillment speed and accuracy.

Drones are also being tested for cycle counting, scanning inventory, and improving accuracy in large-scale warehouse environments. As the cost of this technology continues to decrease, more businesses are expected to implement AGVs and drones to optimise their logistics.

ERP software & warehouse management systems (WMS)

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and warehouse management systems (WMS) are becoming must-haves for wholesale businesses aiming to streamline operations. MYOB Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP designed for ANZ wholesale distributors, offering:

• End-to-end inventory management for real-time stock tracking.
• Seamless system integration, connecting accounting, sales, and warehouse teams.
• Automated workflows to reduce manual input and errors.

Many businesses struggle with outdated legacy systems that don’t provide the agility needed for today’s fast-paced market.

In fact, businesses are wasting on average one day a week on disconnected systems, but MYOB Acumatica solves this problem by delivering a flexible, cloud-based solution that evolves with your business.

How to implement warehouse automation in your business

Implementing warehouse automation requires a strategic approach. Here’s how to get started:

1. Assess current operations – Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in your warehouse.
2. Set clear automation goals – Define what success looks like (e.g., reduced fulfillment time, fewer stock discrepancies).
3. Invest in the right technology – Evaluate WMS, AI-powered tools, and robotics based on your business needs.
4. Train your team – Ensure employees understand new systems and workflows.
5. Monitor & optimise – Continuously analyse performance data and make adjustments as needed.

For wholesale distributors, automation isn’t just about adopting new technologies—it’s about creating a smarter, more resilient supply chain.

The future of warehouse automation

As we move further into 2025, warehouse automation will continue evolving. The trends we’ve covered in this article will help shape how businesses operate going forward. Strategic-minded distributors will be the first to leverage automation to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead of their competition.

Additionally, sustainability in warehousing is becoming a key focus. Automated solutions are helping companies reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and implement more sustainable supply chain practices. Businesses that integrate sustainability with automation will gain a competitive advantage in the long run.

Future-proof your warehouse with MYOB Acumatica

Wholesale distributors are under constant and growing pressure to operate not only smarter but faster. Investing in warehouse automation not only improves efficiency but also helps scale operations at a sustainable rate.

If you’re ready to take the next step, speak to an expert from MYOB Acumatica today and explore how automation can future-proof your business.

Learn more about MYOB Acumatica’s Warehouse Management Software here.

Information provided in this article is of a general nature and does not consider your personal situation. It does not constitute legal, financial, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a statement of law, policy or advice. You should consider whether this information is appropriate to your needs and, if necessary, seek independent advice. This information is only accurate at the time of publication. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this webpage, MYOB disclaims, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for the information contained on this webpage or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.