In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Will Blount about the growing complexity of warehouse automation installation and why precision execution has become critical for modern facilities.
Wize Solutions has spent nearly two decades supporting warehouse operations. More recently, the company has expanded into automation-focused mechanical installations for ASRS systems, dense storage solutions, and brownfield retrofits. The conversation explores how integrators, OEMs, and operators are approaching automation projects differently as facilities look to maximize existing space and minimize downtime.
Warehouse Automation Installation Requires Precision
As automation projects became more complex, Wize found an opportunity to expand its role. The company already had 525 team members supporting conventional warehouse infrastructure. According to Blount, about 200 employees showed strong interest in automation-focused work. He explained that pairing those experienced installers with precision training “created a recipe for success for us.”
Today, Wize supports both OEMs and integrators during implementations. Blount explained, “I would say the best way to view us is as an extension of your execution team.” That role now includes receiving material, coordinating installation work, and preparing systems for commissioning teams.
Brownfield Projects Are Driving New Challenges
Brownfield automation projects continue gaining momentum as operators try to extend the life of existing facilities. Blount said Wize currently sees project demand split roughly evenly between greenfield and brownfield work. He explained, “Yeah, I would say, velocity-wise, probably 50/50 right now.” Blount noted that four-way shuttles, AMR-based goods-to-person systems, and dense storage technologies are creating strong market demand. He explained, “I’m seeing a big push for dense storage.”
Brownfield work also introduces operational complexity. Existing facilities often remain active during installation. Floors may have major slab variance, and operators cannot afford extended downtime. Blount explained that some facilities show “four inches of variance across a 200,000 square foot” footprint. He added, “The customer oftentimes doesn’t want to shut down, right? So you have to find creative ways to plan the work, you have to find creative ways to execute the work.”
How Warehouse Automation Installation Impacts Costs
Many systems appear similar on the surface, but the underlying infrastructure requirements can differ dramatically. Blount explained, “You’ve got one masted AMR provider that does two bolts and shims. And you’ve got one masted AMR provider that does a jack bolt with a grout pack underneath.”
He added, “Two very different installations, two very different costs to do that, ultimately providing the same results, right?” Blount described scenarios where Wize reviewed layouts and identified ways to eliminate unnecessary pallet stands or reduce rail requirements. He explained that those conversations help ensure accurate quoting and smoother execution because “the install quote is wrong, and that doesn’t help anybody.”
Key Takeaways
- Wize Solutions evolved from conventional warehouse infrastructure into precision automation installation support.
- Brownfield and greenfield project demand is currently close to 50/50
- Dense storage systems and four-way shuttle solutions are driving significant project activity
- Brownfield projects often require installations inside active operations with limited downtime
The New Warehouse Podcast
Warehouse Automation Installation: Precision and Cost
