Kardex, a global provider of intralogistics and automated storage solutions, released “A Practical Warehouse Automation Roadmap” on July 28, 2026, as a free downloadable resource aimed at helping warehouse leaders progress beyond purely manual operations in a structured, stage-appropriate manner. The release coincides with findings from Kardex’s own 2026 Integrated Warehouse Systems Survey Report, which indicated that 63 percent of warehouse operations remain fully manual and that many of those that have introduced automation still operate standalone technologies without clear integration or expansion pathways. The roadmap is organized around four automation maturity levels.
Level Zero focuses on assessment and stabilization of current processes. Subsequent levels address progressive connection of systems and data flows, culminating in Level Three advanced, integrated automation supporting long-term scalability and growth. Rather than prescribing a single technology stack, the guide supplies printable assessment worksheets, technology overviews, planning tools, and a maturity model intended to meet organizations at their current state.
Kardex positions the resource as drawing on decades of experience helping customers improve performance through dynamic storage and retrieval systems, integrated material-handling solutions, multi-shuttle technology, high-bay warehouses, and AutoStore partnership offerings. The company employs approximately 2,900 people across more than 30 countries and emphasizes high availability and low total cost of ownership. The roadmap is presented as a practical response to the industry’s dual reality: widespread recognition that integration is essential for automation ROI, yet persistent dominance of manual processes and fragmented technology deployments.
Leaders are invited to download the guide to evaluate pain points, prioritize opportunities, and sequence investments according to operational maturity rather than adopting technology in isolation.