The Automation Journey

Adoption rates continue to rise for warehouse automation globally. But every company's journey of exploring, implementing, maintaining, and expanding automation looks different. At TGW Logistics, we look forward to walking alongside our customers no matter what stage of the journey they're in and what their journey ahead looks like. In "The Automation Journey" we'll explore the various topics and questions you might face along your way—from the nitty gritty of how different technologies work to holistic considerations for your supply chain to leading your organization through change, and more.

The Automation Journey is a business podcast hosted by TGW Logistics, with 26 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

TGW Logistics hosts The Automation Journey, a business show with 26 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #25

  Avoiding Dreaded Vendor Lock

  Sep 23, 202631 min

  Choosing an automation partner is a long-term decision—but what happens when that partnership starts to feel more like a trap? In this episode of The Automation Journey , host Marissa Dierlam sits down with colleagues Rebecca Call and Dexter Weber to unpack the realities of vendor lock in warehouse automation. From restrictive software, hidden licensing fees, and costly upgrades to “Frankenstein” systems built from too many disconnected technologies, they explore how decisions made today can impact your ability to adapt years down the road. They also discuss the difference between being locked into a vendor and choosing to stay with a trusted partner, the tradeoffs between single-vendor and multi-vendor strategies, and the questions companies should be asking before making a long-term automation investment. No one can accurately predict the future. That's why the goal isn’t just to build a system that works today. It’s to make sure you still have choices, flexibility, and adaptability for tomorrow. Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn | Follow Dexter on LinkedIn | Read customer success stories on our website

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  Episode #23

  The Warehouse of the Future

  Aug 19, 202637 min

  What will the warehouse of the future actually look like? More robots? AI running everything? Fully dark facilities run by humanoids? In this episode, Rebecca Call sits down with Stipe Galic to separate industry hype from practical reality. Rather than focusing on the latest buzzwords, they explore how the next generation of distribution centers will be defined by connected systems, collaborative partnerships, and smarter decision-making. The conversation dives into how customer expectations have reshaped warehouse automation; why WMS, software, and analytics are becoming just as critical as hardware; and where AI is already delivering measurable value today. They also discuss the growing role of digital twins, the importance of designing for flexibility instead of isolated automation projects, and why the best automation strategies start with understanding the entire business—not just the warehouse. Whether you're evaluating warehouse automation for the first time or planning the next phase of your supply chain, this episode offers practical insights on building resilient operations that can adapt to changing demand, improve customer experience, and create long-term business value. Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn | Connect with Stipe on LinkedIn | Read our blog about the pros and cons of fully dark warehouses

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  Episode #22

  Kevin Lawton's Automation Journey

  Aug 5, 202642 min

  Special guest Kevin Lawton, host of The New Warehouse podcast, takes a turn on the other side of the mic, sharing his his path from warehouse inventory control to one of the industry's most recognized voices. One of the biggest things he's learned on his automation journey? Successful warehouse automation projects start with great planning (making sure you're not automating before actually ready) and make time during implementation for comprehensive change management and workforce training. To close out the conversation, Kevin and host Marissa Dierlam talk about which areas of the warehouse are still bottlenecking operations, the automation trends that deserve the most attention right now, and where warehouse operations are headed next. Whether you're evaluating automation currently or simply trying to stay ahead of what's next, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and real-life stories. Listen to The New Warehouse | Follow Kevin Lawton on LinkedIn | Read our blog about change management best practices

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  Episode #21

  The ROI of Supply Chain Community

  Jul 22, 202634 min

  Everyone tells you relationships matter in supply chain—but how do you actually build them, and where do you even start? In this episode of The Automation Journey, host Marissa Dierlam sits down with Nathan Cheney, founder of Supply Chaney and Supply Chain Social Club, to break down what real networking looks like in this industry. Nathan shares his path from life on a Texas farm to running TI's chip distribution during the pandemic shortage, to building a community that spans the globe. Along the way, he gets candid about: How a few key relationships have shaped his life and career Why local roundtable, trade shows, and even happy hours can outweigh research reports when it comes to real industry insight Suggestions on how introverts can push past the fear and awkwardness of networking Why offering value to others first pays off later One simple, five-minute action you can take this week to reignite an old professional relationship Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro who's been too heads-down to network, this conversation is a reminder that your next big moment—a job, a partnership, or a crucial piece of advice—is probably one conversation away. Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn | Check out upcoming Supply Chain Social Club events | Learn more about our Campfire Talk events for supply chain executives

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  Episode #20

  Connectivity from Floor to Dashboard

  Jul 8, 202642 min

  Modern warehouses generate more data than ever—but are companies actually turning it into better decisions? In this episode, host Marissa Dierlam is joined by Rebecca Call of TGW North America and Shari Christofferson, President of Connect Inc., to explore how connected systems, software, and people transform warehouse data into actionable insights. From WMS and WES architecture to real-time visibility, dashboards, predictive analytics, and IT security, the conversation uncovers why warehouse automation projects often fall short—and how stronger connectivity between the warehouse floor and the operational dashboard can unlock better performance, resilience, and scalability. If you're evaluating warehouse automation or looking to find the "ghosts" in your existing operation, this episode offers practical insights into building a warehouse that's truly connected from end to end. Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn . Connect with Shari on LinkedIn .

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