People. Planet. Progress:

The intralogistics sector is evolving – and fast. What was once the behind-the-scenes engine of the supply chain is now at the forefront of discussions around efficiency, environmental impact and workforce transformation.

From how goods are stored and moved to how people are trained and retained, every aspect of the intralogistics ecosystem is being reimagined.

The industry faces a pivotal moment - not just because of new technology, but because of what that technology demands: a more agile workforce, a more sustainable mindset and a more strategic vision for progress.

This article explores the future of intralogistics, examining three interconnected forces shaping the road ahead.

Rethinking recruitment and upskilling

Labour shortages and shifting skill demands are pushing intralogistics companies to rethink how they attract and retain talent. Safety, innovation and purpose are all increasingly becoming key factors in recruitment and retention strategies.

As new technologies like AI and automation evolve, upskilling is increasingly essential. Next generation tools are also opening the door to new training approaches and helping operations create a safer working environment - critical in winning over a shrinking talent pool.

The companies that succeed moving forward will be those that invest in continued learning and career growth, creating a workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Driving sustainability

Sustainability is non-negotiable. For intralogistics companies, this means embedding green thinking into every operation, decision and investment.

Industry leaders are already making strides in this area. For example, Linde Material Handling recently announced a major sustainability program across 14 UK depots, including installing solar PV systems. It has also rolled out its latest fleet of electric forklifts.

However, sustainability in intralogistics isn’t just about technology - it’s also a mindset shift, with companies are moving from a compliance-driven approach to seeing sustainability as an opportunity for innovation and long-term growth.

In a sector historically known for its environmental impact, this shift is profound. Being future-fit means taking responsibility for climate impact at every level of the supply chain - from energy use to waste management.

AI and automation with purpose

Automation and AI have an increasing and essential role to play in the future of intralogistics, transforming operations, improving efficiency and reducing risk across the sector.

AI is particularly impactful in areas like predictive maintenance and warehouse optimisation, enabling operations to anticipate equipment failures and streamline workflows. Additionally, advanced forecasting powered by AI enables businesses to better manage inventory and respond to market trends and shifts with greater agility.

As Dematic’s Aleksandar Krnjaic explains, AI is a ‘force multiplier”’ - enhancing operational capabilities while allowing human workers to focus on higher-value, strategic tasks. The true potential lies in leveraging these tools to create smarter, safer and more human-centric work environments.

Leading the transformation

The future of intralogistics isn’t just about adapting to change - it’s about leading it. The operations that succeed won’t be those chasing the latest trends, but those with the foresight to invest in systems, people and values that can scale with the demands of tomorrow.

Watch this space: We’ll be diving deeper into these themes in our upcoming webinar on the future of intralogistics - featuring industry voices, real-world insights, and a live Q&A. Details coming soon.