The supply chain is unrecognisable compared to what it was when Consafe Logistics was first founded in 1978. Since then, however, the company has grown from strength to strength, going from a small Swedish company into a multinational software solutions provider with a presence in countries across the globe.

Having made its entry into the UK market in 2024, representatives from the company are set to take to the stage at IMHX 2025 this September to share insights gained from almost five decades of growth in the logistics sector.

Linda Frygell, Product Manager makes two automation-focused appearances at the show, first at a panel session titled Automation update: The trends, the challenges & choosing wisely, and then at a talk titled Designing smarter warehouse automation.

Meanwhile, Sacha Williams, Sales Manager UK & Ireland, will dissect logistics market trends in a panel discussion titled A 360-degree view on market trends in logistics.

Ahead of what promises to be another blockbuster IMHX showcase, Sacha and Linda share their insights from the cutting edge of the logistics industry.

From technology to orchestration

Sacha states that, with the world on the brink of an AI and automation-powered revolution, all three should be classed as unmissable events for attendees.

“The storage and distribution sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by automation, digitalisation, and shifting consumer expectations,” he says. “Warehouses are embracing automation, robotics, AI, and cloud-based WMS to boost efficiency, accuracy, and scalability – critical for navigating labour shortages and peak-season surges. The rise of e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment demands faster, more flexible operations, often through micro-fulfilment centres and streamlined returns processes.”

Linda agrees and goes on to highlight the ways logistics businesses are building resilience in a rapidly changing market.

She says, “Resilience has really become the name of the game in logistics, no matter what industry vertical you are serving. We’re seeing companies diversify their supplier base, invest heavily in real-time digital tools, and build contingency plans for multiple scenarios.

She continued: “As we can see when working with our customers, there’s also a shift toward choosing automation vendors agnostically, so you’re not locked into one ecosystem and can stay flexible as conditions change. But beyond tools and strategies, being a trusted partner is more critical than ever. That means showing up with transparency, being reliable, and truly collaborating across the supply chain. It’s all about how we’re navigating both the disruptions we’re facing today and proactively guiding our customers towards futureproofing and being able to handle the challenges still to come.”

Tackling misconceptions head-on

One challenge facing every logistics business is the way the broader industry is often misunderstood by the public. Sacha thinks the businesses that are most able to overcome this challenge will be best placed for success.

“Many assume it’s purely about transportation, overlooking the complexity of warehousing, inventory management, and last-mile fulfilment that underpin supply chains,” he argues. “There’s also a belief that logistics is slow to innovate, when in fact it’s at the forefront of automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making.

“Logistics is also often seen as a low-skilled sector, despite its increasing reliance on advanced technology, strategic planning, and highly trained professionals. These misconceptions obscure the industry’s vital role in global commerce and its evolution into a sophisticated, tech-enabled field driving efficiency, resilience, and customer satisfaction.”

Linda sees the many emerging technologies in the sector as critical to addressing these misconceptions.

“We’re seeing everything from Agentic AI, Generative AI for operations, AMRs, AGVs, cobots (collaborative robots designed to share workspaces with humans), wearables, drones, Industrial IoT, and DT at scale playing a role in streamlining tasks and improving efficiency,” she says. “But the real game-changer is how the ecosystem is orchestrated via, for instance, Warehouse Execution Software that works with AI to bring it all together efficiently.

“How we orchestrate the automation, optimize workflows, and help create smarter, more resilient, and scalable warehouse environments is the key. It’s not just about having the tech, it’s about change management in relation to people, processes, and technology, and making all these disparate elements work seamlessly together.”

Automation as a journey, not a destination

This means, Linda continues, that for small and mid-sized enterprises, building a strong automation strategy doesn’t have to mean going all-in from day one.

“Starting with modular, scalable solutions allows you to grow at your own pace, layering in tools like Warehouse Execution Systems, automation, AI, and digital twins over time.

“This phased approach helps you optimize operations, stay agile in the face of change, and scale automation as the business evolves. Importantly, it also supports sustainability by reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring resources are used more effectively since you only implement what you truly need and will use. It’s about smart growth that balances performance, flexibility, and long-term impact.”

Businesses of all sizes have a lot to contend with given the unpredictability that runs throughout long stretches of today’s global supply chain. For Sacha, that means events like IMHX have taken on a whole new importance.

“Industry events like IMHX play a pivotal role in advancing the logistics sector by fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth,” he says. “For exhibitors, it’s a prime opportunity to showcase cutting-edge solutions, gain market visibility, and connect directly with decision-makers. And attendees benefit from exposure to the latest technologies, insights from industry leaders, and the chance to benchmark best practices.

“Networking with peers helps shape future trends, with shared knowledge helping to accelerate the move to smarter and more resilient logistics strategies.”

With the very foundations of the logistics sector continuing to shift, IMHX continues to be a reliable event for businesses looking to build supply chain resilience.

Attendees wishing to hear more from Linda and Sacha can find them on the conference stage at the IMHX showcase, held from 9-11 September at NEC Birmingham.

Tickets are free and are available at www.imhx.net.