Across Europe, automation has become a strategic priority.

Driven by labour shortages, rising costs and increasing complexity, many companies are investing in solutions to optimise internal transport and workflows.

But as more projects move from plan to reality, one thing becomes clear:

The biggest challenge is not initiating automation. It is finishing it.

The ambition to automate everything

In many automation strategies, the ambition is full automation:

Every movement optimised.
Every process integrated.
Every exception removed.

On paper, this makes sense, but in practice, complexity outweighs the benefits.

When complexity stops automation

As automation expands, it becomes increasingly dependent on:

• System integration
• Stable IT infrastructure 
• Structured and consistent data
• Fixed layouts and predictable flows

Complexity takes over and the hidden costs begin to unfold. This is where projects begin to slow down – or stall completely.

Not because the technology doesn’t work, but because the conditions required for it to work are difficult to maintain in real operations.

The last 20% changes everything

For many companies, a large part of internal transport can be automated relatively easily.

But the remaining part – the last 20% – is where complexity increases.
This is where variability, integrations, exceptions and day-to-day realities come into play.

And it is often this part that:

• extends timelines
• increases costs
• introduces risk
• and requires ongoing adjustments and support

What looks like the final step often becomes the most demanding one.

A different way to think about automation

Instead of asking how everything can be automated, a more relevant question is:

What actually needs to be automated?

Because not all processes create the same value.

In many operations, repetitive pallet transport represents a large share of the workload – and a clear opportunity for improvement.

Focus on what works in practice

Companies are shifting towards a more practical approach.

Instead of aiming for full automation, they focus on:

• fast implementation
• low dependency on IT
• flexibility in changing environments
• solutions that work from day one

In short: automation that fits reality.

From complexity to control

This is the thinking behind LogiRobot from Logitrans.

Rather than building a fully integrated system, LogiRobot is designed to automate pallet transport as a standalone solution.

It focuses on the repetitive movements that create value, without requiring complex system integration, fixed infrastructure or perfectly structured data. 

This makes it possible to implement automation quickly – and adapt it as operations change. 

The handle allows operators to take over instantly, so instead of production stops and waiting time, work continues.

Designed for real operations

LogiRobot is particularly relevant in:

• production environments
• internal transport between zones
• smaller or mixed warehouse setups

Where workflows are not fixed – and rarely perfect.

Here, automation is not about replacing people entirely. It is about supporting them where it makes the biggest difference.

A more realistic path forward

Automation will continue to play a central role in material handling.

But the most successful solutions are likely to be those that balance ambition with reality.

Not by automating everything – but by automating what matters. So ask yourself, are you willing to risk everything in chasing the last 20%?

Or would you choose smart and efficient 80% automation?

Learn more about LogiRobot and the 80/20 approach: https://logitrans.com/logirobot/ 

Contact Logitrans: +45 76 88 16 00 or email us