Industry Spotlight: Warehouse Automation in Retail and Omnichannel Fulfillment

In today’s retail landscape, the warehouse is no longer a back-office function—it’s the engine powering seamless, rapid, and flexible fulfillment across every channel. As consumer expectations for speed, convenience, and choice continue to rise, retailers are under immense pressure to deliver on promises like Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS), curbside pickup, and same-day delivery. Achieving this level of service at scale requires more than incremental improvements; it demands a fundamental transformation of warehouse operations through automation and digital innovation.

The Omnichannel Imperative: Why Warehouse Automation Matters

Omnichannel fulfillment is now the standard for leading retailers. Customers expect to shop, purchase, and receive products on their terms—whether that means picking up an online order in-store, having it delivered to their doorstep within hours, or returning it through any channel. This complexity places unprecedented demands on distribution networks:

Inventory must be visible and accessible across all channels in real time.
Order processing and fulfillment must be fast, accurate, and flexible.
Distribution centers must support thousands of store locations and a variety of fulfillment models.

Traditional, manual warehouse operations simply can’t keep pace. That’s where automation comes in.

How Warehouse Automation Enables Omnichannel Fulfillment

Publicis Sapient partners with retailers to design and implement automated distribution centers and centralized inventory strategies that unlock new levels of efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction. Our approach is holistic, data-driven, and outcome-focused, addressing every aspect of warehouse transformation:

1. Automated Distribution and Inventory Centralization

By centralizing inventory and deploying highly automated distribution centers, retailers can:

Enable BOPIS, curbside, and same-day delivery across thousands of stores.
Reduce manual touchpoints and accelerate order processing.
Maintain real-time inventory accuracy and minimize stockouts or overstocks.

One major retailer, following a post-merger supply chain redesign, implemented a highly automated distribution center and centralized inventory. This enabled omnichannel fulfillment—including BOPIS, curbside, and same-day delivery—across 19,000 stores, driving a remarkable 71% year-over-year revenue growth.

2. Flexible Order Management and Fulfillment Models

Automation supports a variety of fulfillment models, from ship-from-store to lockers and direct-to-customer delivery. By integrating advanced order management systems, retailers can:

Optimize inventory placement and select stores as mini fulfillment centers.
Fulfill up to 48% of orders from stores, improving conversion rates with accurate delivery date promises.
Orchestrate orders for the fastest, most cost-effective fulfillment path.

3. AI-Driven Forecasting and Inventory Optimization

Machine learning-based forecasting enables precise demand prediction at the SKU and store level. This allows for:

Granular inventory planning that matches demand by location and channel.
Dynamic replenishment to ensure products are always available where needed.
Reduced excess inventory and improved profitability.

4. Real-Time Visibility and Control

Integrated data platforms and control towers provide end-to-end visibility across the supply chain, empowering:

Proactive decision-making and rapid response to disruptions.
Continuous improvement through actionable insights and analytics.

Real-World Results: Tangible Business Impact

Revenue Growth: Automated, centralized fulfillment enabled a 71% YoY revenue increase for a major retailer.
Customer Satisfaction: Faster, more reliable fulfillment options—BOPIS, curbside, same-day—drive loyalty and repeat business.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes, reduced manual labor, and optimized inventory lower costs and boost margins.
Scalability: Cloud-native, modular automation solutions allow retailers to flex capacity up or down as demand changes.

Overcoming Retail Supply Chain Challenges

Retailers face unique challenges in modernizing their distribution networks:

Legacy systems and siloed data hinder real-time visibility and agility.
Labor shortages and rising costs make manual operations unsustainable.
Complex fulfillment models require seamless orchestration across stores, warehouses, and last-mile delivery.

Publicis Sapient addresses these challenges with:

End-to-end expertise across assessment, design, implementation, and optimization.
AI-powered platforms that orchestrate inbound, outbound, and labor flows in real time.
Platform-agnostic integration with existing systems and leading technology partners.
A relentless focus on business outcomes: improved service levels, reduced costs, and increased agility.

Why Publicis Sapient?

With decades of digital transformation experience and a proven track record in large-scale retail supply chain solutions, Publicis Sapient is the partner of choice for retailers seeking to modernize their warehouse operations. Our work with industry leaders demonstrates our ability to deliver:

Automated, scalable distribution networks that support omnichannel fulfillment at scale.
Data-driven, AI-enabled decision-making for smarter, faster operations.
Measurable business results—from revenue growth to improved customer satisfaction.

Ready to Transform Your Retail Fulfillment?

Warehouse automation is the foundation for omnichannel success. By centralizing inventory, automating distribution, and leveraging real-time data, retailers can meet the demands of today’s consumers—and build a supply chain ready for whatever comes next.

Connect with Publicis Sapient’s supply chain experts to start your warehouse automation journey and unlock the full potential of omnichannel fulfillment.