{"id":4086,"date":"2025-07-15T14:45:22","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T18:45:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4f3b7e0f0f63b0d70d5ea4bd93f99f16\/?p=4086"},"modified":"2025-07-15T14:48:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T18:48:48","slug":"how-to-start-warehouse-automation-playbook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/locusrobotics.com\/blog\/how-to-start-warehouse-automation-playbook","title":{"rendered":"How to Start Your Warehouse Automation Journey: A Playbook from Staples Canada\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n
\n
\n
Home<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div> <\/div>\n
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n
\n
\n
July 15, 2025<\/div>\n

How to Start Your Warehouse Automation Journey: A Playbook from Staples Canada\u00a0<\/h1>\n \n

\n \"Author\n Mary Hart<\/span>, Sr. Content Marketing Manager<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n \"Paul <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Starting the automation journey is one of the most strategic, but often most daunting, moves a warehouse operation can make. With so many technologies, platforms, and partners to choose from, it\u2019s easy to fall into decision paralysis or pursue the flashiest solution instead of the right one.<\/p>

That\u2019s why the story of Staples Canada<\/a> stands out. In a recent episode<\/a> of \u201cWarehouse Automation Matters\u201d, Mert Selcuk, Senior Manager of Supply Chain Strategy & Capabilities, shared how his team approached automation with clarity, rigor, and a focus on people, not just platforms. Their approach offers a practical roadmap for warehouse leaders looking to take the first step.<\/p>

Here\u2019s a step-by-step breakdown of their playbook, with key takeaways you can apply to your own automation strategy.<\/p>

Step 1: Upgrade Foundational Systems First<\/strong><\/h4>

Before a single robot arrived, Staples Canada took a hard look at their operational foundation. Their first move was transitioning from manual processes to a modern WMS.<\/p>

\u201cWe went from pen and paper to a very robust WMS,\u201d said Selcuk. \u201cThat allowed us to ask, \u2018What\u2019s next?\u2019\u201d<\/p>

The upgrade to a robust WMS digitized their workflows and enabled the data visibility and process control needed to support automation. Without a strong WMS, even the most advanced automation systems can create more complexity than they solve.<\/p>

Your move:<\/em><\/strong><\/h5>

Audit your current systems. If you\u2019re still relying on spreadsheets or outdated software, prioritize a WMS that can scale with your operation. Make sure it can integrate with the automation tools you're considering.<\/em><\/p>

Step 2: Identify Your Warehouse Automation Goals and Not Just Your Tech<\/strong><\/h4>

The biggest misstep many warehouses make is starting with a tool instead of a need.<\/p>

When Staples made the move, they asked \u201cWhat are our priorities?\u201d said Selcuk. For his team, automation needed to:<\/p>