3PL Logistics and Robot Rental: How to Optimise the Supply Chain with Automated Warehouses

In the modern logistics landscape, companies are looking for increasingly efficient solutions to improve supply chain management. Two emerging trends are revolutionising the industry: tertiary logistics service providers (3PL logistics) and the rental of goods handling robots. The integration of 3PL logistics and automated warehouses allows for increased efficiency and flexibility, reducing operating costs and improving process scalability, but how can these elements work together to optimise warehouse operations?

The evolution of logistics with 3PL services

3PL providers allow companies to outsource logistics management, reducing infrastructure investments and improving operational flexibility. These providers manage warehousing, distribution and inventory tracking through advanced systems, ensuring greater efficiency and error reduction.

Benefits of 3PL services

• Reduced costs: less investment in infrastructure and internal resources, turning fixed costs into variable costs. Relying on a 3PL provider allows companies to eliminate the need to directly purchase or manage warehouses, transport means and dedicated personnel. This model allows fixed costs to be converted into variable costs, reducing financial risk and optimising resources based on actual demand.
• Scalability: ability to adapt to seasonal peaks and fluctuations in demand. 3PL services offer the possibility to expand or reduce logistics operations flexibly, without having to make significant structural investments. This is particularly advantageous for companies facing seasonal fluctuations or sudden increases in demand, ensuring efficient resource management without waste. Thanks to this scalability, companies can respond quickly to market needs, while maintaining high service levels without high fixed costs.
• Operational efficiency: using WMS and WES systems to improve warehouse management. 3PL suppliers are constantly investing in warehouse management systems (WMS-WES), artificial intelligence and automation to improve the accuracy and speed of logistics operations. Thanks to these technologies, companies can benefit from real-time inventory control, improved shipment planning and reduced handling errors. In addition, the know-how of industry professionals ensures optimised processes and customised strategies for every logistical need.

To learn more about the role of 3PL logistics, read our dedicated article on 3PL logistics.

The strategic role of robot rental in logistics

Automation in warehouses is a necessity for companies that want to remain competitive. However, the purchase of robots represents a costly investment. Renting robots presents itself as a strategic alternative to implement advanced solutions without incurring high initial costs.

• Operational flexibility: possibility to adapt the number of robots to seasonal needs. Companies can quickly scale up their operations, increasing or decreasing the number of robots according to fluctuations in demand, without having to buy expensive machinery.
• Reduced CAPEX: no significant initial investment. Rental allows you to turn purchase costs into a predictable operating expense, improving budget management and reducing financial risk.
• Access to advanced technology: access to state-of-the-art solutions without worrying about obsolescence. Robot suppliers regularly update their technologies, ensuring that companies use state-of-the-art tools without the need to replace obsolete machinery.
• Access tax deductibility benefits with maximum contract flexibility (lease duration, renewal)

To learn more about robot service solutions, read the article on robot rental below.

Skypod by Exotec your ally for multi-client management

Exotec’s Skypod system can handle different types of goods and flows while guaranteeing performance.
🔹Troughput up to 600 bins/hour
🔹Buffering integrated within the system without the need for conveyors or sorters
🔹High storage density up to 15 m
🔹Integrated picking & Packing

Conclusion

The integration of 3PL logistics and robot leasing is transforming the supply chain sector, offering companies the opportunity to improve efficiency without excessive investment. Relying on specialised partners for logistics automation is a strategic choice to face future challenges and optimise robotised warehouse management.

The integration of 3PL logistics and robot leasing is transforming the supply chain sector, offering companies the opportunity to improve efficiency without excessive investment. Relying on specialised partners for logistics automation is a strategic choice to face future challenges and optimise robotised warehouse management.