#09: Maximizing Throughput, Automation & Warehouse Performance

At the center of every warehouse operation is one metric: throughput. How much product can move through a building — accurately, efficiently and profitably — in a given period of time? In this episode of Moving the World, Prologis’ Marv Cunningham sits down with Ninaad Acharya, CEO of Fulfillment IQ, to talk about the biggest challenges facing fulfillment centers and what it takes to scale AI logistics solutions that deliver real results for brands, retailers and 3PLs. What’s hype and what can be deployed at scale? What must be true before an operator greenlights an AI rollout? And why is scaling from one successful building to a full network still so difficult? The conversation dives into data readiness, operational discipline, workforce realities and the hidden barriers that stall innovation. It’s a candid, operator-level discussion about what it really takes to deploy AI at scale to increase throughput, maximize space and optimize operational efficiency.  In this episode: Why scaling AI across a network is exponentially harder than proving ROI in one facility The prerequisites to AI success: clean data, strong governance and usable systems The human side of automation: trust, change management and workforce adoption Why most warehouses still have very little automation—and what that means for opportunity How digital twins and simulation can reduce risk before investing real dollars Today’s experts: Marv Cunningham is the global head of Operating Essentials and Workforce Solutions at Prologis, overseeing the company’s workforce and community programs, as well as its Essentials platform, which delivers solutions for some of the most critical challenges fulfillment centers face today. Marv brings more than 15 years of experience in supply chain and logistics, including senior leadership roles at GXO Logistics, Saks Off 5th & Hudson Bay, Rent the Runway, Target and Amazon. Ninaad Acharya is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Fulfillment IQ, an ecommerce fulfillment product studio that supports brands, retailers and 3PLs with bespoke solutions. He also hosts the eCom Logistics Podcast, where he brings together industry leaders to share insights on the future of supply chain and logistics. With over 16 years of experience in the supply chain and logistics industry, including serving as supply chain product executive at FedEx Supply Chain, Ninaad has a proven track record of delivering innovative and impactful solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.