The Automation Journey

In this episode of The Automation Journey, Ryan Chesterfield (Founder and CEO of Auto-FX and Auto-FC) joins Meagan Gauthier (TGW Logistics) and host Marissa Dierlam for a conversation about what it really takes to build smarter, safer warehouse facilities. While warehouse automation is often discussed through the lens of throughput, labor efficiency, and cost reduction, worker safety is just as critical—and far more strategic than many realize. Together, they explore the real safety risks facing warehouses today, from manual material handling and forklift interactions to training gaps, turnover, and pressure to hit KPIs. Learn how thoughtfully designed automation (like ergonomic picking workstations) combined with smarter software, machine learning, and predictive maintenance can reduce safety risks while improving worker retention, consistency, and performance. Imagine a future for your facility where safety isn't a compliance checkbox or a regular fire to fight—and instead is a strategic lever addressed on a systems level. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn. Connect with Meagan on LinkedIn.

Warehouse automation is a significant investment that can feel risky. What if your solution doesn't meet your current needs? What if your business changes and the automation can't keep up? What if you overdesign and overpay? That's why data analysis is critical for designing the right warehouse automation solution. In this episode of the podcast, host Marissa Dierlam sits down with Daniele Bongiovanni (Data Consultant, TGW North America) and Natalie Vruwink (Solutions Designer III, TGW North America) to discuss which data points are most critical, what key design criteria can be uncovered with data, and the importance of deriving assumptions and conclusions alongside our customers. Data not only allows us to right size and scope automation solutions—it also builds a clear business case and ROI for our customers and de-risks their investment.

In this episode of the podcast, special guest Kambi Laleye (Rosefellow) joins from Montreal, Canada to discuss warehouse sustainability topics with Dexter Weber (TGW Logistics) and host Marissa Dierlam. Together, they cover the sustainability of greenfields vs. brownfields, how to achieve energy-efficient daily operations, and more. In the supply chain world, sustainability is quickly becoming less of a feel-good to-do and more of a strategic lever. Hear how the companies going above current standards—not just reacting to regulations—will retain warehouse talent better than the competition and achieve lower costs long-term. For both Rosefellow and TGW Logistics, the goal is future-proofing for our customers. Connect with Kambi on LinkedIn. Connect with Dex on LinkedIn.

For goods-to-person automation systems, there are a number of buzzwords that get used over and over: flexible, scalable, modular, plug-and-play, future-proof, smart, innovative, energy-efficient, high-performance, etc. And so often these words get misused or are intentionally vague—leaving people lost in jargon and wondering how to benchmark warehouse automation solutions. In this honest conversation, Patricio Miranda Febres (Chief Sales Officer, TGW North America) draws from his over 20 years of experience to share how he sees the industry using buzzwords and how these words ought to be explained to companies interested in goods-to-person automation. If you're evaluating warehouse automation options, this episode is for you. Learn how to translate these buzzwords to your operational requirements and get to the heart of what solutions are right for you.

Warehouse automation is never as easy as push-play-and-go. In this episode, Marissa Dierlam sits down with Mario Sousa (Head of On-Site Services) and Darwin Vazquez (Site Engineering Manager) to dive into how to maintain 98%+ system availability and generate the most value out of your automation systems. Hear what it takes to build up a strong on-site maintenance team and the critical role these people play in delivering long-term success. They share insights into when to start building up an on-site maintenance team, bestpractices for training, the importance of communication and team culture, the pros and cons of DIY-ing your maintenance services, and more.

In this episode we welcome our friend Jennifer Saunier from Green Mountain. Together, we tackle the topic of parcel shipping from two different directions: parcel spend management and warehouse automation. Complications and costs continue to rise for parcel shipping, so if you're up against it, make sure to stay tuned for recommendations from both Jennifer and Dexter Weber. Discover how to win at parcel shipping today and in the future!To learn more about Green Mountain, check out their website: Green Mountain - Conquer the shipping summit.

Automation can be powerful, but it’s not magic. In this episode of The Automation Journey, host Marissa Dierlam is joined by Blake Neal and Dexter Weber to unpack the real relationship between warehouse automation and distribution network design. Learn how each can impact the other, how to pair the right automation with your distribution network, the role of digital tools and software, and what SLA wins can be unlocked when you design the right supply chain network and automation solutions.

Warehouse automation isn’t just about conveyors, shuttles, and robots! It’s also about the software behind the scenes that makes everything work together. Rebecca Call joins host Marissa Dierlam to break down the complex world of warehouse software in a way that makes sense. Together, they discuss the different layers of software that have an impact on warehouse operations, how each speaks to each other, and the unique capabilities of TGW Logistics' WERX software. Whether you're running a manual, semi-automated, or highly automated facility, your software and hardware need to work in harmony. Start to wrap your mind around warehouse management systems and more through this conversation.

Mobile robotics is one of the fastest growing areas in warehouse automation, but when do they actually make sense? Host Marissa Dierlam (Head of Marketing, TGW North America) sits down with Philipp Moser (Head of Sales Engineering Mobile Robotics) and Dexter Weber (Business Development Manager, TGW North America) to talk through the different types, best use cases, and common misconceptions for both mobile and fixed automation. While it may seem that AGVs and AMRs are the new kids on the block, does that make it the best solution for your business? How and when should you blend together mobile and fixed automation? What can go wrong in a mobile robotics implementation and how do I avoid those types of setbacks? These questions and more are answered in this wide-ranging conversation comparing mobile and fixed automation.

In this episode, Rebecca Call, Alessandra Caminati, and Meagan Gauthier return to continue their conversation about their experiences as women in supply chain and how to overcome workplace challenges. In this episode, they turn their attention towards how both men and women can support other women, how to build self-confidence in the next generation, and the best advice and mentors they've had in their careers.

In this episode, host Rebecca Call (Head of Process Software Consulting & Systems Integration) sits down with Alessandra Caminati (Head of Solutions Design) and Meagan Gauthier (Business Development Manager) for a candid conversation about being women in supply chain—earning respect, challenging stereotypes, finding allies, and building the confidence to self-advocate. From early career stories and on-site leadership moments to practical advice on negotiation, mentorship, and representation, this discussion is packed with honest insights and actionable takeaways for anyone growing their career in supply chain!

Peak season is the championship game of supply chains. Months of preparation leading up to a few critical weeks that can make or break a year. In this TGW Logistics podcast, Jeff Rhodes and Dex Weber share their perspectives on how retailers, grocers, and consumer goods companies can better prepare for seasonal surges without overbuilding for short-term spikes. From labor challenges and training costs to balancing automation with manual flexibility, the discussion explores how companies can design smarter systems, leverage digital twins, and find the right automation strategy to thrive during high-volume periods. You’ll hear real-world examples from TGW projects, insights on ROI-driven system design, and why the best supply chain partners help you, as Jeff says, avoid "building a church for Easter Sunday". Whether you’re navigating Black Friday, holiday demand, or rolling peaks across industries, this episode will help you rethink how to manage volatility, improve workforce readiness, and deliver consistent customer experiences under peak pressure!

Marissa Dierlam (Head of Marketing, North America) sits down with Patricio Miranda Febres (CSO, North America) and Stipe Galic (VP of Business Development, North America) to cut through the hype in supply chain and warehouse automation. From European vs. U.S. adoption drivers and true flexibility (not just mobility) to practical AI use cases, nearshoring/tariffs, and the Hot or Not lightning round—this episode is a playbook for deciding what to automate, when, and why! You’ll learn: Why competitiveness and service levels are reshaping DC design, how to plan automation in steps without creating a “Frankenstein” system, real AI wins (robot picking, data-driven flow decisions) vs. buzz, AMRs vs. conveyors/shuttles, what's real and what's still uncertain for nearshoring & tariffs, and what is “true flexibility” in terms of handling volatile channel mix and SKU growth.

Results matter. Leadership isn’t just about vision—it’s about creating environments where people thrive, adapting to change, and delivering measurable outcomes. In this episode, Marissa Dierlam (Head of Marketing, TGW North America) sits down with Christian Lahnsteiner (CEO, TGW North America) to discuss leadership, company culture, and what it takes to drive performance in today’s automation industry. What you’ll learn: 👤 Christian’s career journey—from engineer to CEO.⚡ Why leadership is about adaptability, accountability, and results.🏗️ How automation creates healthier, smarter jobs (and faster training).🎯 Building performance-driven cultures with clear, tangible goals.🔑 The role of transparency, trust, and accountability in change management.🌍 Why innovation, openness, and partnerships are key to future success.📈 Growth, culture, and the importance of telling your story as a company.

From luxury unboxing to fast-fashion velocity, packaging is where brand, cost, and throughput collide. In this episode, Marissa Dierlam talks with Blake Neal (Director of Business Development) and Dena Holzmann (Solutions Designer) about how to build smarter packing operations—without creating a bottleneck. They cover EU-inspired rules, branding tradeoffs, peak-season realities, and where right-size packaging and pick-to-pack automation pay off (including how FlashPick supports omni-channel). What you’ll learn: 🎯 Branding vs. operations: when custom boxes help—or hurt—throughput.📦 Right-size packaging: cut air, cut freight, improve presentation.🚚 Truck/load density: why carton size = real money.🧮 Data first: order profiles, cutoffs, channels, and peak planning.🧰 Tech picks: pick-to-pack, robotic picking, and zero-touch flows.🔁 Omni channel made simple: one system for e-comm, retail, and wholesale.

Automation isn’t just about robots—it’s about building a business case that makes sense. In this episode, Marissa Dierlam (Head of Marketing, TGW North America) sits down with Nathan Wolf (Director of Sales) to break down the ROI of warehouse automation, how to calculate payback, and why the cost of not automating may be even higher. What you’ll learn:📉 The hidden cost of lost orders & customer churn⚡ Efficiency gains: from picking rates to delivery optimization💸 ROI levers beyond labor (maintenance, supervision, delivery labor savings)🏗️ Funding options: capex, leasing, synthetic leases & creative financing🛒 Industry trends in grocery, fashion, and industrial/consumer markets🔑 Why automation builds customer loyalty and protects your bottom line.

Marissa Dierlam, Head of Marketing for North America at TGW Logistics, shares what the podcast is all about. Tune in for insights, stories, lessons learned, and more from the world of warehouse automation.