Today, manufacturing companies are facing not just turbulence, but the need to rebuild approaches: to scaling, to business models, product portfolio, technologies, people, and management models. How to adapt to new realities without losing efficiency?

The practice of implementing digital technologies in supplies - will AI save us?

A special edition of the KOTELOV PRO podcast will be broadcast live at the WIN Аrena of the СeMAT RUSSIA exhibition:

Valery Kotelov will talk with Mikhail Platonov, PepsiCo Senior Director for Supply Chain Management.

Topic - digitalization of warehouses and logistics, implementation of AI and experience in creating data and transport management centers

Key notes:

• The junction of logistics and production requires a comprehensive approach: precise adjustment of interaction between robots and IT systems (RMS, SCADA, WCS) is important depending on the type of project;
• Integration with WMS and digital twins increases control and accuracy of operations, but requires more resources - comparing solutions “with” and “without” will help to assess the feasibility;
• The correct choice of software (WCS, SCADA, RMS) depends on the goals of the project: not all systems are always needed, it is important to understand where the minimum configuration will give the desired result;
• The choice of a technology partner determines the success of implementation: the criteria for evaluating suppliers, the role of service and support in the long term are discussed;
• Russification of interfaces and adaptation to local realities are critical for production personnel, especially when scaling solutions.

Key notes:

• APS + MES = a plan without disruptions and a release without defects — synchronization of planning and execution taking into account real resources and risks;
• Machine vision and digital traceability — instant detection of defects and quality control at each stage;
• OEE analysis of downtime — accurate diagnostics of productivity losses and reaching stable efficiency;
• APCS based on up-to-date data — real-time production control;
• Digital logistics at the plant — optimization of routes, vehicle fleet and workplaces to reduce costs and speed up processes.

Key topics:

• A brief assessment of the state of the warehouse logistics market in Russia. Global trends;
• International experience: How AI robots from South Korea are changing the rules of the game in warehouse logistics;
• Automating Walmart. End-to-end robotization of DCs of the world's largest retailers. Practical global experience. From idea to creation;
• How to robotize processes without losing money and efficiency;
• From import substitution to excellence: how we created a Russian RMS for robotic warehouses based on the experience of X5;
• TOP 5 drivers of warehouse logistics development in 2026

Modern warehouses are moving from mechanization to full-fledged intelligent automation: autonomous mobile robots, machine vision systems and artificial intelligence create a single ecosystem where each link in the process — from cargo acceptance to shipment — is optimized in real time. This requires not only the introduction of equipment, but also a deep restructuring of the information architecture, the establishment of reliable data exchange between WMS/ERP and the robotic fleet, as well as the adaptation of organizational processes and safety standards.

Partners: Scamatic, Ronavi Robotics

Key notes:

• Why are warehouse operations strategically important for the sustainability and competitiveness of supply chains? A brief overview of the topic and analytics;
• Real cases from customer companies on optimizing warehouse operations, increasing inventory turnover, reducing costs and implementing technologies (reorganizing the warehouse network, personnel management, automation and digitalization of processes);
• Interviews with TOP experts - heads of the logistics/supply chain function. We will discuss issues of stability of warehouse operations, implementation of WMS and other technologies, quality control, personnel management and long-term trends in the development of warehouse infrastructure;
• How do modern solutions and technologies (electronic document management, cargo monitoring systems, labeling, fulfillment automation, etc.) optimize warehouse processes and affect the efficiency of supply chains? Company practices;
• Key challenges, typical tasks, different approaches to the strategic development of the warehouse function in the SCM system. What technologies and methodologies are needed today? The real picture in Russian companies;

Partner: COMITAS

Key notes:

• Trends in 2025 in 3PL and fulfillment. The supplier's opinion and the customer's view;
• Develop your own logistics or work with service providers? How has retailers' demand for logistics operator services changed over the year?
• Advantages and disadvantages of both approaches in 2025;
• The image of the "ideal" logistics operator in the era of eCom development and the decline of offline retail, shortage of warehouses and personnel. Is there a gap and how to overcome it?
• Is it possible to combine 3PL and fulfillment in a "single warehouse"? Should these be different providers?
• How to choose a reliable logistics management partner: TOP 10 tips from the customer's first hand;
• Recommendations for effective interaction between a retailer and a logistics operator.

Key points:

• Features of forming a detailed technical assignment before signing a contract;
• Procedures for agreeing on the terms of the contract, including deadlines, scope of work, technical parameters;
• Types of contractor liability. Design, equipment supply, installation, commissioning;
• The customer is always right or...? The customer's responsibilities for providing the appropriate infrastructure at the facility, complete information and timely interaction;
• Dispute resolution mechanisms, warranty obligations and service support.

Partner: Фотомеханика

The session will be attended by representatives of companies from the retail sector, who will share their approaches to working with modern market challenges, optimizing warehouse and production logistics, as well as experience in implementing and operating WMS systems

Partner: Consid

Key notes:

• End-to-end digital ecosystem: single window for warehouse management
• Access control and security: Rusgard's view
• Video surveillance in the warehouse: analytics, recording, response
• Infrastructure under control: inspections and audit of warehouse equipment
• People as a resource: profiles, accounting, engagement
• Customer experience: how the ecosystem works in real life (Lenta grocery chain case)

Partners: INLOKER

Key notes:

• Safe operation of rack systems in a warehouse: from regulations to practice;
• ACS, video surveillance, fire safety - how does a comprehensive system work?
• Effective strategies for preventing theft and emergencies;
• Occupational safety in a warehouse as a strategic function in logistics;;
• Technical solutions: the role of integrators and technical consulting;
• Safety culture and personnel training in a warehouse.

The introduction of new technologies in logistics — from robots to AI analytics — requires huge costs, but does not always bring the expected effect.

How to find a balance between experiments and efficiency?
How to choose the right technologies?
Which technologies already provide ROI, and which ones are still just hype?
How not to overpay for "fashionable" solutions?

A discussion with representatives of manufacturing companies, retail, logistics operators and IT vendors.

A review of real cases from participants.

Partner: ЕМЕ

How 3 solutions from LOGAREON (CLOUD, On-premise, WCS):

• Provide the logistics solutions market with the most modern technologies in the shortest possible time;
• What a WMS class system should be able to do so as not to lose relevance in 26 or 30.
• How high-tech “chips” of the solution help companies around the world achieve their goals.

Partner: LOGAREON

Key notes:

• Dreams and reality – why automation does not always mean instant efficiency;
• Hidden difficulties – the main mistakes during implementation and how to anticipate them;
• Success strategies – proven methods for achieving real results;
• Experience of winners – examples of successful implementations and lessons learned;
• Limits of robotization – in which cases technologies will not replace the human approach?

Partner: ГК Автомакон

Key notes:

• Where WMS already uses AI: peak forecasting, shift management, automatic routing;
• How rule-based systems differ from systems with ML elements;
• Using neural networks to analyze historical selection and routing errors;
• Why a “smart” WMS does not replace a process, but makes it manageable;
• Applied case;
• WMS X version-free system

Partner: LogistiX

Partner: NF group

Key notes:

• Industry segments and niches for the development of robotics in Russia and the EAEU member states;
• Market growth points;
• Current industry analytics, Atlas of robotics in the EAEU;
• Directions and prospects for interstate cooperation;
• Marketplace of robotic solutions as an effective tool for cooperation;
• Project support measures.

Key notes:

• Technologies and RTC for automation of production, logistics and warehouse processes;
• The main stages of robotization – from audit to equipment launch;
• Practical cases of robotization of Russian enterprises.

Key notes:

1. Organizational structure of the company and the role of the digital transformation leader;
2. Preparing personnel for changes;
3. Sequence of automation steps (roadmap);
4. ERP system as a foundation: data integration for all digital solutions;
5. IBP system (integrated business planning);
6. A set of auxiliary solutions (MES, APS, WMS, TMS, CRM, SRM), how to achieve a high SLA;
7. Approaches to choosing digital solutions.

"Digitalization is not separate projects, but systemic product management included in the strategy"

A special edition of the KOTELOV PRO podcast will be broadcast live at the WIN arena of the СeMAT RUSSIA exhibition:

Valery Kotelov will talk with Stanislav Frolov, head of digitalization of the REHAU business,
who will share the company's experience of transition to product management,
talk about new opportunities for manufacturing enterprises and the specifics of implementing this model.

Key notes:

• AI already makes decisions faster than humans today, doubles its capabilities every 3 months, works 24/7 and is loyal to changes. How will the introduction of AI affect the labor market in logistics in 5-10 years?
• Whoever is the first to master AI in supply chain management will gain a competitive advantage. How to move from resistance to implementation, what should be taken into account in order to minimize errors?
• What should those who will be replaced by algorithms in logistics prepare for? What competencies will be in demand, what is the competitive advantage of humans vs. AI?

The partner conference "Warehouse. Technologies. Business" is not just a dialogue about logistics. It is a professional conversation about the future of the warehouse industry.

Key notes:

• Warehouse equipment market: what do we have now and what are we preparing for?
• Challenges faced by suppliers of warehouse equipment;
• Trends influencing the development of the warehouse equipment market: energy efficiency and automation. Electric forklift is no longer a trend, but a serious trend, but not everything is so clear;
• Open competition of Chinese brands: how to win this race?
• Demand for brands in Russia: quality, availability and care for the operator: what's new?
• 10 differences between high-quality Chinese equipment and budget ones;
• Favorable supply routes and pricing;
• Long-term rent and leasing: what does practice show? And what about sales?
• High-quality service is an investment in competitive stability. Russian experience;
• Components and spare parts: the path of a Russian manufacturer
• Transformation of the Russian service market: regulations, interaction with Chinese partners, formation and management of spare parts inventories.

Key notes:

• Major market changes over three years;
• Comparison of modern lead and lithium batteries;
• Safety requirements and operating rules;
• Localization of lithium battery production.

The key notes of the session is to highlight the key stages of work on automation projects, starting with the technical specifications and
ending with after-sales service.

Within each stage, we will outline the main steps, during the implementation of which difficulties and real challenges may arise.

We will talk about risks, give advice and discuss how to avoid them.

We are preparing presentations based on Cainiao's practical experience in implementing many projects abroad and in Russia.

The session participants will also share their vision on the stated topic, everyone has a real background.

What will we talk about?

• Weaknesses and hidden losses in the absence of automation of freight yard processes;
• The main tasks that YMS (Yard Management System) solves in your yard;
• Experience of implementing YMS on the territory of DKS company: the customer's view;
• Solvo.YMS implementation timeframes and economic benefits: how to calculate the payback of the project?

An interesting analysis of a new technological solution, don't miss it!

Key notes:

• Overview of the new version of the Consid.WMS platform, developed in accordance with technological trends in the market;
• Transition to Postgres for high-performance data processing and business analytics;
• Automated testing for rapid implementation of new functionality;
• Support for working with robotic systems.

Key notes:

1. Three key pillars of automation: Processes. People. Technologies;
2. Implementation map (roadmap);
3. Where to start calculations;
4. Expectation vs. reality: Deadlines, flexibility, real risks;
6. How to understand the need for implementation? Cases + checklist.

Key notes:

1.The Truth About Project Costs
Business view: Budgeting, Hidden Costs, ROI
User view: Time spent on training, adaptation of processes

2. Expectations vs. Reality
What was planned to get vs. what was actually received
Unexpected positive effects
Functional gaps and their solution

3. Preparation for the project: mistakes and findings
What was done right from the very beginning
What would be changed if starting over
Critical success factors

 4. Industry specifics

Key notes:

• Purchasing in warehouse and production logistics as a tool for supply chain efficiency;
• The main challenges of warehouse logistics in 2025-2026;
• How to organize effective interaction of all participants in the process?
• Supplier and purchaser: how to hear each other and “bring benefit”. Service and quality
• How to organize effective interaction of all participants in the process?
• Import substitution as a key challenge for Russia in 2026. What depends on us? How can we help suppliers?
• Action plan to improve procurement efficiency. Exchange of experience.

At the conference you will learn what strategic decisions allow companies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

AXELOT will support the key topic of the CeMAT RUSSIA 2025 business program – production and warehouse logistics in supply chains – and will discuss with business representatives what is the fulcrum for building a reliable enterprise supply chain.

Key points:

• How do modern technologies create intelligent and autonomous warehouse logistics?
• We will analyze how technologies predict demand in real time, optimize routes, reduce costs and increase the speed of operations;
• WMS + AI + Digital Twin bundle - how are the roles distributed?
• Overview of solutions, benefits for business and real-life use cases.

Партнер: COMITAS

During the Case Session, Yandex Robotics and Perekrestok Trading House will reveal details of the project on the first mass implementation of a fleet of robots in grocery retail.

We will analyze the key stages: from choosing a process for robotization to detailed design and testing in physics.

We will talk about difficulties, unexpected discoveries, the importance of IT and lessons learned in the process - only practical experience.

Key notes:

• Warehouse as the "zero point" of logistics;
• How to reduce logistics costs by up to 30% and avoid fines for overweight;
• Optimization of logistics processes;
• Digital solutions and automation tools.

Key notes:

• Unified information model:
• Integration of WMS, YMS and TMS on a single platform eliminates data “islands”, ensures precise planning of operations and instant exchange of statuses in real time;
• Optimization of warehouse throughput:
• Automated routing of receiving and shipping vehicles in the yard (YMS) reduces equipment downtime, and end-to-end visibility in the WMS minimizes cargo handling time;
• Flexible transport management:
• Connection with TMS allows for prompt redirection of orders and selection of optimal routes, which increases the accuracy of SLA compliance and effectively balances internal and external transportation.
• Exception Management and Analytics: End-to-end control based on a single interface allows you to “maneuver” during force majeure: automatic notifications, AI decision support and “what-if” analytics for quick response.

Партнеры: СТАРКИТ-МФТИ

The intellectual tournament “Attention, warehouse!” is an exciting business game among professionals in warehouse logistics
and supply chain management. It will be held for the second time as part of the CeMAT RUSSIA 2025 exhibition.

The general partner of the 2025 tournament is the company "Jungheinrich lifting and handling equipment".

Key notes:

• What specific human-centric and sustainable practices can be implemented within the framework of Industry 5.0 in warehouse logistics?
• What changes are needed in personnel training to meet the requirements of digitalized and robotized warehouse logistics in the context of Industry 5.0?
• How to assess the real return on investment in digitalization and robotization of warehouse logistics and what indicators to use to monitor efficiency?

Key notes:

• Integration of HR solutions into logistics processes and impact on KPIs;
• HR-tech for mass hiring and assessment of warehouse personnel;
• Efficient approaches and solutions to adaptation, motivation and retention of line personnel;
• New models for developing initiative and project thinking on the ground;
• Formation of a strong corporate culture in logistics teams.