Is Your Warehouse Ready for Automation? Key Questions to Ask at CeMAT RUSSIA

Automation is no longer just a fancy term—it’s a must-have for warehouses aiming to keep up in today’s fast-moving logistics world. Events like CeMAT RUSSIA 2025, happening September 16-18 at Moscow’s Crocus Expo, give you a front-row seat to the latest tech in smart warehousing and logistics. If you’re a warehouse manager, supply chain director, or business owner thinking about automation, this event is your shot to ask the right questions and figure out if your operation is ready to make the jump.

Jumping into automation without a solid plan, though, is like driving through Moscow traffic without GPS. You might get somewhere, but it’ll be a hassle. This blog breaks down the key questions to ask at CeMAT RUSSIA to check if your warehouse is set for automation. We’re pulling from real-world examples and practical tips to help you make smart choices. Let’s dive in.

Why CeMAT RUSSIA Matters for Your Automation Journey

CeMAT RUSSIA isn’t just any trade show. It’s the biggest logistics event in Russia, pulling in about 300 exhibitors and over 9,000 visitors from 75 regions in 2024. You’ll see everything from smart robots to warehouse management systems (WMS) that can change how your warehouse runs. For businesses wanting to grow in Russia or Eastern Europe, CeMAT RUSSIA is a goldmine for meeting decision-makers, checking out new tech, and talking about real-world uses.

At the event, you can watch automation in action. Picture AMRs zooming through a mock warehouse or WMS screens showing live inventory data. But to get the most out of it, you need to show up with smart questions. Below, we list the big ones to focus on, so you leave with clear, useful insights.

Key Questions to Ask at CeMAT RUSSIA

To know if your warehouse is ready for automation, you’ve got to dig into your current setup, your goals, and the tech on display. Here are the main questions to ask exhibitors, tied to real-world needs and industry know-how.

1. How Does Your Solution Fit My Warehouse’s Layout and Workflow?

No two warehouses are the same. A huge 11,000-square-meter facility with tons of different products has different needs than a smaller 2,000-square-meter space handling big automotive parts. At CeMAT RUSSIA, you’ll see tools like AMRs, AGVs, and ASRS. The big question is: can they work in your warehouse?

Questions for exhibitors:

Can your AMRs or AGVs handle tight aisles or busy layouts?

How well does your system play with existing shelves or conveyors?

Do you have tools to show how your tech would fit in my space?

For example, a latent mobile robot (LMR) is low enough to slide under standard shelves for moving materials, which is great for cramped spaces. One project at a past event showed a warehouse boosting layout efficiency by 50% using LMRs that worked smoothly with existing racks. Ask for demos or real case studies to see how solutions handle setups like yours.

2. What’s the Payback and Setup Time?

Automation costs money, and you need solid numbers to convince the higher-ups. At CeMAT RUSSIA, exhibitors will likely share success stories—like a warehouse slashing labor costs by 40% or cutting delivery times to under 15 days. But you need details specific to your operation.

Questions for exhibitors:

How long until your solution pays off, based on my warehouse’s output?

How much time does it take to set up and fully blend your system?

Are there options to start small and grow without spending a fortune?

Take this example: a warehouse with 3,888 storage spots hit a 92 pallets-per-hour rate using just two stacker cranes, all set up in 200 days. That’s the kind of info you want from exhibitors. Don’t just trust their pitch—ask for case studies or customer contacts to back it up.

3. How Does Your Tech Handle Busy Seasons or Sudden Demand Jumps?

If you’re in e-commerce or retail, peak seasons like Double 11 or Black Friday can make or break your year. Your automation needs to keep up without crashing. CeMAT RUSSIA’s “Pick & Pack” and “Logistics IT” areas are perfect for checking out systems built for high-pressure times.

Questions for exhibitors:

Can your AMRs or sorting robots handle a tripled workload?

How does your WMS track inventory in real-time during crazy order spikes?

What data do you have on how your system performs under stress?

One e-commerce warehouse used carton transfer units (CTUs) to hit 99% picking accuracy during peak seasons, wiping out errors that used to haunt manual work. Ask exhibitors for numbers on how their tech holds up when things get hectic.

4. What Safety and Compliance Features Come Built-In?

Safety isn’t just nice—it’s a must, especially in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, or energy with strict rules. At CeMAT RUSSIA, look for solutions with strong safety features, like CE-certified robots or systems meeting ISO9001 standards.

Questions for exhibitors:

What safety certifications do your robots have, like CE or SIL3?

How do your systems meet specific rules, like GMP for pharmaceuticals?

What’s the plan for emergency stops or when humans and robots work together?

A pharmaceutical warehouse, for instance, used a smart WMS to track temperature and humidity in real-time, meeting tough storage rules. Exhibitors should show how their tech handles both safety and industry standards.

5. What Support Can I Count On After Installation?

Automation doesn’t stop once it’s installed. Downtime can tank your operations, so good after-sales support is key. At CeMAT RUSSIA, you’ll meet providers who highlight their service networks—some even promise on-site help within 48 hours of visa approval.

Questions for exhibitors:

How fast do you respond to technical problems or maintenance needs?

Do you offer remote monitoring or tools to predict issues?

What’s covered in your warranty, and how do you handle damage that’s not our fault?

One project with 120 LMRs cut labor costs by 40%, but it leaned on a quick-response support team to keep things running. Ask for specifics on service plans and how providers deal with real-world issues.

Industries That Benefit Most from Automation

Automation works best in certain industries. At CeMAT RUSSIA, you’ll find solutions tailored for specific sectors. Here’s a quick look:

These industries have unique challenges, and CeMAT RUSSIA’s wide range of exhibitors means you can find solutions that fit just right. For example, an automotive project used four forklift mobile robots (FMRs) to hit a 46 pallets-per-hour rate in just 100 days of setup. That’s the kind of efficiency you want to explore.

Overcoming Common Automation Roadblocks

Let’s be honest—automation sounds awesome, but it’s not always a breeze. Warehouses often hit snags like high costs, tricky integration, or pushback from workers. At CeMAT RUSSIA, you can tackle these by talking to providers who’ve solved them before.

High costs: Look for systems you can start small with and scale up later. A shuttle-based warehouse, for example, was up and running in 30 days, keeping costs low.

Integration headaches: Ask about software that works with your existing ERP or MES systems. A WMS that connects smoothly can save tons of setup time.

Worker pushback: Solutions with easy-to-use interfaces or minimal training needs can smooth the switch. One warehouse saw a 55% efficiency jump after workers got comfortable with simple robot controls.

These hurdles are real, but they’re not dealbreakers. Use CeMAT RUSSIA to find providers who’ve been there and fixed it.

Wesar Intelligence: Your One-Stop Automation Partner

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about Wesar Intelligence, a big name in automation. Based in Nantong, China, with a 7,000-square-meter factory, Wesar offers complete smart factory solutions. Their lineup includes AMRs, AGVs, ASRS, and advanced WMS platforms, all backed by a team of over 110 pros, including 16 engineers and six software developers. From eco-friendly logistics robots to custom system design, Wesar focuses on solutions that cover planning, setup, and ongoing support. Their projects—like a warehouse with 3,888 storage spots hitting 92 pallets-per-hour—prove they can transform operations. At CeMAT RUSSIA, Wesar’s know-how makes them a top choice for businesses ready to automate.

Conclusion

CeMAT RUSSIA 2025 is more than a trade show—it’s your chance to kickstart your warehouse’s automation journey. By asking smart questions about layout fit, payback, scalability, safety, and support, you can sort through the options and find tech that works for you. This event brings the future of logistics to life, letting you see and test tools that could change how your warehouse runs. Whether you’re in e-commerce, automotive, or pharmaceuticals, the answers you get at CeMAT RUSSIA can guide you toward faster, safer, and smarter operations. So, grab a pen, head to Moscow, and start asking: Is your warehouse ready for automation?

FAQs

How do I know if my warehouse is ready for automation at CeMAT RUSSIA?

Look at your current issues—high labor costs, slow output, or frequent mistakes. At CeMAT RUSSIA, ask exhibitors how their tech solves these for your setup and industry. Seek out demos or case studies showing real-world results.

What’s the first step to check out automation at CeMAT RUSSIA?

Hit the “Store & Load” and “Pick & Pack” zones to see AMRs and WMS in action. Ask exhibitors about pilot programs or systems you can start small with. It’s about finding a solution that fits your needs.

How do I convince my team automation is worth the cost?

Focus on savings, like 40% lower labor costs or tripled output. At CeMAT RUSSIA, ask for case studies with hard numbers to build a strong case for your stakeholders.

What if my warehouse has strict compliance rules?

Industries like pharmaceuticals or food have tough standards. At CeMAT RUSSIA, ask about systems with real-time tracking, like for temperature, or certifications like CE or ISO9001 to stay compliant.

Why does after-sales support matter for automation readiness?

Downtime can halt everything, so good support is crucial. At CeMAT RUSSIA, check for providers with quick response times, like 24 hours, or remote monitoring. Ask about warranties and on-site help to avoid headaches.