The future of logistics and warehousing in the Czech Republic: new research by SKLAD reveals key trends
What technological innovations are companies introducing in logistics and warehousing to cope with the increasing pressure for efficiency, or what application does artificial intelligence have in these areas? These are not the only questions answered by the new study Trends in Czech Logistics 2025, conducted by the research company IPSOS for SKLAD. 205 logistics managers from various segments shared their opinions in questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews. The study builds on the successful 2022 and 2020 versions.
Logistics in the Czech Republic is on the threshold of a new era
The expert interviews and questionnaire surveys showed that the Czech logistics sector is facing key decisions and changes that could fundamentally affect its future direction. Companies in the Czech Republic are facing growing challenges that include labour shortages, upward pressure on wages, the need to move towards automated processes and European regulatory policy. These factors are forcing companies to rethink their strategies and investments to succeed in the current market.
Automation of logistics is the key to staying competitive. Within five years, 99% of the companies surveyed expect at least partial automationand up to 76% see full warehouse automation within the same timeframe. autonomous handling technology (AGV, AMR) and picking or mobile sorting robots. 63% of respondents plan to equip their workers with new technologies. A quarter of the companies want to automate in existing warehouses. 12% of the companies are considering building a new automated warehouse "on the greenfield". If companies are willing to invest in automation over the next three years, they most often indicate that less than CZK 50 million.
In addition to automation, they want to 70 % of the respondents to focus on automation in the near future on occupational safety. Introduce within one year WMS 56% of respondents plan to do so within one year, 47% are interested in warehouse analysis and optimization. New warehouse space 44% want to find new warehouses and security 35 % of the companies surveyed are planning to deal with warehousing.
The most prominent trends are AI, data analytics and sustainability
The current situation in Czech logistics shows that turbulent times continue to accelerate. Logistics is dynamically evolving with an emphasis on efficiency, sustainability and adaptation to new challenges.
According to experts, "Artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential for logistics and warehousing. Its application is still in its infancy and today it is mainly used in process optimisation, demand forecasting and data processing, where it helps companies to plan better and make decisions based on more accurate information. The digitisation of data leads to improved efficiency and accuracy of operations. Companies have their treasure in data," says Petra Troblová, Executive Manager, SKLAD, pointing out the most frequently mentioned directions of development.
Other topics include green logisticswhere companies are focusing on reducing the carbon footprint and energy consumption of their operations due to increasing environmental requirements. Sustainability is becoming the new required standard. Companies are focusing most on environmentally friendly waste disposal and optimised use of resources and capacity. In the context of growing e-commerce, it is becoming an increasingly important part of the logistics chain Last Mile Delivery. They are looking for ways to optimize and contain the cost of the last leg of delivery to the customer.
"Companies continue to look for savings, especially in energy management, but also in optimising the movement of goods and human resources in the warehouse. A shift from previous years is the increased pressure to adopt automation quickly and greater expectations of return on investment, reflecting the growing need to adapt to dynamic market changes and ensure long-term competitiveness," concludes Barbara Hrabal, Head of Ipsos Actify at IPSOS, in the study's findings.
Interested in more detailed information and specific figures? The full study can be found at www.sklad.cz/trendy2025.
Source SKLAD.