Automation is strategically imperative for Australian supply chains and no longer optional if your business is to succeed long-term against its competitors. Early adopters are securing lasting competitive advantages in efficiency, cost reduction, and service reliability, while late movers risk being locked out of these structural gains as automation ecosystems mature.
The Supply-Chain Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) has reported that in 2025, automation has become a defining factor in Australia’s supply chain competition, shifting from pilot programmes to core operational infrastructure. The industry now faces a growing performance gap between early adopters, who are realizing major efficiency gains and idlers still viewing automation as a future investment.
We’ve summarised some of the latest findings.
The Automation Advantage on Compound Annual Growth Rate (GAGR)
Market Growth:
- Industrial robotics expected to reach USD $1.85 billion by 2033 (12.8% CAGR).
- Logistics automation projected to hit $1.8 billion by 2030 (13.9% CAGR).
Operational Gains for Early Adopters:
- 50% boost in food processing efficiency.
- 5–10% reduction in transport costs.
- Up to 20% improvement in delivery reliability.
Implementation Results & Return on Investment “ROI”:
- 40% of supply chain leaders report measurable improvements through AI, especially in logistics and transport, while 60% still lag behind.
Key automation tools driving ROI:
- Predictive maintenance to prevent downtime.
- AI-driven demand forecasting for precise inventory planning.
- Real-time inventory management for dynamic stock control.
These innovations reduce stockouts, excess inventory, and improve working capital efficiency.
Warehouse Automation Trends (2025)
Retrofitting existing facilities is a dominant strategy as land and construction costs rise, benefits include:
- Lower capital costs versus new builds.
- Phased implementation with minimal disruption.
- Space optimisation and improved energy efficiency.
- Enhanced scalability for future growth.
- Ensuring automation systems can scale and adapt with evolving business needs.
SBM have the pleasure in presenting 10 Buda Way, Kemps Creek, offering a brand new GTP automation, which offers 30,581 sqm of Prime Warehouse space – Ready to Occupy, Temperature Controlled Warehouse in Sydney’s Fastest Growing Logistics Hub.
View this property below:
For more information please contact Stephen Bleakley: stephen.bleakley@sbmcre.com.
