The Automation Journey Episode #1

How do you know when automation is actually the answer, and where on earth do you start?

In the debut episode of The Automation Journey, host Colin Hutchings sits down with Derrick Shannonhouse, VP of Transformation at Equipment Depot, to work through the signals that reveal a facility is at a breaking point, how to build a business case that survives scrutiny, and the single most common mistake that derails automation programs before they get off the ground.

Whether you are just beginning to think about automation or have a pilot project already in mind, this is the conversation you need before you take your first step.

This is a podcast for operations and engineering leaders who want clear answers and a practical path forward. Hosted by Rocrich AGV Solutions, the show cuts through brownfield complexity, 24-month payback mandates, safety sign-offs, and siloed teams to give you real-world playbooks, credible ROI framing, and the practical first steps that turn automation ambition into results.

Key Takeaways

◼️How to spot the warning signs – If labor costs exceed 50% of warehouse spend or turnover tops 30-40%, those are yellow and red flags that automation deserves serious evaluation.

◼️ Why phasing is your best risk management tool – Moving from manual to fully automated in one step is rarely realistic or wise; incremental rollouts de-risk the investment and give you natural stage gates.

◼️ How to pressure-test your ROI model – Build three scenarios and make sure the worst case is one your business can still live with before you commit.

◼️ Why total cost of ownership gets underestimated – CapEx grabs all the attention, but implementation costs, ongoing service contracts, and internal headcount requirements must be factored in from day one.

◼️ How to choose a vendor that won’t leave you exposed – Prioritize track record, geographic support capacity, responsiveness during the RFP process, and ask for customer references.

◼️ Why project infrastructure is the most common early failure point – A clear program management office, defined escalation criteria, and early cross-functional alignment are what separate projects that succeed from those that stall after go-live.

What’s next?
Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are navigating automation decisions or need to build a business case that gets results.
Visit Rocrich to discover how their team helps operations and engineering leaders implement mobile automation in even the toughest manufacturing and logistics environments.

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