Making the first step into Automation - 10 things to consider

Automation is transforming businesses, and whether your operation is small or large, taking the first steps towards automation helps reduce manual processes, improve safety, and increase efficiency and productivity. At Toyota Material Handling, we support businesses at every stage of their automation journey.

Here are 10 things to consider when looking at taking the first step into automation:

1. Identify your operational challenges

Start by reviewing your day-to-day activities. Where do delays occur? Which tasks rely heavily on manual labour? Common early automation opportunities include repetitive tasks, long-distance pallet movements and predictable workflows. Understanding your pain points helps you decide where automation can support you the most.

2. Define your goals

Be clear on what you want to achieve by introducing automation, having clear goals helps guide the right solution and can help you measure success later on. Some of your goals could include:

• Increased productivity
• More consistent output
• Reduced labour costs
• Fewer manual handling tasks
• Improved safety and fewer incidents
  
  

3. Map your current processes

Document your existing material flows, storage areas and vehicle routes. This gives a realistic picture of how your operation runs currently. Even simple sketches or walk-throughs highlight bottlenecks and inefficiencies that automation could address.

4. Assess your infrastructure

Automation works best in predictable environments. Review your floor quality, lighting, racking, Wi-Fi coverage and aisle widths. Many Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) require consistent conditions for safe and accurate navigation. This step also reveals what might need changing before automation can be introduced.

5. Evaluate which tasks are suitable for automation

Not every process needs to be automated from day one. Look for:

• Repetitive, manual pallet movements
• Fixed pick-up and drop-off points
• Long internal transport routes
• Tasks that are resource-heavy or create operator fatigue
  
  

6. Explore your automation options

We know automation isn’t one-size-fits-all, we offer a scalable range of automated trucks - including pallet movers, stackers and counterbalance AGVs, that integrate with your existing fleet. Consider speaking with a Toyota automation specialists to explore the right level of technology for your operation.

7. Start with a pilot project

Beginning small helps reduce risk and gives you the opportunity to validate ROI. A pilot might focus on a single transport route or one area of your operation. This approach lets you test performance, measure benefits, and build internal confidence before scaling up.

Solutions such as Swarm automation Go can give you a simple, low-risk way to explore automation before making a larger investment, allowing you to experience the benefits without significant upfront costs.

8. Involve your team early

Engaging your operators, and all other team members from the beginning is key. Automation works best when everyone understands the goals, the benefits and how the new technology fits into daily work. This leads to smoother implementation, better safety outcomes and stronger buy-in.

9. Measure performance and adjust

Once your pilot is running, track the results. Look at cycle times, uptime, productivity gains, safety improvements and any unexpected challenges. These insights will help you refine the solution and plan wider rollout with confidence.

10. Plan for long-term integration and support

Automation isn’t a one-off project - it’s an evolving part of your operation. It’s important that you work with a partner who provides ongoing support to ensure your automated system continues to run safely, reliably and efficiently as your business grows.

Expert support at every step of your automation journey

We understand this all might seem quite overwhelming, so we’re here to help! Our automation specialists are here to support you from the very start of your journey and throughout.

With a clear process, the right support and a focus on measurable improvements, you can build a more productive, safer and future-ready operation.

For more information contact our automation specialists: Automated solutions | Toyota Material Handling UK