The Case for Flexible, Control-Driven Automation Solutions
By: Laurent Bourque
April 4, 2025 | 3 min read
Automation is no longer a distant dream for businesses; it’s a necessity for staying competitive. However, supply chain firms still face a major decision when it comes to adopting automation: should they delegate the automation journey to a single system integrator, or should they take a more flexible, control-driven approach?
The landscape of warehouse automation solutions has evolved dramatically over the last few years. Previously, businesses often had to rely on large system integrators for everything. These companies would provide a one-stop solution, including hardware, software, and ongoing services, but at a steep price. The problem? Once a company enters a long-term contract with one of these giants, they essentially become “hostages” to their system integrator. Their operations are reliant on this third party, with limited flexibility or control over the technology or its future evolution. In other words, once you’re locked in, you’re stuck.
The alternative, however, is a more decentralized, customer-empowered approach that gives companies full control over their automation. It offers the flexibility to choose various technologies, integrate them seamlessly, and continuously improve and expand the automation ecosystem without being tied to a single vendor. This approach promises to save costs and give companies the ability to adjust and scale their operations as needed.
The “Hostage” Model: Delegating Control to System Integrators
System integrators have long been a go-to solution for large-scale automation projects. These companies offer a complete package: the hardware, the software, and the necessary services to manage and maintain the system. However, while this may sound convenient, the underlying issue is that businesses are essentially leasing their automation from these third-party vendors.
Why would a company choose this route? The answer is often tied to prestige, convenience, and a desire to offload the challenges of automation. These integrators handle everything, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations. They also come with the assurance of ironclad contracts, well-established exit strategies, and the technical expertise necessary for large-scale automation projects. For companies that want to simplify the process, this might seem like the ideal solution.
However, there’s a major downside: control. Once you sign on the dotted line, you’re locked into that solution for the long haul. In many cases, the system integrator retains ownership of the automation, and you’re at their mercy when it comes to future upgrades, integration with other technologies, and pricing. In essence, you’re hostage to their system and pricing structure.
This model works well for some businesses, especially those that prefer to delegate responsibility for automation and focus on their operations. But for companies that want more control, this model can quickly become restrictive.
The Empowered Approach: Taking Control of Your Automation
The empowered approach is a departure from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model. It allows businesses to take control of their automation journey by investing in a flexible platform that can integrate various technologies from different vendors. This approach offers major advantages: you own your automation, you can operate with a sense of agency, and you’re not locked into a single provider.
One key feature of this approach is the ability to choose from a wide range of hardware and software options, whether it’s automated racking systems, mobile robots, or other technologies. With a universal warehouse automation platform that’s agnostic to specific vendors, you can integrate different systems as needed, choose the best solutions for your needs, and upgrade or swap out components without being tied to one vendor’s ecosystem.
Moreover, this approach offers significant cost savings. By minimizing the need for extensive service contracts and avoiding vendor lock-ins, businesses can reduce costs drastically compared to traditional automation solutions. The software platform that powers this system can be a game-changer, offering flexibility and scalability at a fraction of the cost of traditional, custom solutions.
Freedom Through Integration
Consider a company dealing with legacy automation systems. They might be using outdated conveyor systems that rely on cables and other antiquated technologies. Meanwhile, they have a more modern system in place, but it’s incompatible with the older equipment. The cost of upgrading everything at once is prohibitive, and the complexity of integrating different technologies is daunting.
In this scenario, a more flexible automation solution can help. By integrating modern systems with legacy equipment, the company can gradually replace outdated components without disrupting their operations. This step-by-step approach not only saves money but also allows the company to retain control over its automation journey, integrating new technology as needed while preserving existing investments.
The Long-Term Benefits of Control
The key to the empowered approach lies in its long-term benefits. By owning your automation and having the freedom to choose and integrate different technologies, you gain the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and evolving business needs. If one partner or technology fails to meet your expectations, you can switch to another without incurring significant costs or disrupting your operations.
This level of control isn’t just about cost savings; it’s about future-proofing your business. The flexibility to scale and upgrade as needed ensures that your automation system can grow with you, rather than forcing you to start over every time a new technology emerges.
The Power of Decentralized Automation
Ultimately, the choice between these two philosophies—delegating to a system integrator or taking control with a flexible platform—depends on a company’s goals, resources, and long-term vision. However, the growing trend is clear: more and more businesses are opting for the empowered approach, where they own their automation and have the flexibility to integrate a variety of technologies.
This shift in mindset reflects a broader trend in the tech world, where businesses are increasingly looking for open, modular solutions that offer the freedom to adapt and evolve. Just as you can use a Windows operating system with a variety of browsers and apps, the future of automation is about using a flexible platform that can integrate a wide range of technologies to meet your needs.
The Bottom Line: Avoid Vendor Lock-In
Automation is a powerful tool for businesses looking to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve scalability. But how you choose to implement it can make all the difference. Will you remain “hostage” to a single system integrator, relying on their expertise and services at a significant cost? Or will you take control, empowering your business with a flexible platform that allows you to integrate, adapt, and scale your automation solution as needed? The choice is yours, but as automation continues to evolve, the empowered approach seems poised to be the future of operational efficiency.
From Vision to Execution: MAO’s Role
While flexibility is the goal, systems still need to work together day-to-day. Onomatic’s Multi-Agent Orchestration (MAO) platform helps make that possible. Acting as a connective layer across different technologies—regardless of vendor or generation—MAO enables businesses to implement automation incrementally, without disruption. It doesn’t replace what’s already in place. It connects it, allowing operations to evolve over time, one integration at a time.
If you’re interested in learning more about how decentralized automation can work for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s time to take control of your automation journey.