Ramesh Madisetty, CEO & Co-Founder, SafeStorage

What is the current status of automation in material handling and intralogistics operations in the industry today?

At SafeStorage, we're seeing a steady rise in automation adoption, especially in tracking, inventory management, and internal goods movement. While large-scale players are exploring AS/RS and AMRs, mid-sized businesses like ours are focusing on scalable automation — such as QR-coded bin tracking, mobile-based WMS apps, and integration with ERP platforms like SAP. The shift is gradual but definitely moving toward automation for accuracy, speed, and traceability.

What are the key challenges companies are currently facing in warehousing and logistics?

A few consistent pain points that we’ve observed is the lack of real-time inventory visibility across multiple locations, which often leads to inefficiencies and delayed decision-making. Manual errors during inbound and outbound processes continue to plague operations, while last-mile delivery remains a bottleneck due to traffic congestion and inaccurate address mapping. Additionally, the industry struggles with a shortage of trained manpower to manage warehouse operations effectively. Compounding these issues is the under utilisation of storage space, often stemming from suboptimal zoning and poor bin management. At SafeStorage, we are actively addressing these issues through the implementation of smart zoning techniques, digitised Goods Receipt Note (GRN) processes, and automation tools that enable intelligent bin assignment and FIFO-based picking.

Realistically speaking, what are the technologies widely adopted by the industry that have matured and provide a good RoI?

In our experience, several technologies in the warehousing and logistics domain have matured and are now delivering strong returns on investment. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) integrated with mobile apps have become indispensable, enabling real-time tracking and improved workflow management. QR and barcode-based inventory systems enhance accuracy and efficiency across operations. Cloud-based dashboards now provide live updates on inventory levels and billing, facilitating transparency and faster decision-making. Security has also evolved, with CCTV systems integrated with AI-powered anomaly detection being increasingly adopted for real-time monitoring and audits. These technologies are not only affordable and scalable but also contribute meaningfully to operational efficiency and improved customer satisfaction.

How has the post-pandemic era changed customer expectations around warehousing and last-mile logistics?

Customer expectations around warehousing and last-mile logistics have undergone a dramatic shift. Speed is paramount, with same-day and next-day delivery models becoming the standard. Customers now demand full visibility of their shipments throughout the storage and delivery lifecycle. There is also a growing preference for flexible storage plans, whether short-term, long-term, or pay-per-use, reflecting more dynamic business needs. Additionally, the move toward contactless transactions has become widespread, encompassing digital payments and electronic agreements. At SafeStorage, we have adapted to these expectations by investing in GPS-enabled live tracking, robust customer dashboards, and automated notification systems to ensure a seamless and transparent user experience.

What are the top emerging technologies or innovations that will shape the future of material handling and warehousing? How is the role of AI and data analytics evolving in this space?

The future of material handling and warehousing is being shaped by several breakthrough technologies, with AI and data analytics playing an increasingly central role. AI-driven demand forecasting is enabling more accurate space and resource planning, while predictive maintenance technologies are reducing downtime for critical equipment like forklifts and trolleys. Route optimisation algorithms powered by AI are improving efficiency in pickups and deliveries, and digital twins are being used to simulate warehouse layouts for optimal throughput. At SafeStorage, we are developing custom AI tools for performance analysis, predicting customer payment behaviors, and automating warehouse pickup scheduling. As data becomes the backbone of these advancements, every operational decision—big or small—is being informed by real-time analytics.

What progress can one expect towards fully autonomous warehouses or 'dark warehouses'?

Dark warehouses are still a few years away in India due to high initial costs and infrastructure gaps. But parts of the journey are already happening:

• Automated inventory tracking.
• Rule-based picking and put-away.
• Limited use of robots for repetitive tasks.

At SafeStorage, we are laying the foundation by standardising our workflows, digitising every process, and building a roadmap where full automation can be layered gradually as costs drop and tech matures.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of SafeStorage, I am dedicated to transforming the self-storage landscape in India by providing innovative, secure, and cost-effective storage solutions for households and businesses. With over 12 years of experience in the IT industry, having worked with industry leaders such as VISA, QUINTILES, and IBM, I leverage my technical expertise to enhance SafeStorage's offerings, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of our clients.

SafeStorage operates across major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, offering a comprehensive range of services, including household storage, business storage, and document storage. Our state-of-the-art facilities feature 24/7 security, biometric access control, and climate-controlled environments, ensuring the utmost care and protection of your valuable possessions.