The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has partnered with AI technology specialist Kallikor in producing a new report on warehouse innovation, examining how intelligent AI-powered simulation tools in particular can help operators tackle issues such as rising costs, labour shortages and escalating consumer expectations – and in turn see the UK close the productivity gap with international competitors and deliver on the promise of the Invest 2035 Industrial Strategy.

Aiming to unlock the power of warehouse simulation by making this advanced technology accessible and simple for business users and engineers alike, Kallikor and the UK Warehousing Association have partnered to produce the report ‘Navigating the Future: Simulation Made Simple’. Set for launch on Wednesday 5th March at the UKWA National Conference, this report offers practical guidance on applying simulation in warehouse operations to improve efficiency and enable investment in robotics and automation – something that some 92% of businesses plan to do in the medium term according to the 2023 Gartner Supply Chain Technology Users Wants and Needs Survey. It features real-world insights from UKWA members and users of Kallikor’s Warehouse Design Lab, and highlights key findings from recent pilot schemes with industry leaders Howard Tenens and Miniclipper.

Commenting on behalf of Kallikor, CEO Jonathan Barrett said, “The UK’s warehousing and logistics sector is facing mounting challenges, from labour shortages to increasing operational complexity. AI and simulation can help businesses optimise operations and gain confidence to invest in robotics and automation, yet many solutions remain out of reach – often requiring specialist expertise, significant investment, and lengthy implementation periods.

We’re proud to be working with the UKWA and its industry partners to remove the barriers to access simulation technology, making simulation simple and accessible, putting it in the hands of everyday decision-makers to ensure businesses can adapt and optimise their operations quickly and confidently.”

UKWA CEO Clare Bottle adds, “Without doubt AI is one of the most important technologies to emerge this century, and with the Top Trends in Supply Chain 2025 Gartner report revealing some 15% of logistics operations set to use AI-powered simulation by 2028 this report could not be more timely. Along with automation, AI will transform the way warehouses operate, which is why our conference this year is focused on this technology and navigating the future for our sector. We are delighted to have partnered with Kallikor on this vital report and look forward to their presentation at our National Conference on 5th March.”