Automation in cargo loading/unloading processes: do unmanned loading technologies bring benefits when both purchase and operational cost are considered?

Abstract The use of technologies that automate handling goods and loading units in warehouses depots is not new. Yet, the purchase process these issues troubles estimation economic advantages brought by one or another technology to entire chain operations logistics are always known. Faults documented decisions put pressure on managers prices for services. They can cause a drop competitiveness warehouse operators, particularly uncertain conditions. Academia cost storage well. little research has looked into justification implementing automatic systems unloading activities impact complementary operations. For this reason, model needed calculate when different technical equipment used. This further investigates categories must be considered purchasing automated loading/unloading technologies. includes operational costs new generate adjacent activity. case study uses forklifts as reference scenario provides an overview return investment break-even period other use. calculation shows increasing cargo volume leads better RoI. same observation also made regarding rise labour costs. latter, using human operators handle pallets one-by-one basis generates exponential increase due delays faults. On side, consideration risk determine low advantages. An in-depth benefit analysis which situation greater benefits. Further results paper show trucks' capacity positively financial performance technologies, higher moved (at once) without intervention.