The Turnkey Advantage: One-Stop Shop for Robotic Driven Logistics

There is no doubt that the rapid adoption of robotics and automated systems has been responsible for delivering the highest levels of efficiency, productivity and precision that we’ve ever seen in logistics focused warehouses.

However, the process of managing warehouse upgrades to prepare for robotic integration can sometimes be a complex undertaking. It requires businesses to plan infrastructure upgrades and coordinate multiple systems, subcontractors, and timelines. This can often lead to inefficiencies, delays, and compatibility issues that disrupt operations and drive up costs.

Turnkey solutions offer a smarter alternative. By partnering with a single trusted provider like Avanta, businesses are able to streamline the entire process. From designing efficient layouts and maximising floor space to setting up compatible storage systems and implementing robotic-ready surfaces, we’re able to ensure that every element works seamlessly together.

By taking advantage of our comprehensive end-to-end approach, our clients can stay focused on their regular operations while we handle the complexities of transforming a logistics warehouse or fulfilment centre into one that’s fully prepared for the introduction of the latest robotic systems.

The Challenges of Managing Multiple Subcontractors

One of the biggest challenges in updating a warehouse for automation is managing subcontractors. Both large and smaller scale warehouse automation projects often require the involvement of a high number of subcontractors, each responsible for specific tasks such as warehouse flooring, power systems, HVAC, safety features, and storage installation.

While this division of tasks between specialist contractors might seem straightforward, coordinating these efforts can quickly become a headache that leads to inefficiency and disruption.

Common challenges include:

1. Delays

‍Misaligned schedules between subcontractors can cause bottlenecks that delay the entire project.

2. Miscommunication

‍Without a central point of coordination, errors or unclear requirements can result in incompatible installations or costly rework.

‍3. Cost Overruns

‍Lack of synchronisation and inefficient processes often lead to unexpected expenses, pushing budgets beyond their limits.

‍4. Availability

‍Ensuring all subcontractors are available at the right time can be challenging, as can finding replacement contractors at short notice if needed, especially on large-scale projects where delays in one area can create a domino effect.

For example, safety systems that are not properly integrated with robotic infrastructure can jeopardise both worker safety and operational efficiency. Similarly, if one subcontractor delays the installation of flooring, it can prevent other teams, such as those responsible for installing racking or automation equipment, from beginning their work on time. These cascading delays can quickly throw the entire project timeline and budget off track.

At Avanta, we offer an approach that is specifically designed to eliminate these pain points. By managing all aspects of the project under one roof, we ensure smooth communication, cohesive integration, and minimal disruption, keeping the project on track and within budget.

Avanta’s Turnkey Approach

Avanta’s turnkey services are designed to eliminate the complexities of warehouse automation projects by offering a comprehensive, end-to-end solution. Acting as Principal Contractor and the single point of contact, we take ownership of every stage of the process, ensuring seamless execution and cohesive integration of all components.

This not only minimises disruptions and improves efficiency; it provides our clients with full transparency, communication, and confidence throughout each stage of the project.

Comprehensive Services

Our turnkey approach covers every aspect of preparing a warehouse for robotics, including:

Planning

Developing a detailed roadmap for the project, covering timelines, budgets, and milestones.
Ensuring all subcontractors and suppliers are coordinated to work efficiently.

Design

Creating layouts optimised for robotic operations, including traffic flow for AMRs and AGVs
Expanding the usable space in a facility and designing storage systems to maximise storage capacity.

Logistics

Managing the delivery and access of materials to minimise disruptions.
Streamlining site operations to ensure efficient use of time and resources.

Contractor Management

Sourcing and managing all subcontractors required for specific roles, ensuring alignment and compatibility across all tasks.

Supply

Providing all infrastructure components including mezzanines, floor coatings, storage systems, and partitioning.

Installation

Overseeing the assembly and integration of all components, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.

Safety

Implementing robust safety systems, such as machine guarding and floor demarcation, to protect workers and robots.
Implementing fire protection measures where necessary.

Compliance

Ensuring all works are fully compliant with UK health and safety regulations and relevant industry standards.
Managing all necessary inspections, documentation and sign-off.

Tailored Solutions

Every business has unique requirements, which is why we tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether it’s creating partitioned areas for robotics, expanding internal space with mezzanine flooring, or designing ergonomic office spaces, we deliver solutions that are not only functional but also scalable for future growth.

This means that every element, from flooring to robotic systems, has been intentionally included within the plan and functions cohesively upon completion of the project. ROBOTFLOOR, for example, integrates seamlessly with mezzanines, storage systems, and safety measures to create an optimised environment that’s fully ready for robotic systems to be deployed.

Budget Control

Detailed planning and oversight minimise unexpected costs and ensure that the project stays within budget. By managing resources and suppliers efficiently, our approach prevents cost overruns and maximises value for our clients.

Timeline & Scheduling

Adhering to highly detailed planned schedules, we ensure all tasks are completed on time. Coordinating subcontractors, managing dependencies, and mitigating risks allow projects to progress smoothly without delays. We’re also able to proactively address potential issues before they arise.

Site Access Management

Taking full responsibility for managing site logistics, we ensure that materials and subcontractors arrive and operate according to plan. This is especially critical for warehouses that remain operational throughout the project, where disruptions to ongoing daily activities must be kept to an absolute minimum.

Stakeholder Coordination

Acting as the central point of communication, we facilitate alignment between clients, subcontractors, and automation vendors. This reduces the burden on our client, eliminates miscommunication and enables faster, more efficient decision making to keep the project on track.

Key Safety Features

Robust safety systems are designed to protect employees and robots while maintaining operational efficiency. These include:

Machine Guarding: Physical barriers to separate workers from robotic zones, reducing the risk of accidents.

Floor Demarcation: Clearly marked pathways to define robot and human workflows, ensuring safe and efficient movement within the warehouse.

Fire Safety Measures: Compliance with fire safety regulations through engineered solutions, such as fire enclosures, sprinkler system integration, and the use of fire-resistant materials.

Seamless Integration with Robotic Systems

Safety and compliance measures are carefully integrated into the broader warehouse design to ensure smooth robotic operations. For example:

Safety Fencing: Protects workers and robots in high-traffic areas while maintaining flexibility for future modifications.

Anti-Static Flooring: Prevents interference with robotic sensors and ensures safe operation in automated zones.

Fire Enclosures: Safeguard high-risk areas, such as chutes or robot charging zones.

Expert Oversight

Avanta’s accredited in-house team and trusted partners conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments throughout the project. This ensures that installations are secure, functional, and compliant from day one. A comprehensive focus on safety means that we’re able to eliminate risks and create a safer working environment for employees while optimising conditions for robots.

We hold comprehensive insurance policies and are SafeContractor, CHAS and Constructionline accredited, as well as being ISO9001:2015 certified so you can be sure that your project will be managed safely and effectively.

Avanta acted as the principal contractor, managing every aspect of the project, including:

Designing and constructing a 22,000 square meter mezzanine floor with ROBOTFLOOR for robotic operations.

Integrating pallet racking, chutes, and safety systems.

Coordinating with automation suppliers to ensure seamless compatibility.

The project was completed 14 weeks ahead of schedule, enabling Next to double their picking efficiency and reduce fulfilment times while handling record volumes of sales during peak seasons.

Read the Full Case Study

Simplifying The Move To Robot-Driven Logistics

Integrating robotics into a warehouse can be a complex and challenging process, but it doesn’t have to be. With Avanta’s turnkey approach, businesses benefit from a streamlined, efficient solution that handles every aspect of warehouse transformation, from design and compliance to supply and installation.

Contact us today to discover how our expertise can transform your logistics operations into a seamless, scalable solution that’s fully prepared for the future of robotics and automation.

Contact Avanta