The Modern Warehouse Dilemma
Every warehouse is asking the same question, go automated or stick with traditional forklifts? As automation tech gets cheaper and more advanced, managers are rethinking their material handling systems.
Forklifts are proven, flexible, and reliable but automation promises efficiency and precision. There’s no one size fits all answer. The best choice depends on your operations size, budget, and workforce strategy.
And whichever route you take, success depends on having the right people in place, which is where warehouse temp staffing gives warehouses an edge. The smartest warehouses don’t pick sides, they pick strategies that fit their workflow.
The Case for Forklifts: Flexibility, Affordability, and Human Control
Forklifts are the backbone of most warehouses for good reason, they’re adaptable, cost-effective, and human operated.
Forklifts are great for versatility. Forklifts can handle diverse load types and layouts, from pallets to custom goods. They also have lower upfront costs and are more affordable to purchase and deploy than large-scale automation.
Forklift operators can adjust on the fly when orders change or layouts change. This brings human adaptability to the table.
Forklifts are ideal for small to mid-sized warehouses and businesses with varied SKUs or frequent re-slotting.
During busy periods of when forklift drivers are out, managers can use warehouse job apps like Bacon to find temporary warehouse workers or certified forklift operators fast, no downtime, no agency delays.
The Case for Automated Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Long-Term Efficiency
Automated systems deliver consistency and throughput that manual operations can’t always match. There are many automation types like, conveyors, AGVs, AS/RS, and robotic palletizers.
This gives the advantage of reduced human error. 24/7 operation and faster cycle times and data integration with WMS for better decision-making.
The drawbacks of automation are high upfront and maintenance costs, limited flexibility for SKU changes or layout updates. They also require skilled human oversight and maintenance teams.
Even the most advanced automated systems still need temporary warehouse workers to perform maintenance, manage expectations, and handle peak workloads, exactly where on-demand staffing bridges the gap.
Automation never calls in sick, but still needs people to keep it running.
Finding the Right Fit: When to Automate and When to Stick with Forklifts
The smartest strategy might be hybrid, blending automation and human skill for maximum flexibility and uptime.
When forklifts make sense:
- Low to mid-volume operations
- Frequent layout or SKU changes
- Businesses relying on fast human judgment and adaptability
When Automation makes sense:
- High-volume, repetitive tasks with predictable flow
- Warehouses with stable layouts and budget for tech investment
The hybrid approach is what many warehouses are turning to. Many warehouses use automation for storage and retrieval while they find pickers and packers to manage quality control and irregular tasks.
Flexible temp labor from Bacon helps fill labor gaps and find warehouse staff to scale during seasonal peaks. On Bacon warehouses can staff warehouse shifts and workers can pick up warehouse shifts that work for their schedule.
A warehouse using AS/RA for pallet storage still needs forklift operators and pickers for restocking, packing or error resolution. Those shifts can be quickly staffed through Bacon’s warehouse job app.
Conclusion
Efficiency comes from balance, not extremes. Forklifts and automation both have strengths, it’s not a battle, it's a blend. Successful warehouse pair smart technology to find warehouse workers for maximum uptime.
Bacon helps warehouses bridge the gap with fast, flexible, and vetted temporary warehouse workers ready to adapt to any setup.
Need reliable forklift operators of extra hands to support your automated systems? Post shifts on Bacon, your faster, smarter alternative to temp agencies near you.
