In an environment marked by rising labor costs, a shortage of specialized talent, and pressure from e-commerce , the automation and digitalization of distribution centers (DCs) have become a turning point for supply chains in Mexico.

In this context, the National Council of Logistics and Supply Chain Executives (ConaLog) organized the panel ” Cedis Revolution: Trends, Decisions, and Technologies” at its ConaLog Breakfast.

According to Néstor del Río, Senior Director of Logistics at Samsung , automation offers advantages in consistency, safety, and speed , but requires long-term planning and solid standards.

“It’s not about investing and automating in two days. It’s a brutal planning process that can lead to system errors. The scope of the project is key; if you don’t design it well, it becomes a myth that it’s not flexible,” he explained.

The executive warned that beyond financial returns , companies are seeking to ensure volume and operational continuity in an increasingly competitive market.

“It’s not just about ROI—return on investment—but about how you guarantee your market reach,” he said.

For his part, Javier Serrano, Managing Partner of Operations at IBS , emphasized that Mexico will continue to be a magnet for investment in industrial parks , regardless of the political climate.

“Regardless of political party affiliation, Mexico will remain attractive. It is estimated that by 2030, almost half a point of GDP will be invested in industrial parks,” he noted.

The specialist highlighted that e-commerce in Mexico is growing at annual rates of between 25% and 33% ,  which poses significant challenges in transportation, sustainability, and carbon emissions.

Andrés López Frisbie, Global Director of Logistics at Grupo Bimbo , shared his experience automating a distribution center.

“It didn’t work the first time; it took some iteration, but today it meets all expectations and has allowed us to differentiate our distribution,” he emphasized.

Bimbo has also invested in the use of Artificial Intelligence to optimize inventory, with results that have improved service and reduced costs.

For his part, Alonso Fernández, Director of Logistics at Grupo Jumex , spoke about the recent opening of a dark warehouse .

“It was a five-year project, the most important of my career. The key is to clearly define the objectives, because these investments have to be projected for 10 years or more,” he explained.

Technology, consumers and sustainability

The panel agreed that consumer expectations have transformed technological decisions. While Amazon set a precedent with 24-hour delivery , executives agreed that sustainable isn’t always the fastest, but rather what delivers on the customer promise.

Regarding the environment, Grupo Bimbo emphasized its long-term commitment: “Today, 98% of the electricity we consume, including that of our electric vehicles, is sustainable. By 2026, this will be 100% across all our global operations,” López Frisbie stated.

In the case of Samsung , Néstor del Río highlighted the reverse logistics program for household appliances and cell phones , as well as the adoption of electric fleets for e-commerce . Meanwhile, Grupo Jumex has begun structuring its sustainability plan with a focus on water use and emissions reduction.

The panelists concluded that technological adoption is not uniform: it depends on the type of operation, the company’s strategy, and, above all, consumer expectations.

Automation is emerging as an essential tool, but its success will depend on strategic planning, adaptability, and long-term vision.

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