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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With a daily production capacity of more than 16 thousand high-tech items , the Samsung plant in Querétaro has become one of the most important of the South Korean company worldwide.

This factory produces more than four million units a year , of which 20% are for the Mexican market, and 80% are exported to North America and Latin America . Of the volume sent to other countries, 17% is distributed in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Argentina and Uruguay, according to information from the company distributed in a press release.

The Querétaro plant, which has established itself as a key hub for exporting household appliances to America , employs more than three thousand workers and promotes the development of regional talent through training programs, for which they have obtained various certifications, including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001.

This factory produces the main lines of household appliances sold in Latin America, such as Family Hub, Bespoke, and Top Mount Freezer refrigerators, as well as Bespoke, Laundry Hub with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and top-loading washing machines and dryers.

“The Querétaro plant is not just a production center, but a symbol of Samsung’s commitment to innovation, whether in the manufacture of high-quality, state-of-the-art home appliances or in maintaining a more efficient, safe and sustainable production method,” said Byong Jin Kong, president of the production division of Samsung Electronics Mexico Production (SEM-P).

To achieve this, the company receives constant investments in new equipment and stands out for its use of advanced technology , such as automatically guided vehicles, high-precision industrial robots and quality control tools.

In terms of sustainability , the company said that all waste materials from production are currently reused through a specialized area called the Green Center, which is responsible for collecting, classifying and sending waste to various suppliers for recycling.

The plant has an advanced know-how system in the manufacturing of efficient and intelligent household appliances .

Another way to combine technology with energy optimization is by integrating appliances with the SmartThings platform. Most products manufactured in Querétaro have this technology, which allows users to manage their consumption more precisely .

In addition, Samsung’s AI resources reinforce its commitment to the environment by avoiding water waste and reducing energy costs, among other factors.

The firm also promotes initiatives focused on the physical and mental health of the area’s inhabitants, with environmental projects certified by the Pronatura Noroeste association .

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