“Data never lies… but it also never tells the whole story.”

That line from Drew in our latest Zion Experience episode is the reason Operations Advisory exists.

In this episode, Jen Thomas sits down with Jim Shaw and Drew Eubank to break down how advisory really works. They talk through defining the right problem, walking the distribution center floor, identifying quick wins, and building a roadmap grounded in reality. Because the truth usually lives somewhere between what the reports say and what the floor is actually doing to keep things moving.

Automation is a capital investment. Maintenance determines whether that investment delivers long-term value.

In our latest Zion Experience episode, we talk with Lee Hobbs about what it actually takes to sustain automated distribution centers over time.

In this conversation, we cover:

➡️ Why preventive and proactive maintenance protects your original capital investment

➡️ How small issues turn into major disruptions when ignored

➡️ What a practical maintenance roadmap looks like in modern automated DCs

➡️ How technician skill sets are evolving alongside automation

Strong maintenance programs reduce downtime, extend equipment life, stabilize operations, and protect capital over the long-term.

2026 Distribution Center Automation: What's Evolving and What's Trending

In our latest Zion Experience episode, Jim Shaw, Jordan Frank, and Drew Eubank talk through what shifted in 2025 and what they’re watching heading into 2026.

Spoiler Alert!

1. Systems are getting more advanced while also becoming easier to use, thanks to better interfaces and a stronger focus on the operator experience.

2. At the same time, the vendor landscape feels less chaotic than it did during the COVID wave. The market has matured, and teams are getting clearer about what’s sustainable versus what just demos well.