The Automation Journey | A Podcast from Rocrich AGV Solutions

What Happens When Your Vendor's Experts Move On to Their Next Project?

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:32 +0000

Integrated automation looks seamless on paper. Making it work is a different challenge entirely.

In this excerpt from Episode 2 of The Automation Journey, Lina Alvarado, Director of Supply Planning and Execution, walks through the implementation realities that catch even experienced teams off guard - from the knowledge gap left when vendors move on, to the SOP documentation no one thinks to prepare for. To hear what Lina would negotiate differently if she were starting over, listen to the full episode on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify.

Listen to the full episode now to hear Lina's four-phase playbook, her SLA negotiation lessons, and the documentation approach that could save your team when something breaks.

And subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next on The Automation Journey.

Disclaimer

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that Rocrich AGV Solutions LLC ("Rocrich") makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Rocrich does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. Moreover, Rocrich makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

ROCRICH EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

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By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents and design of this Podcast, are the property of Rocrich, or used by Rocrich with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of the Rocrich, which may be requested by contacting marketing@rocrich.com

The Gap Between Vendor Promises and Post-Implementation Reality

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:49:03 +0000

Vendor selection isn't about the slickest pitch. It's about who stays when the system breaks.

You're planning a major warehouse automation project. Multiple vendors, integrated systems, tight timelines. But how do you protect your ROI when the real world doesn't match the business case?

Lina Alvarado is a Director of Supply Planning and Execution with over 20 years in supply chain and distribution operations. She led the transformation of a major distribution center from 250,000 to 800,000 square feet of highly integrated automation - from business case through go-live. The project succeeded, but not without hard lessons along the way.

This is a podcast for operations and engineering leaders who want clear answers and a practical path forward. Hosted by Rocrich AGV Solutions, the show cuts through brownfield complexity, 24-month payback mandates, safety sign-offs, and siloed teams to give you real-world playbooks, credible ROI framing, and the practical first steps that turn automation ambition into results.

What's next?

Subscribe, review, and share with others who are evaluating or implementing complex automated systems and want to know what it really takes to make them work.

Visit Rocrich to discover how their team helps operations and engineering leaders implement mobile automation in even the toughest manufacturing and logistics environments.

Connect with Colin Hutchings and Lina Alvarado on LinkedIn.

You can also listen to The Automation Journey on Apple and Spotify.

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How to Get Every Stakeholder Aligned on Automation Before the Project Begins

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:01:55 +0000

Getting everyone aligned on an automation initiative is one of the hardest parts of the process. In this short-form episode, host Colin Hutchings and Derrick Shannonhouse, VP of Transformation at Equipment Depot, cut straight to the practical steps — from securing a C-suite mandate to structuring a program management office that keeps projects moving without creating bottlenecks.

Listen to the full episode now to hear Derrick's take on the visual and financial signals that reveal a facility is at a breaking point, how to build a business case that survives CFO scrutiny, and the single most common mistake that derails automation programs before they ever get off the ground.

And subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next on The Automation Journey.

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Where the Automation Journey Begins: Turning Ambition into Action

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:24 +0000

How do you know when automation is actually the answer, and where on earth do you start?

In the debut episode of The Automation Journey, host Colin Hutchings sits down with Derrick Shannonhouse, VP of Transformation at Equipment Depot, to work through the signals that reveal a facility is at a breaking point, how to build a business case that survives scrutiny, and the single most common mistake that derails automation programs before they get off the ground.

Whether you are just beginning to think about automation or have a pilot project already in mind, this is the conversation you need before you take your first step.

What’s next?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who are navigating automation decisions or need to build a business case that gets results.

Visit Rocrich to discover how their team helps operations and engineering leaders implement mobile automation in even the toughest manufacturing and logistics environments.

Connect with Colin Hutchings and Derrick Shannonhouse.

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Trailer

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:49:42 +0000

Mobile automation is messy. Brownfield constraints. Finance is pushing back on ROI. Safety sign-offs. Departments that need actually to work together. The Automation Journey cuts through the noise and helps you make decisions that stick.

Each episode tackles one fundamental question: Where do we even start? How do we build a business case that finance will believe? What does "safe by design" actually mean? How do we avoid vendor lock-in?

Hosted by Rocrich AGV Solutions, a team that has implemented automation in some of the toughest manufacturing and logistics environments, the show shares lessons from practitioners, safety leaders, and integration professionals who’ve been there.

The show is for operations and engineering leaders in manufacturing, logistics, food & beverage, and pharma - anyone who influences automation decisions, safety approvals, or budgets.

You'll get clear first steps, plain-English safety and standards guidance, integration playbooks, and credible ROI framing you can actually use, plus actionable tools and industry updates to keep your plans on track.