Onnec: Infrastructure The Backbone for Next-Gen Logistics

The logistics industry stands at an inflection point. With 9% of manufacturers already deploying semi-autonomous or fully autonomous systems and another 10% planning adoption within three years, the pressure to innovate has never been greater.

Yet beneath the headlines about AI and robotics lies a less glamorous but equally critical challenge: building infrastructure that can support these technologies at scale.

Anjna McGettrick, Head of Strategy Implementation and Execution at Onnec, is responsible for turning strategic plans into action, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and driving measurable business outcomes.

She explains why physical cabling, edge computing and global partnerships are now strategic imperatives – not just technical details – for companies aiming to future-proof their operations.

Why is infrastructure so critical to modern logistics operations?

Logistics is not just about moving goods from point A to point B. With global supply chains becoming more complex and customer expectations rising, companies must deliver faster, more accurately and without failure. That is where infrastructure comes in; it is the backbone of efficiency.

Automation, AI and robotics are enabling faster operations and 9% of manufacturers already use semi-autonomous or fully autonomous systems, with another 10% planning to adopt them within three years. But to make these technologies work, the IT framework must be scalable, ultra-reliable and optimised for low latency.

Legacy systems often resist integration, so companies need a reimagined approach that combines cloud-native platforms, edge computing and high-performance warehouse networks.

With so much automation, how do logistics companies ensure smooth, real-time operations?

High transaction volumes are now the norm, and automated fulfilment centres demand networks that can keep up. Simply adding cloud capacity is not enough. Low-latency networks are essential to avoid bottlenecks that can delay orders or create inventory errors.

The physical layer, especially cabling, is a surprisingly critical component. Poor cabling can slow data exchange between compute nodes, create retransmissions and undermine AI and automated systems. For high-throughput environments, every piece of the network matters: a weak link in the physical infrastructure is not just a technical problem - it is a strategic risk.

Why does the physical layer matter so much in warehouses?

Warehouses are challenging environments: sprawling layouts, metal racks and high device density can all interfere with connectivity. While optimised Wi-Fi is important, structured cabling is the foundation.

High-performance cabling not only carries data but supports power and thermal needs for AI computing. Poor-quality installations can lead to degraded performance, frequent maintenance and operational disruptions. By setting clear cabling standards and involving infrastructure partners early, logistics companies can build networks that are resilient, scalable and future-ready.

How does edge computing fit into the next generation of logistics?

Edge computing is transforming logistics by bringing data processing closer to where it is generated. This reduces latency, improves bandwidth and enables time-sensitive operations like robotic picking, autonomous vehicles and IoT monitoring.

Processing data locally also helps with compliance, keeping sensitive data within organisational or national boundaries. Edge sites act as “AI factories”, where machine learning models can be trained, deployed and refined on-site. Real-time analytics, like predictive maintenance, become possible because sensor data is continuously monitored to prevent failures before they escalate.

A resilient edge network ensures operations can continue even during outages, making it a performance enhancer and operational necessity for companies aiming to scale confidently.

What challenges do logistics companies face when scaling globally?

Deploying consistent, high-performance infrastructure across multiple countries is tricky. Each site needs the same standards for automation, connectivity and compliance, but local regulations, site conditions and supply chain limitations complicate matters.

That is why strategic partnerships are so important. Experienced vendors and systems integrators help bridge skill gaps, accelerate deployment and maintain consistency. They also provide rapid staffing, training and integration with local supply chains - a huge benefit in a sector facing labour shortages and infrastructure pressures.

How can companies future-proof their logistics operations?

Investing in infrastructure to support AI, automation and real-time analytics is non-negotiable for competitive logistics operations. High-performance cabling, scalable networks and global deployment capabilities are all critical.

But technology alone is not enough. Strong partnerships help extend capabilities, scale operations and ensure long-term efficiency. Future-proofed infrastructure is not just a technical advantage; it is the foundation for resilience, growth and sustained success in the fast-evolving logistics sector.