Perth-based. Serving WA and Australia-wide.
Published: 9 December 2025 – Perth time
By Kate Sheldrick – Finance Broker
Life at my place has been a bit chaotic lately. Two dogs, one very enthusiastic puppy, and December energy creeping in. It reminded me of something I’m seeing with a lot of my business clients. Everyone’s trying to get more done with fewer people, less time and tighter margins. Warehouses across Australia are in the same position.
Automation and AI aren’t a futuristic idea anymore. They’re already showing up in everyday operations. Robotic pickers, smarter conveyor systems, automated stock control, AI that picks up issues before a human even sees them. Nothing dramatic. Just equipment that keeps things moving without the daily stress.
What’s happening and why it matters
Most business owners I talk to don’t wake up dreaming about tech upgrades. They’re thinking about staff shortages, rising costs, deadlines, customer expectations and trying not to fall behind. But the truth is the old way is becoming harder to sustain, and that’s why upgrades are happening earlier.
The good thing is you don’t need to empty your cash reserves to do it. A lot of automation equipment can be financed just like a ute, forklift or any other working asset. You spread the cost over time instead of taking a big financial hit upfront. Lenders are getting more familiar with these setups, which helps with approvals and timing.
How to think about upgrades
• What’s the actual bottleneck you need to fix?
• Do you need everything, or just one smart upgrade?
• Would financing it protect your cash flow while the benefit rolls in?
• Does the tech match your business size, or is it more than you need?
December is usually when people finally see what isn’t working. Same at my place. After Ella stole my shoe for the third time, I realised my “system” was really just me patching things as I go. Businesses do the same thing. You hold it together until you can’t anymore.
Takeaway: You don’t need a full warehouse overhaul. One well-chosen upgrade, financed in the right structure, can make your whole operation calmer, faster and easier to manage.
Next step: If you’re looking at automation, equipment or anything that will make your workflow smoother, send me the supplier quote or reach out at [email protected]. I’ll explain the options, keep it simple and tell you exactly what I’d do in your position.
General Advice Warning
This is general information only and doesn’t consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. It isn’t legal, tax or financial advice. Lender policies, products and government programs can change. Information is current as at 9 December2025. Get personal advice before acting and check with your accountant about tax treatment.