Reducing workplace injuries, particularly physical overexertion, is also a priority for distribution centers. Physical overexertion remains the #1 cause of workplace injuries, according to the US National Safety Council, accounting for a whopping 25% of all workplace injuries. These injuries carry significant direct and indirect costs, saddling businesses in the US with $15.1 billion in direct losses annually.

Fulfilling purchase orders as quickly as possible, particularly for online purchases, is getting harder by the day. Package volumes are increasing, and distribution centers are expected to handle these increased volumes with the same number of staff.

Recruiting, training and retaining staff is difficult as package volumes continue to climb. The major courier companies are also facing challenges recruiting sufficient drivers to meet increasing volumes, putting further pressure on the entire supply chain.

Another perennial challenge for distribution centers is maintaining and/or expanding profit margins amidst pressures on operating efficiency and rising costs for materials and labor.

Delivering the same customer experience amidst disruptions in supply chains is a major challenge. Customers who receive their packages later than expected quickly switch their loyalty (such as it is) to retailers who meet their delivery promises.