As of 17.07.2026 | 3 min. read
Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, the intralogistics industry remains optimistic about the future. According to the latest STIQ Global System Integrator Report 2026, demand for automation solutions continues to grow, and many projects postponed in 2025 are expected to move forward over the coming years. For companies, the message is clear: those looking to secure their long-term competitiveness should start preparing for the next wave of automation investment today.
STIQ forecasts the global system integration market to reach $34 billion in 2026, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10% through 2030.
Despite economic uncertainty, automation remains a strategic success factor for companies seeking to improve efficiency, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
One of the report's key messages is that uncertainty is no longer slowing investment decisions—it has become part of doing business.
Companies continue to face labor shortages, rising operating costs and increasing customer expectations. As a result, many organizations are investing in automation to improve productivity, resilience and operational flexibility.
For system integrators, this means playing a much stronger role as strategic partners, helping customers navigate uncertainty while delivering future-proof solutions.
An important trend highlighted in the report is the growing shift toward brownfield automation.
Instead of building entirely new distribution centers, many companies are modernizing and expanding existing facilities. This trend is driven by decades of installed automation systems that are now reaching the end of their lifecycle.
Replacing outdated equipment while maintaining ongoing operations is becoming one of the industry's biggest challenges—and one of its greatest opportunities.
Another major takeaway is the increasing importance of software.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) and intelligent control software are becoming critical differentiators for system integrators. Customers are no longer looking solely for mechanical equipment—they expect integrated, data-driven solutions that optimize their entire material flow.
At the same time, partnerships between technology providers are becoming increasingly important. Rather than developing every component internally, many leading system integrators are collaborating with specialized partners to accelerate innovation, reduce project risk and shorten time-to-market.
The report also points to the growing influence of Chinese automation companies.
While many Chinese suppliers have traditionally focused on hardware, STIQ expects them to increasingly offer complete turnkey automation projects in international markets over the coming years.
This development is expected to intensify competition while also driving further innovation across the industry.
Amazon remains one of the most influential players in warehouse automation.
However, the report suggests that Amazon's expansion is entering a more mature phase, with a slower pace of fulfillment center investments than seen in previous years. As a result, system integrators are increasingly diversifying their customer portfolios and focusing on broader industry sectors.
The key message of the STIQ Global System Integrator Report is clear: the automation market continues to grow, but customer expectations and project requirements are evolving.
Brownfield modernization, intelligent software, strategic partnerships, and a stronger customer-centric approach will be the defining success factors in the years ahead. Companies that recognize and embrace these trends early will be well positioned to achieve sustainable growth and maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly dynamic market.