The Automation Journey | A Podcast from Rocrich AGV Solutions

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. 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, 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. --- 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. Notice 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

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.