In this exclusive interview, Mr. Azeem Syed, Co-Founder of Racks and Rollers, shares his vision and insights into the transformation of the warehousing and storage solutions industry. With his vast experience in the sector, Mr. Syed has played a pivotal role in introducing innovative technologies and modernizing warehousing practices in India. As the company continues to lead the way in automation, sustainability, and global expansion, Mr. Syed discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, as well as the future trends set to shape warehousing and logistics in the years to come.
What inspired you and Mr. Hanif Khatri to establish Racks and Rollers, and how did your backgrounds in warehousing and logistics shape the company’s initial direction?
The inspiration behind establishing Racks and Rollers in India came from our extensive experience in the warehousing and logistics sector and a shared vision to revolutionize storage solutions in India. Mr. Hanif Khatri, having worked across the Middle Eastern and European markets, was involved in over 800 projects during his 20-year career. His expertise allowed us to understand the potential for new-age systems in the Indian market. Together, with the combined effort of the team , we set out to introduce advanced technologies such as radio shuttles and rack clad warehouses. Our backgrounds provided a strong foundation, helping us implement innovative solutions tailored to the needs of local businesses while leveraging international best practices. This approach shaped the initial direction of Racks & Rollers(Storage Technologies and automation Ltd), allowing us to establish ourselves as pioneers in the industry.
Over the last three decades, how have you seen the storage and warehousing industry evolve, and what do you think are the biggest challenges currently facing the sector?
The evolution of the storage and warehousing industry has been remarkable. Back in 2010, most warehouses in India were quite conventional. Goods were often stacked one above the other, with minimal organization, making inventory management inefficient and leading to space constraints, product damage, and operational delays. However, the industry has since undergone a significant transformation. We’ve seen a shift towards modernization with the adoption of automated systems like ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems) and the integration of robotics. Today’s warehouses are smarter, with increased automation that has improved efficiency, optimized space utilization, and streamlined the entire supply chain process. That said, the biggest challenge we face now is the integration of these advanced technologies. While automation offers immense benefits, ensuring that different systems work seamlessly together and aligning them with existing processes can be complex. Bridging this gap between conventional methods and modern automated solutions is crucial for businesses aiming to stay competitive in the evolving market.
With projects executed in over 30 countries, what strategies have you employed to effectively expand your services internationally while maintaining quality and consistency?
Originally, we were an export-oriented company, our experience in Europe & Middle East helped us refine our approach for global expansion. A key strategy has been adopting the FMC (Facility Management Certification) standard, which ensures high quality and consistency, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. We've applied the same standard in India, maintaining consistency across local and international projects. This certification helps us meet global benchmarks and build trust in markets where it's valued. Our experience across multiple regions has allowed us to understand local needs while staying committed to innovative storage solutions. We’ve developed adaptable systems like radio shuttles and rack-clad warehouses that work efficiently across various markets. By adhering to these international standards and adapting to local needs, we’ve successfully expanded globally while ensuring consistent, high-quality service.
How do you approach partnerships with clients across various industries like Food, Pharma, and FMCG to ensure that your solutions meet their specific needs?
Our approach is simple: we take the time to really understand what each client needs. Every industry, whether it's Food, Pharma, or FMCG, has its own set of challenges and goals. By listening closely and learning about their specific needs, we can create solutions that work best for them. We focus on offering high-quality, cost-effective solutions that fit seamlessly into their operations. We combine our experience with the latest technology to make sure we’re providing the most efficient and reliable solutions. Plus, we stay in close contact with our clients, making adjustments as needed to meet any changes or new challenges they face.In the end, our goal is to be a partner who not only solves today’s problems but also helps our clients plan for the future, making their business operations smoother and more successful.
What measures is Racks and Rollers implementing to minimize its environmental impact, and how do you envision the role of sustainability in the future of the warehousing industry?
At Racks and Rollers, we offer automated systems that directly help reduce carbon footprints. By using advanced solutions like radio shuttles and rack-clad warehouses, we optimize energy use, cut down on waste, and streamline operations, resulting in lower emissions and greater efficiency. Additionally, we focus on energy-efficient technologies and explore renewable options like solar power, making our systems not just effective but also eco-friendly. We believe automation is key to the future of warehousing, as it plays a major role in reducing environmental impact and meeting the rising demand for sustainable, efficient solutions.
What future trends do you anticipate will shape the warehousing and automation landscape over the next five to ten years?
In the next decade, automation will be the key driver transforming warehousing. Systems like radio shuttles and ASRS will boost efficiency, reduce labour costs, and streamline operations. High-rise warehouses will become more common in urban areas, maximizing space with vertical storage. Rack-clad warehouses will also gain traction as they offer cost-effective, scalable solutions with faster construction. The integration of AI and IoT will be pivotal, providing real-time data and predictive analytics for smarter decision-making. Overall, the industry’s future will be defined by increased automation, vertical optimization, and data-driven insights, leading to greater efficiency and sustainability.
What can the visitors expect to see their from your line up of products and innovations at the upcoming event LogiMAT 2025 in Mumbai?
At LogiMAT 2025, visitors can look forward to experiencing our diverse range of storage solutions, including advanced automated systems and high-density storage options tailored for different industries. We’ll showcase our expertise in complex projects, including a 37-meter-high storage system and innovative rack-clad warehouses. Our display will also feature the latest in new-age automation, highlighting cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance efficiency, maximize space, and streamline warehouse operations. It’s a great opportunity to see firsthand how we’re pushing the boundaries of warehousing and automation.
Having participated in the inaugural edition of LogiMAT India, how would you describe your overall experience?
Participating in the inaugural edition of LogiMAT India provided valuable insights, though we did face some challenges, particularly with the location, which impacted the overall experience. We found that the setup didn’t generate the kind of footfall we had anticipated, which led to some dissatisfaction. However, we’ve learned a lot from that experience, and for the second edition, we’re optimistic about a better turnout. We expect improved foot traffic and a more conducive environment for networking and engaging with potential clients.
What message do you hope to convey to attendees at LogiMAT India about the future of racking and storage system in logistics?
At LogiMAT India, we want to show attendees that the future of racking and storage systems in logistics is all about technology. AI, warehouse automation, and IoT will play a big role in making storage systems smarter and more efficient. These technologies will help improve storage capacity, streamline operations, and make the entire logistics process faster and more reliable. We believe that as these innovations continue to grow, they’ll transform how warehouses and logistics work, making them more adaptable and cost-effective.
