Q&A with… Chris Mackie, Logistics Reply

Q What is your company’s USP?

A At Logistics Reply, our USP is that we provide one modular platform that can grow with you. LEA Reply is a cloud-native, microservices-based supply chain execution suite that allows customers to start with what they need and scale at their own pace. Instead of relying on multiple disconnected systems, the entire operation can run on one architecture that adapts as the business evolves. At the core of the suite sits LEA WMS, capable of supporting any warehouse environment, from a small manual site to a fully automated distribution centre, without the need to re-platform. Customers gain a unified way of working, the flexibility to expand over time and the confidence that the same platform will support them through each stage of their journey.

Q Tell us about your recent innovations.

A Our recent innovations focus on moving beyond traditional BI by combining real-time visibility with intelligent automation. With LEA Visibility, we stream and process data as it happens, giving customers immediate insight and early detection of bottlenecks or anomalies before they escalate. It bridges the gap between knowing and understanding by surfacing what needs attention in the moment, not hours later. Building on that foundation, GaliLEA adds AI-driven decision- making. Using a multi-agent architecture, it can analyse issues, suggest resolutions or even execute actions, helping teams shift from reactive firefighting to proactive and autonomous operations. Alongside this, our support agents make every day work easier by providing instant answers and guidance. The result is faster decisions, fewer exceptions and a smarter warehouse that keeps learning and improving.

Q What does your company have planned for 2026?

A In 2026 our focus is on accelerating autonomy in the warehouse, starting with the rollout of our autonomous inventory-counting drones. After successful pilots in Europe, we will deliver our first live UK deployment in 2026, bringing fully automated cycle counting into day-to-day operations. This will remove a repetitive, resource-heavy task while improving stock accuracy, traceability and audit confidence, with zero disruption and no working-at-height risk. Alongside this, we are expanding our automation orchestration capabilities across the LEA Reply platform. Many warehouses have multiple automation technologies that work well in isolation but not in unison. Our roadmap is focused on connecting robots, systems and people through a single orchestration layer, so they can work in harmony rather than through separate controls.

Q How important is technology in modern warehousing and logistics?

A Technology is now the foundation of competitiveness. Warehouses need platforms that are flexible, integration-friendly and able to evolve as operations change. With modern architecture, automation, analytics and AI working together, companies can adapt faster, reduce complexity and respond more effectively when disruption hits.

Q What trends have you seen in your sector this year?

A The clearest trend is the shift from experimentation to execution. AI and automation are no longer side projects; they are being embedded into warehouse processes to solve real operational challenges. At the same time, more businesses are moving away from fragmented systems and towards unified platforms that can scale, integrate and optimise continuously. As a result, the warehouse is becoming more connected, more predictive and more resilient.

LOGISTICS REPLY

The Nova Building, 2nd Floor, Nova South, 160 Victoria St, London SW1E 5LB

Tel: +44 (0) 207 730 6000

Web: www.lea-reply.com