Leanafy at Manifest 2026: AI, Automation, and the Future of Execution in 3PL

Leanafy recently attended Manifest 2026 in Las Vegas, one of the leading global events focused on supply chain, logistics technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The energy across the event made one thing clear: the conversation around warehouse technology is no longer theoretical. AI and automation are moving from innovation labs into everyday operations.

Across keynote sessions, product showcases, and partner conversations, a consistent pattern emerged. Any session focused on artificial intelligence was standing room only. The level of interest from operators, investors, and technology providers signals a shift. AI is no longer viewed as a future differentiator. It is quickly becoming an operational expectation.

At the same time, robotics and automation solutions that were once accessible only to enterprise-scale operations are becoming viable for small to mid-sized 3PLs. From affordable pick-to-light systems to autonomous mobile robots and even humanoid picking demonstrations, the gap between large enterprise automation and growing 3PL operations is narrowing.

For Leanafy, this aligns directly with our long-term vision.

As a Warehouse Management System built specifically for modern 3PLs, our focus has always been execution clarity. Technology should not add noise. It should remove friction. As automation becomes more attainable, the role of the WMS becomes even more critical. It must act as the control layer that connects labor, inventory, yard, shipping, and automation into one cohesive operational system.

“What stood out at Manifest wasn’t just the technology. It was the maturity of the conversation. Operators are no longer asking whether they should invest in automation. They’re asking how to integrate it without breaking execution. That is exactly where Leanafy sits. We believe the WMS should be the system that makes automation practical, not overwhelming.”
— Vikrant Neb, CEO, Leanafy

During the event, the Leanafy team met with multiple automation and AI partners to explore future integrations that will enhance our 3PL offering. These conversations included:

• Robotics providers focused on affordable goods-to-person and picking solutions
• AI-driven labor optimization platforms
• Yard and dock visibility solutions
• Smart packaging and dimensioning systems
• Data platforms enabling predictive insights across warehouse operations

The direction is clear. Automation and AI are becoming more modular and more accessible. Instead of requiring massive capital expenditure and long deployments, many solutions can now be layered into existing operations with measurable ROI.

For 3PL operators processing 500 to 5,000 orders per day, this is a pivotal moment. Execution complexity increases as customers grow. Service expectations rise. Margins tighten. Adding labor alone is no longer the answer. Intelligent systems must amplify productivity and visibility.

Leanafy’s role in this evolving ecosystem is to ensure that technology investments translate into operational clarity. Our platform already supports advanced picking logic, slotting optimization, real-time visibility, and integrated shipping workflows. As we deepen partnerships in automation and AI, our focus remains on integration simplicity and execution stability.

Technology should not force 3PLs to rebuild their operations. It should strengthen the systems they already rely on.

Manifest also reinforced something we consistently observe in the field: smaller 3PLs are thinking bigger. They are investing earlier. They are seeking scalable infrastructure. And they are increasingly open to automation conversations that would have felt premature even three years ago.

The competitive landscape is evolving. 3PLs that build structured, system-driven execution models will scale sustainably. Those relying solely on manual coordination and heroics will feel increasing strain.

Events like Manifest provide valuable perspective, but more importantly, they accelerate meaningful partnerships. Leanafy left the event with stronger relationships, clearer integration roadmaps, and a reinforced commitment to helping 3PLs operate at a higher level of precision.

The future of warehouse execution is not about replacing people with machines. It is about aligning people, systems, and automation into one cohesive operating model.

Leanafy is building that model.

We look forward to continuing these conversations with partners and 3PL leaders who are ready to scale with clarity.