Pio customers have successfully automated their operations—and we've distilled the key lessons they learned along the way. If you’re considering automation, here’s what you need to know.
1. It can be smart to start small (lesson from Ko:Ko)
When Norwegian fashion brand Ko:Ko first looked into automation, they knew they didn’t need a massive system—they just needed something that could help them ship orders faster without disrupting operations. By choosing a solution that fit their current needs but could expand over time, they avoided over-investing in unnecessary capacity while still preparing for long-term growth.
“Before automation, we had two people picking orders all day. Now, we have just one person, and they’re usually done by lunch,” says Ko:Ko co-founder Øyvind Rekkedal.
Instead of jumping into a complex system, Ko:Ko implemented automation that integrated with their existing workflow. Today, their team picks orders five times faster, and same-day shipping has become the norm.
Takeaway: You don’t have to go all-in on automation from day one. Start with what works for your business now—but choose a system that can scale with you.
2. The Best Tech is Simple (Lesson from Famme)
For Scandinavian activewear brand Famme, automation wasn’t about adding complexity—it was about removing it.
With thousands of orders coming in, they needed a system that could handle high volumes without creating more work for their team. They chose a plug-and-play automation solution that integrated seamlessly into their existing processes, required minimal training, and immediately improved fulfillment speed.
"It just worked," says Famme’s operations team. "With automation, we scaled effortlessly—without adding more staff or sacrificing accuracy."
Instead of forcing their team to adapt to complicated new workflows, automation fit naturally into what they were already doing—speeding up order fulfillment while keeping operations smooth and stress-free.
Takeaway: The best automation solutions simplify your operations, not complicate them. Choose a system that’s intuitive, easy to integrate, and designed to work with your team from day one.
3. The Right solution supports people(Lesson from Souko)
When Souko automated, the biggest win wasn’t just faster fulfillment—it was how much easier and smoother work became for their team. Instead of running around the warehouse all day, employees could focus on high-value tasks while the system handled the repetitive, time-consuming parts.
“Before automation, we had a lot of trouble with tracking performance, streamlining operations, and making sure we had unified processes,” says founder Connor MacArthur. Now, their team works more efficiently, with clear workflows and less stress.
Rather than replacing jobs, automation amplified the work people were already doing—giving them the tools to perform better, scale faster, and grow their business without burning out.
Takeaway: The best automation systems don’t replace people—they make their jobs better. The right tech should support your team, streamline operations, and create a workplace where employees can do their best work.
4. Get your team on board(Lesson from Blender Agency)
Blender Agency, purveyor of beautifully curated high-end fashion brands, knew that automation would help streamline their warehouse operations. But they also knew that introducing new technology meant getting their team on board.
Instead of implementing automation overnight, they took the time to integrate it into their existing processes and ensured their employees were comfortable using the system.
“The transition was seamless,” says Kyrre Alver, co-founder of Blender. “Our team adapted quickly, and now we can focus more on curating fashion and less on logistics.”
By prioritizing a smooth adoption process, Blender turned automation into a win that the entire team welcomed and celebrated.
Takeaway: Choose a user-friendly solution that requires minimal training and makes everyone’s job easier.
5. Look beyond immediate wins (Lesson from Souko)
One of the biggest advantages of automation is its ability to future-proof operations. Souko didn’t just invest in automation for today’s challenges—they set themselves up for sustainable, long-term growth.
By implementing a system that optimized space, streamlined workflows, and increased fulfillment speed, they were able to scale up without constantly expanding their footprint or hiring more staff than necessary.
"We feel like we’re in a position where we could see double or triple output," says Connor MacArthur. "We have everything we need to scale without limits."
Their investment in automation ensures that they can continue growing while keeping operational costs under control.
Takeaway: The right automation strategy doesn’t just solve your current pain points—it positions you for future success.
What’s Your Next Move?
If you’re considering automation, start by asking yourself: What do you need to improve now? How can automation help your business grow without adding complexity?
Whatever your next step looks like, automation should make it easier.
