In today’s competitive logistics and manufacturing landscape, automation is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity. But while the sticker price of an AGV or AMR system may dominate early discussions, the true value of automation lies in a deeper understanding of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and the “soft costs” that influence ROI over time. This whitepaper explores the often-overlooked elements that impact long-term financial performance, enabling decision-makers to make smarter, more sustainable investments in warehouse automation.