To Automate or Not
Practice this advanced operations case interview question from BCG in the Retail sector. Includes detailed problem prompt, clarifying questions, structured framework, and expert recommendation. Part of ProHub's 835+ consulting case library.
ProHub Comment
This case tests business judgment by requiring candidates to push back against a tech-enthusiast CEO's bias toward innovation. The core analysis hinges on comparing $5M in total automation costs (one-time + recurring) against annual labor savings, requiring candidates to build a detailed cost model and recognize that the business has no capacity constraints or revenue upside.
Estimated Time
36 minutes
Difficulty
Hard
Source
Darden
38
/ 100
After returning from a trade show, the CEO of a large grocery distribution center calls you. He enthusiastically describes a new technology which could be used to automate part of his company’s process. He asks whether you think this would be a good idea for his business. Knowing that this CEO is a tech-enthusiast who loves innovation for the novelty of it, you ponder the implications. How would you tackle this problem?
Clarifying Information
- The company does not have a specific goal in mind with this decision. This CEO trusts us and will do whatever we advise. This is to test the candidate’s business judgment.
- Shipments are made to roughly 50 grocery stores in the immediate area, and the company does 1M shipments per year
- Costs to automate – (1) one-time outlay of $4M, plus (2) recurring OH, training, and additional maintenance costs of $1.0M (make the candidate request BOTH pieces of info)
- The candidate should visualize the distribution process (i.e. receiving, holding & picking, shipping) to think through this question