Exol Picks Manhattan Associates to Run AI Fulfillment Network
Exol will use Manhattan Associates’ warehouse and transportation platforms across its expanding AI-enabled fulfillment network backed by SoftBank and Symbotic.
Exol announced a strategic partnership with Manhattan Associates on May 14 to deploy Manhattan Active Warehouse Management (WM) and Manhattan Active Transportation Management (TM) across its automated fulfillment network in the U.S. The companies said the software platforms will serve as the core execution systems for Exol’s warehouse and transportation operations as it expands its fulfillment-as-a-service model.
The partnership places Manhattan Associates’ cloud-native software stack at the center of Exol’s logistics infrastructure, which combines robotics, AI-native software, and transportation systems inside large-scale automated fulfillment centers.
Exol said it is backed by a $7.5 billion commitment from SoftBank Group and Symbotic. The company currently operates a sold-out site in California and recently opened a one million sq ft facility in Atlanta. Four additional multi-client sites are under development across the U.S. and are expected to open over the next 12 months.
Ashfaque Chowdhury, CEO of Exol, said the partnership gives the company a unified execution system capable of coordinating warehouse and transportation operations inside highly automated logistics environments.
“In highly automated environments, reliability and consistency of execution are non-negotiable,” Chowdhury said in the announcement.
The companies said Manhattan Active WM will operate as the system of record for Exol’s distribution planning and warehouse execution, while Manhattan Active TM will manage transportation planning, optimization, and visibility across the network.
AI Warehouse Infrastructure Expands Beyond Retail Automation
The agreement reflects a broader expansion of AI-driven warehouse infrastructure across logistics and supply chain operations. Companies are increasingly combining robotics, warehouse execution software, transportation systems, and AI orchestration layers into unified operational platforms.
That shift has accelerated across third-party logistics providers and warehouse operators deploying AI-enabled fulfillment systems tied to robotics and automation. Similar efforts are emerging across autonomous warehouse operations, robotic fulfillment systems, and AI-based logistics coordination.
Symbotic, one of Exol’s financial backers, has expanded its automation business beyond retailer-specific warehouse deployments into shared fulfillment infrastructure and warehouse-as-a-service operations. In 2023, SoftBank Group and Symbotic announced the formation of GreenBox Systems LLC, a joint venture focused on AI-powered warehouse-as-a-service infrastructure.
Industry competition in warehouse execution software has also intensified as logistics operators scale AI-enabled fulfillment networks. Manhattan Associates competes with companies including SAP, Oracle, and Blue Yonder in warehouse and transportation management systems.
The company has increasingly positioned its Manhattan Active platform as an orchestration layer for robotics-heavy fulfillment environments. Its warehouse management platform integrates automation systems, inventory management, labor coordination, and fulfillment workflows inside a single cloud-native architecture.
Manhattan Expands AI Supply Chain Positioning
The Exol partnership adds to Manhattan Associates’ push into AI-enabled supply chain execution as warehouse operators modernize logistics infrastructure.
The company has recently emphasized AI-powered automation and agentic AI capabilities across supply chain operations, including warehouse execution and transportation planning systems.
The broader market for AI-powered supply chain infrastructure has expanded as enterprises invest in automation systems capable of coordinating robotics, fulfillment operations, and transportation networks in real time.
Bob Howell, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at Manhattan Associates, said the companies share a focus on scaling intelligent fulfillment operations.
“We’re excited to partner with Exol as it expands its fulfillment-as-a-service model across the country,” Howell said in the announcement.
Exol said its planned nationwide network will eventually span six facilities totaling six million sq ft.
Key Takeaways
- Exol partners with Manhattan Associates to enhance its AI-enabled fulfillment network across the U.S.
- Utilize Manhattan's cloud-native software for efficient warehouse management and transportation operations.
- Leverage a $7.5 billion investment from SoftBank and Symbotic to expand fulfillment sites nationwide.
- Implement advanced automation to ensure reliability and consistency in logistics execution.
- Open new multi-client fulfillment centers in the U.S. within the next 12 months.