The most common question in the first technical meeting is always the same: how much does it cost to automate my warehouse? The honest answer is that it depends on many factors—chosen technology, throughput, height, number of SKUs and level of integration—but reference ranges by project type do exist. In Argentina, the automation cost landscape changed substantially in 2025 and 2026: Decree 513/2025 reduces the import tariff for ASRS equipment based on its NCM classification, and the RIMI (Law 27.802) allows depreciating capital goods in two equal annual installments, improving the ROI of every automation project across warehouses, storage facilities and industrial depots.
Investment ranges by type of automation system
A basic automation project—a VLM or vertical carousel for spare parts in a workshop or storeroom—starts at USD 80,000 to USD 200,000. A MiniLoad system for automated picking in e-commerce or pharmaceuticals (1 aisle, up to 5,000 SKUs) ranges from USD 300,000 to USD 700,000. A unit-load stacker crane system for pallets (1 to 2 aisles, mid-scale warehouse) runs between USD 800,000 and USD 2,000,000. A fully automated warehouse with 4+ aisles, integrated conveyors and WMS/WCS starts at USD 3,000,000 and can exceed USD 10,000,000 in large-scale projects. These figures are CIF + installation, excluding civil works.
Impact of Decree 513/2025 and RIMI on the real cost
The import duty on an ASRS system depends on the NCM position of each component: the stacker crane pays 0% under the Common External Tariff, robots and electric stackers 2% (Decree 513/2025), and conveyors and racking considerably more. The RIMI (Law 27.802) adds another benefit: depreciating the capital asset in two equal annual installments brings income tax deductions forward. For a company taxed at 35%, a USD 1,000,000 project allows deducting USD 500,000 in the first year: about USD 175,000 less income tax in that fiscal year, offset in the following ones. It is a deferral, not a discount. What does reduce the cost is the tariff and the 10.5% VAT: between 8% and 15% of the value of the imported equipment.
Typical ROI by industry and project type
The ROI of an automation project depends mainly on how much the current manual operation costs and how much the automation saves. In high-order-volume e-commerce (>500/day), the typical ROI is between 18 and 30 months because the savings in picking labor are significant. In a 3PL distribution warehouse running 2 shifts, the ROI ranges from 24 to 36 months. In manufacturing with WIP and spare parts, the ROI can be longer (36–48 months) but includes savings in search time, production errors and freed-up space. In cold storage, the additional energy savings from fewer door openings can cut the ROI by 6 to 12 months.
How to finance the investment: BICE and available options
The BICE line for industrial modernization finances up to 80% of the project value over 10 years with a 2-year grace period. For a USD 1,000,000 project, this means an initial outlay of USD 200,000 and monthly installments of ~USD 8,500 for 8 years (post-grace), using current preferential rates. Many operations directors compare this installment directly with the monthly labor cost the system replaces: in well-sized projects, the automation finances the loan with its own operational savings. The STOKA team prepares the business plan and technical justification for the bank submission at no additional cost.
The right price is calculated for your operation
There is no standard price for warehouse automation because every operation is unique. Calculating the 10-year TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) requires knowing the current throughput, labor cost, SKU profile and the constraints of the existing warehouse or storage facility. STOKA performs that calculation free of charge during the first consultation, delivering a technical report that includes the comparison of options, the projected ROI and the tax benefits applicable to your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ASRS price include installation?
STOKA's quotes are turnkey: they include the equipment, transport, detailed engineering, mechanical and electrical installation, integration with the existing WMS/ERP and training. What is not included is civil works (if required) and the client's ERP software.
What is the minimum investment to justify an ASRS?
A VLM or vertical carousel can be justified with an investment of USD 80,000 if the savings in search time and inventory errors are sufficient. For a MiniLoad or stacker crane, the reasonable minimum is usually from USD 300,000 with a minimum throughput of 300 movements/day.
How does RIMI impact the real price of a project?
The RIMI (Law 27.802) allows depreciating the capital asset in two equal annual installments, bringing income tax deductions forward. For a company taxed at 35%, a USD 500,000 project allows deducting USD 250,000 in the first year: about USD 87,500 less income tax in that fiscal year, offset in the following ones. What does reduce the net cost is the duty based on the NCM position and the 10.5% VAT: between 8% and 15% of the value of the imported equipment.
How much does technical support cost after installation?
The annual preventive maintenance contract typically represents 3% to 5% of the value of the installed equipment. It includes biannual preventive maintenance visits, wear parts and phone/remote technical support. STOKA has a support team in Argentina for response in hours, not days.