5 One-Page Case Study Layouts That Prove Automation Gains to C-Suite

Cut executive friction: prove warehouse automation ROI on one page

Executives want numbers, timelines, and risk mitigation — not long PDFs. If your current case studies bury KPIs in paragraphs, you’re losing decision momentum. This guide shows five high-impact single-page case study layouts tailored for warehouse automation programs that put before/after metrics, timelines, and clear ROI front-and-center to shorten executive decision cycles in 2026.

Why one-page case studies matter in 2026

By late 2025 and into 2026, enterprise leaders expect fast, data-driven summaries that map automation investments directly to operational outcomes. Automation is no longer siloed hardware — it’s integrated software, workforce optimization, and analytics. That means your proof must be compact, measurable, and designed for executive attention spans.

Key behaviors driving the one-page trend:

• Boards and CFOs demand quantifiable ROI and payback timelines before committing.
• Supply chain teams use real-time dashboards; case studies must mirror that clarity and speed.
• Decision-makers prefer digestible visuals (KPIs, timelines) over narrative-heavy reports.

How to use this guide

Each of the five layouts below includes: structure, recommended copy (exec-friendly), KPI presentation formats, visual assets, conversion elements, and a lightweight analytics + schema snippet you can drop into a landing page. Use this as a case study template and launch playbook for quick iteration with stakeholders.

Layout 1 — The Executive Snapshot (fast yes/no)

When to use

Board or C-suite reviews where time is limited and the ask is binary: approve or pass. Use this layout to present a concise, evidence-first case.

Structure (top-to-bottom)

1. Hero exec summary (30–60 words): Decision, ask, headline ROI.
2. Three-line impact panel: Before metric — After metric — delta %.
3. 90-day timeline with milestones and payback line.
4. Risk & mitigation bullets.
5. Single CTA: Request brief (15-min) executive review or Approve pilot.

Sample exec summary

Request: Approve $1.2M ASRS pilot to reduce inbound handling costs by 28% and improve pick throughput by 35% with a 20-month payback.

KPI presentation

Use a 3-column micro-grid showing Before — After — Delta. Keep labels short. Example KPIs:

• Order lines/hr
• Labor FTEs for picking
• On-time shipments %
• Cost per order

<div class="kpi-row">
  <div class="kpi">
    <strong>Before</strong>
    <div class="value">450 lines/hr</div>
  </div>
  <div class="kpi">
    <strong>After</strong>
    <div class="value">610 lines/hr</div>
  </div>
  <div class="kpi">
    <strong>Delta</strong>
    <div class="value">+35%</div>
  </div>
</div>

Conversion elements

• Primary CTA button: Approve pilot (direct link to procurement or calendar).
• Secondary: Download detailed ROI workbook (gated only if needed).
• Microcopy: “15-minute exec review” to reduce friction.

Layout 2 — The Timeline & Payback (finance-focused)

When to use

Best for CFOs and finance committees focused on cashflow and payback. Emphasize CAPEX, OPEX savings, and sensitivity ranges.

Structure

1. One-line value proposition with headline ROI (IRR or payback).
2. Stacked timeline chart: implementation phases with S-curves for benefit realization.
3. Three-scenario P&L snapshot: conservative, base, aggressive.
4. Assumptions & sensitivity—call out labor availability and change management risk.
5. CTA: Request financial model or schedule CFO walk-through.

Visuals & data

Use a single SVG timeline with color-coded phases: Design, Pilot, Scale, Steady State. Add a dotted payback line where cumulative cashflow crosses zero.

<svg id="timeline" width="100%" height="140">...</svg>

Analytics & schema

Attach a small JSON-LD snippet to mark the page as a case study and surface the headline metrics to search engines and internal analytics labeling:

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Article",
  "headline": "ASRS Pilot Cuts Cost Per Order 28% — 20-Month Payback",
  "publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name":"YourCo"},
  "datePublished": "2026-01-10",
  "mainEntity": {
    "@type": "PropertyValue",
    "name": "paybackMonths",
    "value": 20
  }
}
</script>

Layout 3 — The Before/After Storyboard (operations-focused)

When to use

Operations VPs and warehouse managers care about process changes and worker experience. Show real snapshots of workflows, staffing, and throughput.

Structure

1. Hero comparison panel with two images: Before (manual), After (automated).
2. Process map mini-steps with cycle times per step (before vs after).
3. Staffing delta: FTEs required, re-deployed roles.
4. Training & change management: duration and milestones.
5. CTA: Request site visit or pilot metrics export.

Best practices for visuals

• Use annotated photos or short looped GIFs (5–8s) showing key process improvements.
• Include a small callout with the exact timestamped KPI (e.g., “Pick time reduced from 45s → 28s”).

“Tell operations what changed, when, and who benefited.”

Layout 4 — The Customer-Validated ROI (trust & proof)

When to use

Procurement and legal teams want validation from peers and independent metrics. Use this layout to present testimonial-led, audited KPIs.

Structure

1. Executive quote (CIO/COO) with short statement of gains.
2. Third-party verification: auditor statement, bench-testing results, or connector logs.
3. Raw KPI export as downloadable CSV (anonymized).
4. Compliance & SLA highlights.
5. CTA: Request verifier contact or schedule audit review.

Copy tips for decision-makers

• Keep quotes short and attributable (name, title, company). Executives trust named validation.
• Highlight independent measurement method: sample size, duration, instruments used.

Layout 5 — The Conversion Engine (lead-gen + procurement-ready)

When to use

This single-page case study doubles as a conversion funnel for procurement teams ready to engage. Embed forms, pricing bands, and a quick procurement checklist.

Structure

1. Top-rail CTA: Schedule procurement kick-off (calendar booking) or download SLA.
2. Pricing bands and basic TCO table with pre-filled assumptions toggles.
3. Procurement checklist to accelerate RFP creation.
4. Contact & next steps with required documents list.

Form & conversion best practices

• Keep form fields minimal: company, role, estimated annual orders, expected start date.
• Offer instant download of procurement-ready documents after form submit to avoid losing intent.
• Use UTM + hidden fields to preserve campaign/segment data for sales follow-up.

<form id="procurement-form">
  <input name="company" placeholder="Company" required />
  <input name="role" placeholder="Role" required />
  <input type="hidden" name="utm_campaign" value="automation-q1-2026" />
  <button type="submit">Get procurement pack</button>
</form>

Design & copy rules that convert executives

• Lead with the data point they care about most — cost, throughput, or payback.
• Keep the executive summary under 60 words. The first 5–7 seconds decide attention.
• Use visuals sparingly: one clear chart + one annotated photo beats a wall of text.
• Make the ask explicit: “Approve pilot,” “Schedule 15-min review,” or “Download model.”
• Brave numbers: present ranges and assumptions; executives prefer realistic scenarios.

Launch Playbook — From draft to signed pilot in 10 steps

1. Identify the primary decision-maker and their top 3 metrics.
2. Pick one of the five layouts above to match stakeholder priorities.
3. Gather verified KPIs (90–180 day windows are ideal) and anonymize if necessary.
4. Create the one-page wireframe (use the layout’s structure).
5. Draft a 60-word exec summary and 3 supporting bullets.
6. Add the KPI micro-grid and timeline SVG.
7. Instrument the page: GA4, server-side event for form submits, and UTM tagging.

   <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XXXX"></script>
   <script>window.dataLayer=window.dataLayer||[];function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}gtag('js',new Date());gtag('config','G-XXXX');</script>

8. Run 3 quick A/B tests for 7 days: headline, CTA text, and KPI layout.
   • Test headline: ROI vs. throughput vs. payback.
   • Test CTA: “Approve pilot” vs “Request CFO model.”
9. Share with internal champions for rapid feedback (48-hour turnaround target).
10. Go live and schedule an immediate 1-week review to iterate on copy and metrics.

Measurement: presentable metrics that shorten decisions

Executives want three numbers up front and one narrative about risk. Use this recommended pack:

• Headline KPI: % improvement (throughput, cost per order, OTIF).
• Payback months: clear capex vs. annual savings math.
• Operational delta: FTEs reduced or reallocated.
• Risk statement: primary risk + mitigation and contingency cost.

Push these into the top rail and also as a downloadable one-sheet. For credibility, show sample-size and measurement window next to each metric (e.g., n=3 warehouses, 90 days).

Example: condensed case study (realistic, anonymized)

Hero: Pilot reduced cost per order by 24% with a 15-month payback.

Before: 520 lines/hr, 28 FTEs, cost/order $6.20 (90-day avg).

After: 690 lines/hr, 21 FTEs, cost/order $4.72 (90-day avg).

Payback: $950K CAPEX, annualized savings $760K, conservative payback = 15 months.

Risk: temporary 8-week productivity dip during changeover; mitigated by phased roll-out and temp staffing budget ($45K).

CTA: Schedule a 15-minute exec review — link to calendar.

Common pitfalls & fixes (based on 2025–2026 trends)

• Too many metrics: executives want selective, high-impact numbers. Fix: prioritize the top three.
• Unaudited data: skeptical procurement will push back. Fix: include verification method or independent auditor note.
• Long asks: don’t ask for RFPs immediately. Fix: ask for a short pilot approval first.
• Ignoring change management: many automation pilots fail in adoption. Fix: include a short adoption plan with training timeline.

Advanced strategies for 2026

• Data-first proof: Link to anonymized dashboards or embed a live KPI widget (read-only) so execs can verify trends in real time.
• Short video soundbites: 20–30 second CEO/COO clips. Executives trust peers’ succinct testimony.
• Interactive payback toggles: let finance change assumptions (labor rate, throughput) to see updated payback live.
• Server-side event tracking: avoid losing form attribution to ad-blockers — capture submissions server-side for reliable lead scoring.

Quick templates & decision-maker copy

Use these copy snippets directly in your one-page case study:

• Exec summary (60 words): "Approve a $1.2M pilot of ASRS to raise pick throughput ~35% and cut cost per order 28%. Projected payback: 18 months. Risk: short-term productivity dip mitigated by phased rollout and training. Request: 15-minute executive review to confirm scope and budget."
• CTA microcopy: "Approve pilot — 15-min executive review" or "Download CFO model (xls)"
• Risk bullet: "Assumes stable SKU mix; 10% variance changes payback by ±3 months."

Final checklist before publishing

1. Three headline KPIs visible in the top rail.
2. One clear CTA and secondary resource for deeper review.
3. Measurement instrumentation (GA4 + server-side event + UTM).
4. Downloadable verification assets (CSV, auditor note) ready.
5. Internal review completed within 48 hours.

Closing — shorten the decision cycle with clarity

In 2026, the difference between a fast procurement decision and a stalled project is often the clarity of the proof you present. Use these five case study template layouts to match the audience — finance, operations, procurement, or the C-suite — and to present warehouse automation ROI as a concise story: measurable change, timeline, and mitigations.

Start with the number that matters, make your ask explicit, and instrument the page so every click becomes usable intelligence for your sales and product teams.

Get the ready-to-use pack

Want editable one-page templates, SVG timelines, and the GA4 + server-side snippets pre-built? Download the 2026 One-Page Case Study Kit or schedule a 20-minute playbook walk-through with our conversion team.

Next step: Click the top-right CTA to download or book — and cut your exec decision cycle in half.

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