What Is Warehouse Automation?

Warehouse automation involves using technology to streamline repetitive and labor-intensive processes—like inventory tracking, picking, packing, and shipping. It includes a wide range of tools:

• Software systems (WMS, WCS)
• Physical infrastructure (conveyors, pick modules)
• Automation technologies (AMRs, ASRS, robotics)

When deployed correctly, warehouse automation improves:

• Accuracy
• Labor efficiency
• Throughput
• Customer satisfaction

Related Keywords: warehouse automation definition, warehouse automation benefits, warehouse automation examples

Download the Full Warehouse Automation Whitepaper ›

Foundation: Warehouse Software Systems

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

A WMS manages inventory, order processing, and warehouse workflows.

Key Features:

• Real-time inventory visibility
• Picking optimization (wave, zone, batch)
• ERP, CRM, and TMS integration

Keywords: best warehouse management software, cloud WMS, WMS for small warehouses

Blog: What Is a WMS—and Why It’s Your First Automation Step ›

Warehouse Control System (WCS)

A WCS manages the real-time control of equipment like conveyors, robots, and labelers.

Why It Matters:

• Synchronizes your floor-level automation
• Increases equipment efficiency and uptime
• Bridges WMS and hardware execution

Keywords: warehouse control system software, difference between WMS and WCS

Blog: WMS vs. WCS—Which One Do You Need First? ›

Infrastructure: Build for Today, Scale for Tomorrow

Pick Modules: The Heart of Order Fulfillment

Pick modules combine racking, flow lanes, conveyors, and mezzanines to create fast, compact pick zones.

Benefits:

• Reduced walk time
• Multi-level fulfillment efficiency
• Scalable layout for future automation

Keywords: pick module design, pick module vs. shelving, scalable warehouse design

Blog: From Racks to Robots—How Pick Modules Power Smarter Warehouses ›

Conveyor Systems

From MDR to belt conveyors, sorters to overhead chutes—conveyors form the circulatory system of your warehouse.

Types of Conveyors:

• Motor-Driven Roller (MDR)
• Belted conveyors
• Gravity and chain conveyors
• Sortation systems (tilt-tray, cross-belt, pop-up wheel)

Keywords: best conveyor systems for distribution, conveyor sortation types, material handling conveyors

Guide: Choosing the Right Conveyor for Your Operation ›

Robotics & Advanced Automation

Goods-to-Person (GTP) Systems

Bring inventory to the operator instead of the operator to inventory. Includes:

• Shuttle AS/RS systems
• Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
• AMRs with shelf or bin delivery

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

AMRs can:

• Assist picking (pick-assist bots)
• Move pallets (self-driving forklifts)
• Deliver bins to pack stations

Keywords: goods-to-person automation, autonomous warehouse robots, best AMRs for fulfillment

Explore: Which Type of AMR Is Right for Your Facility? ›

Goods-to-Person (GTP) Systems

Bring inventory to the operator instead of the operator to inventory. Includes:

• Shuttle AS/RS systems
• Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
• AMRs with shelf or bin delivery

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

AMRs can:

• Assist picking (pick-assist bots)
• Move pallets (self-driving forklifts)
• Deliver bins to pack stations

Keywords: goods-to-person automation, autonomous warehouse robots, best AMRs for fulfillment

Explore: Which Type of AMR Is Right for Your Facility? ›

End-of-Line Automation

What Happens After Picking Matters

End-of-line automation covers:

• Labeling
• Dimensioning
• Case packing
• Palletizing
• Shipping sortation

Why Start Here:

• High impact, low disruption
• Faster ROI
• Easier to scale in phases

Keywords: end-of-line automation benefits, packing automation systems, shipping label automation

Blog: What Is End-of-Line Automation—and Why It Might Be Your Best First Step ›

Calculating ROI on Automation

Automation is an investment—but it doesn’t have to be a gamble. Evaluate:

• Cost per pick before and after
• Labor-to-throughput ratios
• Order accuracy improvements
• Chargeback reductions (especially for 3PLs)

Tool: Calculate Your ROI with Our Free Automation ROI Worksheet ›

Why Work With PeakLogix

PeakLogix is your end-to-end automation partner. From software and design to integration and support, we help you:

• Design with scalability in mind
• Integrate technologies seamlessly
• Avoid costly mistakes through proven engineering

Whether you’re starting with conveyors or mapping out a GTP system, our team is ready to guide your automation journey.

Schedule a Free Facility Assessment ›

Additional Resources

• Download the Full Warehouse Automation Whitepaper ›
• Podcast: The Future of Fulfillment ›
• Case Study: 3PL Saves $1M with End-of-Line Upgrade ›
• Blog Archive: Explore More Warehouse Insights ›

FAQ: Warehouse Automation

What is warehouse automation?
It refers to the use of technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed in warehousing—from picking to packing to shipping.

What is the difference between WMS and WCS?
WMS manages the plan; WCS executes it. Together, they form the digital backbone of automation.

Where should I start with warehouse automation?
Many businesses find that end-of-line automation delivers the fastest ROI with minimal disruption.

How much does warehouse automation cost?
It depends on the size of your operation and the technologies used. A good rule of thumb: start where your bottlenecks are.

Do I need a full redesign to automate?
Not always. Many solutions, like AMRs and labeling systems, can be layered onto your existing setup.