STORAGE SOLUTIONS
T
he rise of e-commerce, omnichannel retail, globalisation and technological advances have driven a transformation in logistics. In an increasingly competitive market, companies are seeking to optimise their
operations through innovative solutions such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs), which improve efficiency, reduce costs and enable faster responsiveness to shifting consumer demands. Warehouse automation is rapidly gaining
ground across all sectors. Implementation falls into two main categories:
• Physical, through the incorporation of automated equipment such as stacker cranes, conveyors or autonomous mobile robots, which perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans.
• Digital, via tools that organise, monitor and coordinate all operations, from goods receipt and putaway through to
“In a logistics
environment where accuracy in goods management is critical, automation stands as a key solution to enhance performance and operational efficiency.”
AUTOMATED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS The multiple AS/RS solutions for boxes and goods, while the second comprises compact storage systems:
• Stacker crane AS/RS. This widespread storage solution for pallets and boxes
20
WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION: THE EVOLUTION OF LOGISTICS
By Easy WMS, controlling the traceability of British Sugar’s stored pallets
features stacker cranes that load and unload goods from their racking positions.
•
High-density AS/RS. Each storage location holds multiple items (three or more). Solutions incorporating motor- driven shuttles, such as the Shuttle System (for boxes) and the Automated Pallet Shuttle, offer increased storage capacity and better space utilisation.
AUTOMATED INTERNAL TRANSPORT A recent trend in warehouse automation is replacing manual handling equipment with automated transport systems to supply storage, order picking and dispatch areas. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are intelligent vehicles designed to move loads independently. These robots navigate the warehouse using virtual maps to complete
AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT Automated distribution centres require software to coordinate the operation of automatic material handling and in- house transport equipment. Warehouse management systems (WMSs) strategically
FEBRUARY 2026 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
organise goods and operations, optimising providing real-time inventory control, WMS software allows companies to respond quickly to market changes, manage information streams, enhance operator throughput and deliver optimal customer service.
AUTOMATED STORAGE FOR GREATER COMPETITIVENESS In a logistics environment where accuracy in goods management is critical, automation stands as a key solution to enhance Mecalux, committed to continuous innovation, has played a pivotal role in modernising the logistics operations of numerous UK-based companies. Notable projects include the automation
of warehouses for leading sugar producer, British Sugar, packaging specialist, ALPLA, bathroom product e-tailer, Bathroom Mountain and industrial machinery manufacturer, Yamazaki Mazak.
Mecalux
www.mecalux.co.uk
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