Direct answer
Start from SKU velocity and order profile analysis, then select storage and picking technology per velocity class rather than applying one solution to all inventory.
Typical challenges in this sector
- Storage occupancy above practical operating limits
- Long picking travel distances
- Inventory accuracy problems
- Seasonal volume swings
- Expansion land unavailable
Automation and engineering opportunities
High-density storage
Shuttle, mini-load or pallet ASRS for slow and medium movers.
Picking strategy design
Zone, batch and wave picking matched to order profile.
Mixed automation
Automation for A-movers, conventional handling for the long tail.
WMS and control integration
Inventory accuracy and task orchestration across systems.
Engineering and project considerations
- Velocity classes change over time — design for reallocation
- Automation reduces flexibility; retain manual capability for exceptions
- Building height and floor specification determine feasible systems
- Fire protection requirements change with automated high-bay storage
- Phased implementation protects operations during transition
What to prepare before engaging engineering companies
- SKU velocity and cube data
- Order profile with lines per order
- Growth and seasonality forecast
- Building specification and constraints
What to measure
Frequently asked questions
ASRS or conventional racking?
ASRS pays where land or labour is expensive and throughput is stable. Conventional racking retains flexibility at lower capital cost.
Related engineering knowledge
Independent, buyer-side and supplier-neutral
Global B2B Group does not sell machines and does not represent equipment manufacturers. This material is published to help industrial organisations define the problem, prepare the specification and structure the investment before engineering partners are selected.