Automatiklager
Also: Automatisches Lager, Vollautomatisches Lager, Automatisiertes Lager, Automatisiertes Lagersystem, Automated Warehouse, Automatiklager
AI-generated
An automated warehouse is a fully or partially automated storage system in which the receipt, retrieval, transport and management of storage units are carried out without manual intervention, using conveyor technology, storage and retrieval machines, and a higher-level control software.
Key facts
- An automated warehouse controls goods receipt and retrieval, internal transport, and inventory management by machine via conveyor technology and control software, without the need for continuous manual intervention.
- Common system types include high-bay warehouses with storage and retrieval machines, shuttle systems, automated small-parts warehouses, and 3D matrix solutions – each variant has specific strengths in terms of throughput, height, and flexibility.
- Redundancy concepts and maintenance contracts are critical planning variables, as a system failure in fully automated operations can bring the entire material flow to a halt.
- Integration with ERP and WMS systems is a prerequisite for maintaining real-time inventory visibility and correctly prioritizing orders.
What is an automated warehouse?
An automated warehouse is a storage system in which the core warehousing processes – goods receipt and retrieval, internal transport, and inventory management – are performed by machines and software-controlled systems with no or only minimal manual intervention. Typical components include storage and retrieval machines (SRMs), conveyor systems, shuttle systems or autonomous vehicles, as well as a warehouse management system (WMS) or material flow system (MFS) that coordinates orders and maps inventory in real time. The term encompasses both high-bay pallet warehouses and automated small-parts warehouses (AS/RS), tray-based systems, and more specialized solutions such as multi-depth storage or 3D matrix systems.
How does an automated warehouse work in practice?
A storage order is typically triggered by the ERP or WMS system as soon as goods have been identified at the transfer point – such as a depalletizing station or a goods receipt conveyor. The control system calculates an optimal storage location based on criteria such as access frequency (ABC classification), weight, or cooling zone, and directs the conveyor or storage and retrieval system accordingly. During retrieval, the bin, pallet, or tray is made available either in a random or sorted sequence, depending on whether picking or direct dispatch follows.
The main system categories include:
- High-bay warehouses with storage and retrieval machines: Heights of up to 40 m, high storage capacity with a small footprint, proven for pallets and heavy goods.
- Shuttle systems: Multiple autonomous shuttles per aisle or level, high throughput performance, easily scalable by adding further vehicles.
- Automated small-parts warehouses (AS/RS): Bin or tray-based storage for small-item assortments, often combined with goods-to-person picking.
- 3D matrix solutions: Three-dimensional grids with autonomous vehicles, particularly flexible in configuration and well-suited to frequent assortment changes.
What matters when making a selection?
The decision to invest in an automated warehouse depends on several factors that should be carefully weighed. Throughput and the nature of the stored goods determine which type of system is technically suitable. At the same time, availability requirements and redundancy concepts are critical: a highly automated system without redundancy can bring the entire material flow to a halt in the event of a failure. Maintenance and servicing concepts should be defined during the planning phase, as spare parts provisioning and service contracts can give rise to significant operating costs. Scalability – i.e. the ability to expand the system modularly – varies considerably depending on the vendor and system architecture. Finally, IT integration plays a central role: the automated warehouse must communicate seamlessly with ERP, WMS, and adjacent systems in order to deliver its full value.
Related terms
- 3D-Matrix Solution
A 3D matrix solution is a multi-dimensional storage and buffer system that dynamically manages load units in the X, Y, and Z directions, enabling significantly higher space utilization than conventional systems.
- ABC-Analyse
ABC analysis is a method for classifying items, vendors, or processes into three priority classes (A, B, C) based on their economic significance. It forms the basis for differentiated decision-making in warehousing, inventory management, and procurement.
- AGV
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) refers to driverless transport vehicles that automatically move goods in warehouses and production environments. They follow predefined or sensor-controlled routes without a human driver.
- AKL
An Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully mechanized storage system for bins, trays, or cartons that automates the goods-to-person process using aisle-captive storage and retrieval machines or shuttles.
- AMR
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is a driverless, self-navigating transport robot that moves goods within a warehouse without any fixed installed infrastructure. It orientates itself independently using sensors and digital maps, and dynamically avoids obstacles.
- Auslagerung
Retrieval refers to the physical process by which goods or load units are removed from a storage area and transferred to a downstream process – such as picking or shipping.
- Hochregallager
A high-bay warehouse is an automated storage facility with racking from approximately twelve meters in height, where stacker cranes automatically store and retrieve pallets.
- Kommissionierung
Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.
