Warehouse Automation
AGVs, AS/RS, robotics and orchestration software.
Warehouse automation has moved well beyond fixed conveyors. AGVs and AMRs, AutoStore and shuttle AS/RS, piece-picking robots and goods-to-person stations now appear in mid-size European DCs, not only flagship sites.
This category covers the trade-offs that decide whether automation pays back in 3 years or 8: order profile, SKU velocity, peak factor, building constraints and the WMS/WCS integration that ties hardware to business logic.
Expect comparative tables, ROI logic and integration patterns — written for the engineer who has to defend the business case, not the marketing brochure.
Articles in Warehouse Automation
Warehouse AutomationAutomated Sortation Systems: Boosting Benelux Hubs
Automated sortation systems are essential for high-throughput parcel hubs in the Benelux, leveraging technologies like shoe and cross-belt sorters to handle peak e-commerce volumes, reduce labor depen
Warehouse AutomationAGVs vs. AMRs: What's Right for Your Benelux Warehouse?
Choosing between AGVs and AMRs is a critical decision for Benelux warehouses. AGVs offer cost-effective, predictable transport for fixed routes, while AMRs provide unmatched flexibility for dynamic en
Warehouse AutomationOptimize Conveyor Layouts with Digital Twins in the Benelux
Learn to leverage Digital Twin technology for conveyor system optimization in your Benelux facility. This guide covers practical steps, cost-benefit analysis, and ROI for enhancing logistical efficien
Warehouse AutomationThe Role of Robotics in Conveyor Loading and Unloading for DCs
Robotic automation is transforming how distribution centres handle conveyor loading and unloading. Discover the key technologies, benefits, and implementation strategies for European logistics leaders
About warehouse automation
When is warehouse automation worth it?+
Typical triggers: throughput above 5 000 lines/day, labor shortage, peak ratios above 3×, or storage density gains worth more than €1 000/m²/year. A simple payback under 5 years on labour + space usually justifies investment.
What is the difference between AGV and AMR?+
AGVs follow fixed paths (magnetic tape, QR markers) and are cheaper per unit. AMRs use SLAM/laser navigation, share the floor with people and reroute dynamically — better for changing layouts but ~30-50% more expensive per robot.
What is a WCS and do I need one?+
A Warehouse Control System orchestrates conveyors, sorters, robots and AS/RS in real time. You need a WCS as soon as you have two or more automated subsystems that must hand work between each other reliably.
How long does a warehouse automation project take?+
From concept to go-live: 9–18 months for a single technology (e.g. AS/RS), 18–30 months for a multi-system greenfield DC. Detailed simulation and emulation reduce go-live risk significantly.
Planning a new conveyor or automation project?
Easy Systems designs and installs internal transport, conveyor and warehouse automation systems across the Benelux. Tell them about your flow — they'll come back with a system that scales.