Basic Warehouse Automation Terms: A Simple Glossary

Warehouse automation uses many technical terms. This glossary explains the most common ones in plain language.

ASRS

Automated Storage and Retrieval System. A system that uses stacker cranes to store and retrieve pallets from tall racking. Cranes run in fixed aisles.

Four-Way Shuttle

A motorized cart that moves on a rail grid. It can go forward, backward, left, and right. It handles totes or cases. Used in warehouses with many SKUs.

Pallet Shuttle

A cart that runs on rails inside a deep storage lane. It moves in one direction. It handles full pallets. Used for dense storage.

Racking

The steel structure that holds inventory. In automated warehouses, racking includes rails that guide shuttles or cranes.

WMS

Warehouse Management System. Software that manages inventory data, orders, and storage locations.

WCS

Warehouse Control System. Software that directs equipment movement. It tells shuttles and cranes what to do and when.

Goods-to-Person

A picking method where shuttles bring items to a stationary worker. The worker does not walk to find items.

FIFO

First In, First Out. A storage method where the oldest items are retrieved first. Important for products with expiration dates.

Throughput

The amount of goods a system can process in a given time. Usually measured in orders or pallets per hour.

Retrofit

Installing new automation into an existing building or racking system. Common with pallet shuttles. Less common with ASRS.

Hybrid System

A warehouse that uses more than one automation technology. For example, pallet shuttles for bulk storage and four-way shuttles for picking.

Summary

These terms appear frequently in automation discussions. Knowing them helps when evaluating vendors and planning projects.