What is warehouse automation?

Warehouse automation uses machines, robotics, and software to move, store, pick, and pack goods with minimal manual touches. Examples include AMRs/AGVs, goods-to-person systems, AS/RS, conveyor/sortation, automated packing, and vision/voice-directed picking. The WMS provides the brain: it decides tasks and inventory, then dispatches work to people and robots via standard APIs, monitors progress, and handles exceptions. Benefits include higher throughput and accuracy, safer operations, fewer touches/miles, and better space utilization. The key is to start with data-driven bottlenecks and a scalable integration layer so you can mix vendors and expand over time.