--- title: 5 Benefits of Warehouse Automation | LPC International description: Don't get left in the past as your competitors zoom into the future with warehouse automation. Learn how to keep up here... image: https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/robot-2791671_1280.jpg --- -   [01285 704470](tel:01285704470) - [ jtindley@lpcinternational.com](mailto:jtindley@lpcinternational.com) [![LPC logo](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LPC%20logo.webp?width=473&height=64&name=LPC%20logo.webp "LPC logo")](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/) [![LPC logo](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LPC%20logo.webp?width=473&height=64&name=LPC%20logo.webp "LPC logo")](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/) - [Home](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk) - About - [Why LPC](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/why-lpc) - [Clients & Business Sectors](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/clients-and-business-sectors) - [The Team](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/the-team) - [Expert Witness & Logistics Dispute Resolution](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/expert-witness) - [SME Business Support](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/sme-business-support) - [Healthcheck & Audit](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/book-a-health-check) - 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[Home](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk) - About - [Why LPC](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/why-lpc) - [Clients & Business Sectors](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/clients-and-business-sectors) - [The Team](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/the-team) - [Expert Witness & Logistics Dispute Resolution](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/expert-witness) - [SME Business Support](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/sme-business-support) - Supply Chain - [Strategy](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/supply-chain-strategy-consulting/) - [Network Design](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/network-design) - [Inventory Management](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/inventory-management) - [Outsourcing](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/outsourcing) - Warehousing - [Warehouse Design](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-design-and-planning) - [Warehouse Consulting](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-improvements-and-engineering) - [Systems & Processes](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/systems-and-processes) - [Warehouse Productivity Consultants](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-productivity) - [Warehouse Modelling & Simulation](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/modelling-and-simulation) - Project Implementation - [Equipment Procurement](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/equipment) - [Equipment Procurement](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/procurement) - [Project Management Support](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/project-management) - Automation & Robotics - [Warehouse Automation & Robotics](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/automation-and-robotics) - [Is Warehouse Automation For You?](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-automation-for-you) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/case-studies) - [Downloads](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/downloads) - [Blogs](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog) - [Storage Systems](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/equipment) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2191642/interactive-199423175003.png)](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKi0nLevpwLnhQ3PftqnRyDP%2B7smY53bf3ulbtBs0Zn4za%2BELHrUmFkUVgWgP6qxZckuNVMTVeLCHKc1CxCT7EYepzJoGNuKnx7%2FT%2BuCK%2FByOEMdtPELdMNsQ4J4gTA219uovemW0JEMDUj06Cb3YlO7KOQkCXxriUykgLiSz6mhWnRtzavCXjZPROswaI%3D&webInteractiveContentId=199423175003&portalId=2191642) [01285 704470](tel:01285704470) [jtindley@lpcinternational.com](mailto:jtindley@lpcinternational.com) [Warehouse Automation](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/warehouse-automation) # 5 Benefits Of Warehouse Automation by [Jason Tindley](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/author/jason-tindley) 2 min read 9 Jul 2019, 09:58:00 ![robot-2791671\_1280](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/robot-2791671_1280.jpg?width=1280&name=robot-2791671_1280.jpg) [Warehouse management systems](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/how-to-choose-the-perfect-warehouse-management-system) are becoming more innovative by the month. [Automation improves productivity](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/buying-an-automated-system) and accuracy in ways that weren’t possible only a year ago. Orders can be grouped intelligently enough to reduce travel time, and that pace can be further enhanced by high-speed sorting, automatic storage and retrieval systems. MOVE logic manages automated transportation between stations and docks, but yesterday’s batch picking systems simply didn’t meet the daily order trends of online retailers, so order streaming logic has become more popular. Five new automation options help e-commerce businesses manage small, unique orders as well as they do their high-demand stock. Let’s take a look. [![Download The Transport Planning & Optimisation Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2191642/67c80372-89dc-431b-a63d-733d85e5add4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2191642/67c80372-89dc-431b-a63d-733d85e5add4) ## 1) Order Streaming And Personalisation Order streaming can deal with small, mixed product orders using new approaches to fulfilment. It's made [warehouses personalised and nimble](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwikmLCN88jjAhXiSxUIHeBGBrMQFjAAegQIAxAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.lpcinternational.co.uk%2Fhow-to-implement-a-warehouse-management-system&usg=AOvVaw3SbcUmjGR-xtN2t6N2NJHe) enough to handle diverse inventories so that small online stores and massive franchises alike can keep only the stock they actively need. No supplier needs to let inferior logistics limit their choices anymore. This, however, isn’t the only choice available to you. ## 2\) Replace Operatives Vs Assist Operatives It’s tempting to replace workers with machines in today’s logistics sector given that Kiva robots can process four times as many orders as people can. Today’s warehouses certainly need fewer operatives, but in warehouses that require more than mere labour intensiveness, skill has its value. [Warehouse management systems](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-management-systems) remove the need to enter data manually, but operatives tend to pick faster when supported by a WMS and robotic systems rather than replaced by them. Task identification speeds up workers, creating a perfect match between wo/man and machine. ## 3) Fixed Vs Free Path Path planning for batch picking can become too complex for fixed paths, so algorithms are often used to support free pathways. To remain collision-free, path planning can become too complex to optimise manually, so today’s path algorithms can be simulated to assess which option works best for every warehouse configuration. ## 4\) Storage Systems When Kiva robots are responsible for material handling, your [storage management system](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/core-functions-of-a-warehouse-management-system) must be optimised. Automated storage and retrieval systems can be arranged into vertical lift modules, carousels, or mid and mini load systems. All of these can be stand-alone units or integrated pods. The better your space utilisation is, the higher your accuracy and productivity will be. ## 5\) Goods To Man Vs Zonal Operation Automated goods-to-person DC operation can improve picking speeds to assembly line levels, particularly where automated storage systems are in place. This lets order selectors do their jobs without physically moving through the warehouse. In contrast, zone picking systems keep pick items in set areas, bins, and aisles, assigning individual pickers to their own spaces. This can solve some of the problems caused by free path solutions and [enhance your storage systems.](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/increasing-warehouse-storage-space) ## Find Out More An automated warehouse has many moving parts, none of which can operate unless all other parts are chosen wisely. Warehouse management systems are complex to implement and personalise to your business goals, but you needn’t aim for the perfect solution on the first attempt. Minimal viable strategies or simulations can help you test and adjust until you reach a perfect set of solutions. Find out more by [downloading our *Transport Planning and Optimisation Guide*.](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/transport-planning-and-optimisation-guide) *Image source:* [*Pixabay*](https://pixabay.com/photos/robot-arm-technology-robot-arm-2791671/) [![Transport Planning & Optimisation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2191642/e5cd118c-8e9b-4de7-893e-508033ef2777.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2191642/e5cd118c-8e9b-4de7-893e-508033ef2777) Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/benefits-of-warehouse-automation&text=5+Benefits+of+Warehouse+Automation+%7C+LPC+International) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/benefits-of-warehouse-automation&t=5+Benefits+of+Warehouse+Automation+%7C+LPC+International) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/benefits-of-warehouse-automation&t=5+Benefits+of+Warehouse+Automation+%7C+LPC+International) Previous story [← Meeting The Complexity Of Modern Supply Chains](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/complexity-of-modern-supply-chains) Next story [5 Ways To Strengthen Your Supply Chain To Overcome Uncertainty Of... →](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/overcoming-supply-chain-uncertainty) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [Can Warehouse Storage Layout Design Impact Running A Warehouse Efficiently?](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/can-warehouse-storage-layout-design-impact-running-a-warehouse-efficiently) ![Can\_Warehouse\_Storage\_Layout\_Design\_Impact\_Running\_A\_Warehouse\_Efficiently.jpg](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/Blog_Images/Can_Warehouse_Storage_Layout_Design_Impact_Running_A_Warehouse_Efficiently.jpg) [Warehouse Design](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/warehouse-design) ### Can Warehouse Storage Layout Design Impact Running A Warehouse Efficiently? 27 Sept 2016, 10:18:00 3 min read [3 Ways Logistics Consultants Can Help You Today](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/3-ways-logistics-consultants-can-help-you-today) ![3 Ways Logistics Consultants Can Help You Today](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/3%20Ways%20Logistics%20Consultants%20Can%20Help%20You%20Today.jpg) [Warehouse Productivity](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/warehouse-productivity) ### 3 Ways Logistics Consultants Can Help You Today 16 Aug 2018, 16:06:07 2 min read [4 Best Warehousing Practices To Increase Storage Space](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/4-best-warehousing-practices-to-increase-storage-space) ![](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/Blog_Images/4_Best_Warehousing_Practices_To_Increase_Storage_Space.png) [Tips](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/tips) ### 4 Best Warehousing Practices To Increase Storage Space 13 Jul 2016, 09:38:00 3 min read ### Get Email Notifications ### **Logistics Planning Consultants** VAT Number: 667-0474-17 Company Number: 03184658 [Join us on Slack](https://www.facebook.com/LPC-International-1598261453798554) [Browse our GitHub projects](https://www.linkedin.com/company/logistics-planning-consultants-international) [Browse our GitHub projects](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWye1wWnhhl3hxTqXYxyQw) About - [Why LPC](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/why-lpc) - [Clients & Sectors](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/clients-and-business-sectors) - [The Team](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/the-team) - [SME Business Support](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/sme-business-support) Resources - [Blog](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog) - [Downloads](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/downloads) - [Case Studies](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/case-studies-new-website) - [Storage Systems](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/equipment) Quick Links - [Contact Us](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/contact) - [Book A Health Check](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/book-a-health-check) - [Book A Meeting](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/talk-to-an-expert) Copyright © 2026 Logistics Planning Consultants - [Terms](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/terms-conditions) - [Privacy](https://blog.lpcinternational.co.uk/privacy) - [Cookies](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/cookie-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "UK", "addressLocality" : "Cirencester", "addressRegion" : "Gloucestershire", "postalCode" : "GL7 2PP", "streetAddress" : "57 Dyer St" }, "alternateName" : "LPC International", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "GB", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+44 0128 564 0038" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 51.7157, "longitude" : -1.9676 }, "image" : "https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/LPC%20Banner.webp", "logo" : "https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LPC%20logo.webp", "name" : "LPC International Ltd", "openingHours" : [ "Mo-Fr 09:00-17:30", "Sa Closed", "Su Closed" ], "priceRange" : "£", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/people/LPC-International/100063715956023/#", "https://x.com/lpcint", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/logistics-planning-consultants-international", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWye1wWnhhl3hxTqXYxyQw" ], "telephone" : "0128 570 8211", "url" : "https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jason Tindley", "url" : "https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/author/jason-tindley" }, "dateModified" : "2025-03-22", "datePublished" : "2019-07-09", "description" : "Don't get left in the past as your competitors zoom into the future with warehouse automation. 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