• 1. Maximizing storage space: An automated process results in higher density storage, narrower aisles etc which ultimately allows the space to be used as efficiently as possible. This also delays the need for an expansion considerably. Unnecessary parts are not needed and overall organization is improved.
• 2. Reducing labor costs: Automation obviously reduces the requirement of labor, which cuts costs. It also increases the safety of operations and protects workers.
• 3. Inventory accuracy and regulation: The automated storage and retrieval system maintains the data of each and every product. This data is very useful for analysis and regulation of inventory. Moreover, the level of inventory is updated in real-time.
• 4. Reduces product damages: AS/RS systems have much greater handling ability. Products of all sizes can be transported quickly and accurately. Picking of orders is guided by computerized lasers which target items. Due to the higher accuracy, losses due to accidental damages are also reduced.
• 5. Customizable: An AS/RS system can be set up according to specific needs of any warehouse and/or company. They are ideal for all environments. It doesn’t matter if the warehouse has a dry, wet, cold, or frozen environment. The system will still work perfectly.
• 6. Handling of Hazardous Materials: One of the biggest risks associated with warehousing is the handling of hazardous materials by workers. An automated storage system can be safely used for transportation of such materials and thus protects workers.
• 7. Competitive Advantage: All the advantages of an automated storage and retrieval system combine to give an overall boost to the business which can be very useful to drive out any competition.

Typically, automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) have four major components: the storage rack, the input/output system, the storage and retrieval (S/R) equipment, and the computer management system. There are many types of automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS), and products are used in a variety of warehousing and manufacturing environments. Typically, these automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) are characterized by multiple speed options, multiple heights, and a small footprint. So-called mini-load systems also enable warehouses to store more in less space. Designed with strong but lightweight alloys, these automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) are suitable for the storage of small parts, and for both picking and order fulfillment. Some automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) are used in applications where a high volume of loads are moved into and out of storage. Others are used in industries where storage density is critical because of limited space. Typically, however, most automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) are used in manufacturing or distribution environments to direct the flow of material through an industrial process and to the end-user.

Systems may operate in a fully-automatic mode or semi-automatic mode, depending on AS/RS capabilities and application requirements. In semi-automatic systems, the only operator involvement required is the material handing at the input and output stations. Inventory accuracy, therefore, is extremely high compared to manual storage and retrieval systems. Automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) can improve employee productivity by bringing products and materials to their work locations. Automated storage and retrieval systems can also reduce work-in-process (WIP) inventory while enabling organizations to lower inventory safety factors and safety stock. By providing detailed inventory reporting, the AS/RS enables warehouse managers and schedulers to identify bottlenecks and build proper load-storage buffers for order picking and fulfillment. Ergonomic considerations and enhanced material traceability are additional benefits of automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS), especially in heavily-regulated industries or applications that require heavy lifting or repetitive motion.