Automated Order Picking Systems in Warehouses: a classification framework

In the contemporary global business landscape, the rising complexity of production and logistics systems increases the need for automation. That is why investments in warehouse automation are rising, and practitioners need guidelines to invest in the right technology. In this paper, a systematic literature review is performed to assess the contributions’ ability to provide an up-to-date framework for automated order picking systems (OPS). To adopt an empirical lens, technology providers were interviewed about the best available technologies on the market, identified through technology scouting, to provide more details on the distinct features of the classified technologies. The study aims to provide a new framework for automated OPS, grounded in literature, to help practitioners better navigate the available technologies and choose those that best suit their industrial context. Future research should evaluate automated OPS technologies more holistically and quantitatively, including different perspectives from providers, to better analyse requirements, and impacts on macro-trends.