What is warehouse automation?
October 30, 2026
Warehouse automation is using technology to do warehouse tasks with less manual work. For most online retailers it starts with software and barcode scanning, such as digital pick lists and scan-to-despatch, and can extend to conveyors and robots at very high volumes.
Why it matters for online retailers
As order volumes grow, manual processes slow down and mistakes creep in. Automation lets the same team ship more orders, more accurately, and makes new staff productive faster.
Levels of warehouse automation
- Software: orders, stock and labels handled in one system instead of spreadsheets.
- Barcode scanning: scanning to confirm picks, book in stock and despatch orders.
- Paperless picking: pick lists on handheld devices instead of paper.
- Mechanical automation: conveyors, sorters and robots, usually only worth it at very high volumes.
Where to start
- Replace manual order handling and label printing with software.
- Add barcode scanning to picking and despatch.
- Move to paperless picking on handheld devices.
- Only consider robotics once software and scanning are fully in place.
How StoreFeeder handles it
StoreFeeder automates order handling, label printing and stock updates across channels. Its picking app runs on PDAs and on Android and iOS devices for paperless, barcode-checked picking, and it handles despatch rates of 10,000+ orders a day.
Read more about StoreFeeder paperless warehousing.
Frequently asked questions
Is warehouse automation only for big warehouses?
No. Software and barcode scanning suit warehouses of almost any size; robotics is what needs very high volumes.
What is paperless picking?
Pickers follow lists on a handheld device and scan each item, instead of working from printed sheets.
How quickly does warehouse automation pay back?
It varies. Software and scanning usually pay back fastest, because they cut picking errors and time without large equipment costs.
