Prepared for digital market

On 11 January 2012, the European Commission announced plans to establish a "digital single market" in Europe by 2015. Swisslog says it is evident that a high level of efficiency in the warehouse is crucial for online retailers to effectively manage and retain competitiveness with the logistical challenges that will derive from a digital single market.

"This is where AutoStore has proved itself an important solution for businesses expanding via internet sales. Providing up to 60% more space than traditional warehousing, Swisslog's AutoStore was specifically developed with e-commerce applications in mind. It allows for the storage of less frequently picked items, whilst also providing additional capacity. Flexible, efficient and, crucially, scalable, AutoStore combines the storage and order picking of single parts and small cases, hence its popularity with leading players in the ecommerce sector," explains the company.

The system's flexibility is also said to ensure order fulfillment can be met without the need for expensive changes in materials handling equipment.