Automation in racking and shelving systems is becoming a central tool for retailers facing higher e‑commerce volumes and omnichannel expectations. By tightening space usage, sharpening inventory control and cutting order‑to‑delivery time, these solutions promise measurable gains in efficiency.
Pressures that make automated storage attractive
Retailers are seeing online orders rise, prompting a shift to smaller, more frequent shipments. The resulting need for speed and accuracy is reshaping warehouse layouts across the globe.
Higher warehouse rents in South Africa illustrate the cost pressure on physical space. Companies are therefore looking for ways to store more items in less area while keeping pick times low.
Technologies enabling the change
High‑density racks, goods‑to‑person platforms and real‑time inventory visibility form the backbone of modern storage. These tools let workers retrieve items without walking aisles, reducing travel time.
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Robotics, guided vehicles and light‑guided picking systems are increasingly integrated. Apex Real Time Solutions combines these elements to move products from shelf to pack station with minimal human steps.
Warehouse management software ties the hardware together, directing robots and updating stock counts instantly. The software layer is essential for synchronising in‑store restocking with online order fulfilment.
Industry voices on the shift
Floris Visser, CEO of Relog, says a retail plan must start with the customer’s needs, supported by solid data. “We often speak about waste in the food supply chain, and the majority can be attributed to perceived customer requirements on quality, which for the most part is focused on visual quality before anything else,” he noted.
Visser adds that businesses should question why they digitise and which data points truly matter. “How can the business automate the capture of some data points to improve efficiency and accuracy?” he asks.
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Alan Richard, owner of Apex Real Time Solutions, observes that the move from bulk shipments to many small orders raises pressure for speed. “Retailers must simultaneously manage physical restocking and online fulfilment, which drives demand for agile and tech‑driven systems,” he explains.
Perspective on the broader impact
When storage systems become more responsive, the ripple effect reaches beyond the warehouse floor. Faster picking reduces labor hours, which can lower overall operating costs and free staff to focus on customer‑facing tasks. This shift also nudges suppliers to provide more accurate demand forecasts, because the margin for error shrinks as processes tighten.
Looking ahead
Companies that adopt these technologies expect smoother coordination between storefronts and fulfilment centres. “Think about how we shop today – maybe you browse online, pick up in‑store or get same‑day delivery to your doorstep,” Richard says, highlighting the need for seamless integration.
Such frictionless workflows aim to speed restocking, improve order accuracy and boost shopper satisfaction. Whether replenishing shelves in a Johannesburg store or delivering an online purchase to Lagos, the goal is consistent service across locations.