Addverb’s ASRS solutions optimise space, boost efficiency, and seamlessly integrate automation into diverse warehouses.
Across the warehousing and logistics landscape, efficiency is no longer just a target – it’s a necessity. As businesses aim to optimise floor space, increase throughput, and reduce operational costs, the question has shifted from “Should we automate?” to “What is the most effective way to do it?” Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems have become a key part of this shift, offering storage strategies suited to various inventory types and operational models. Addverb, a robotics and automation company, provides warehouse automation solutions that combine hardware, software, and control systems.
Warehouses vary in their requirements. The nature of goods, order profiles, throughput needs, and SKU diversity all influence storage configurations. Operations managing relatively few SKUs may require dense storage systems that maximise vertical and horizontal space while reducing aisle demands. Warehouses differ widely – from e-commerce fulfilment centres handling thousands of SKUs to manufacturing sites focused on raw materials – so storage solutions must align with the specific use case.
For example, environments with a low number of SKUs and high volumes per SKU benefit from dense pallet storage. In contrast, operations with high SKU counts may require more flexible carton or tote storage systems to enable faster picking.
ASRS supports these needs by reducing travel time, improving space use, and increasing consistency.
Diverse use cases, tailored approaches
In facilities where item-level picking is frequent and SKU variety is high, Addverb’s Quadron – a tote-based ASRS – is designed to support high-throughput operations. The system stores and retrieves cartons or totes using shuttles that operate within a dedicated racking structure, which can reduce manual handling time and improve picking accuracy.
This type of solution is commonly used in retail, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce sectors, where reliability and speed are priorities.
Peter Zann, National Sales Manager at Addverb Australia, says: “The key is to align storage strategy with business needs. Whether the goal is to save space, improve pick rates, or shorten turnaround times, ASRS solutions can be configured to suit specific objectives.”
Carton and tote storage: Speed meets scalability
For small- to medium-sized items, tote-based ASRS can offer a balance between speed and storage density. Addverb’s Quadron system allows for multi-deep access across multiple levels, supporting compact storage without impeding throughput.
Its scalability makes it relevant for operations such as online retail, pharmaceuticals, and general distribution, which often deal with diverse product ranges and seasonal demand changes. The system uses algorithms to position faster-moving items in more accessible locations and slower-moving items deeper in storage – reducing unnecessary travel and supporting operational efficiency.
In high-activity zones, Quadron can be integrated with Addverb’s Goods-to-Person stations and sortation systems to support order fulfilment where speed and accuracy are important.
Pallet storage: The 4-Way Shuttle
For large or heavy goods, pallet storage remains a core requirement. Addverb’s 4-Way Pallet Shuttle builds on this concept by offering a higher-density solution with more movement flexibility.
Unlike conventional systems limited to specific directions, the 4-Way Shuttle travels both lengthways and widthways within the racking grid. This enables greater space utilisation by removing the need for aisles and allows multiple shuttles to operate within the same system.
This type of solution is typically used in cold storage and bulk inventory environments – particularly for perishable or fast-moving consumer goods. The system can function at temperatures as low as -25°C and integrates with Addverb’s WMS and WCS platforms for inventory tracking and sequencing.
Integration: The hidden key to efficiency
While the mechanical elements of storage systems often receive the most attention, integration between systems is just as critical.
A common issue in many warehouses is not the absence of automation, but the lack of coordination between different systems. Older software may not connect well with newer hardware, leading to isolated operations and reduced visibility.
Addverb addresses this by offering both hardware and software designed to work together. Their systems integrate with warehouse management software, warehouse control systems, and ERP platforms, aiming to improve coordination, visibility, and decision-making.
“Integration is where many automation projects encounter challenges,” says Zann. “It’s not just about deploying equipment – it’s about ensuring it functions as part of a coordinated system. By developing software and hardware together, we aim to deliver systems that are practical to implement and operate.”
The future is modular and scalable
One of ASRS’s key attributes is flexibility. As product lines grow, demand fluctuates, or business needs change, warehouse systems need to adapt. Addverb’s systems are designed to scale – whether by adding shuttles, extending storage lanes, or upgrading software for better operational insights.
This is particularly relevant in Australia, where warehouse space is often limited and expensive. ASRS allows facilities to expand vertically, making better use of existing space and reducing the need for costly extensions or disruptions. With continued growth in online shopping, these systems also support decentralised fulfilment models closer to consumers.
Building smarter warehouses together
The performance of a warehouse is no longer defined by the number of machines in use, but by how well those systems work together. As Zann puts it: “Storage isn’t just about piling up goods anymore – it’s about coordinating them.”
ASRS contributes to this shift by combining compact storage with system-wide coordination.
With systems such as Quadron for tote storage and the 4-Way Pallet Shuttle for pallet handling, Addverb works with companies to improve space utilisation while supporting the operational requirements of modern supply chains. Through its emphasis on integration, the company supports clients in implementing systems designed to function cohesively rather than in isolation.