Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

Celebrating 80 Years of American-Made Engineering & Automation Excellence (1946–2026)

What is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)?

An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) is a combination of inventory management software and high-density machinery designed to automate the buffering, storage, and retrieval of parts and products. By replacing traditional static shelving with computer-controlled systems, an ASRS brings items directly to the operator at an ergonomic access point.

For over 80 years, White Systems has been a leader in North American ASRS innovation, specializing in vertical and horizontal solutions that reclaim up to 85% of floor space while improving picking accuracy to 99.9%.

Take a look inside: 80 years of American-made automation and high-density storage solutions in action.

Choose Your ASRS Solution

Identify the best automation technology for your specific storage needs.

Vertical lift module

Vertical Lift Modules (VLM)

American-Made PC3 & Exclusive Compact Line

High-speed Compact Twin VLM installation featuring a dual-tray elevator system to maximize throughput in a space-constrained manufacturing environment.

White Systems provides the full spectrum of vertical lift technology, from versatile kitting to heavy-duty industrial storage.

  • The Compact Series: Precision-engineered for versatile, high-density storage of small-to-medium parts.

  • The PowerColumn 3 (PC3): Our industrial-strength, American-made VLM designed for heavy-duty storage with 2,200 lbs/tray capacity.

Best For: Maximum vertical density and varying part sizes.

Ideal for: Manufacturing, MRO, and Heavy Industrial Storage.

Vertical Carousel

Vertical Carousels

Designed & Manufactured in the U.S. by White Systems

White Systems Vertical Carousel installation in a hospital pharmacy, providing the ultra-reliable, ergonomic access required for high-frequency pharmaceutical and small-parts inventory.

Vertical Carousels function like a Ferris wheel, bringing shelves to the operator in a continuous loop. This system is engineered for rapid access and high-speed retrieval in operations with consistent SKU sizes. As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), we provide the factory-level engineering and specialized software support that ensures your system’s long-term ROI.

Best For: High-frequency picking of small-to-medium parts.

Ideal for: Hospital Pharmacies, Laboratory Storage, Kitting, and Industrial MRO.

Horizontal Carousel

Horizontal Carousels

Designed & Manufactured in the U.S. by White Systems

White Systems Horizontal Carousel installation at a high-volume distribution center.

Designed and manufactured by White Systems, our Horizontal Carousels are the fastest ASRS solution for high-throughput distribution. By utilizing an oval track and pods of bins, they allow operators to pick from one pod while others are pre-positioning, effectively eliminating “dwell time.”

Best For: Maximum picking speed and high-volume batch fulfillment.

Ideal for: Low-ceiling environments, Distribution Centers, and 3PL.

See Our Systems in Action

From hospital pharmacies to heavy industrial manufacturing, explore the real-world impact of White Systems automation.

man using vlm
vertical carousel
workers

Why Partner with White Systems?

80 Years of American Innovation & OEM Authority

Since 1946, White Systems has been at the forefront of the material handling industry. Unlike distributors who simply resell equipment, we are an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and designer. When you partner with us, you are working directly with the engineers who built the technology.

  • Direct Manufacturer Support: For our PC3 VLMs and Horizontal/Vertical Carousels, you have a direct line to the factory. We design, manufacture, and support our proprietary systems right here in the U.S.

  • 30+ Direct-Hire Field Service Engineers: We maintain a national network of factory-trained technicians—not third-party contractors—to ensure your ASRS stays operational with OEM-level precision.

  • Technical Lead for North America: As the exclusive technical authority for the Compact VLM line, we provide the specialized engineering and MILO™ software integration required to optimize these systems for domestic environments.

  • Proven Reliability: Our 80-year history is built on high-density solutions that stand the test of time, backed by a commitment to quality that only an American OEM can provide.

See Your Results in Minutes

Use our free tools to explore how an ASRS will impact your bottom line:

  • ROI Calculator – Estimate your labor and space savings. Try Now

  • Space Savings Visualizer – See exactly how much floor space you can reclaim. Try Now

Ready to Optimize Your Warehouse?

Our experts can help you select the right ASRS configuration based on your inventory profile, ceiling height, and throughput goals.

vlm in warehouse