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.
ASRS is one type of material handling technology used to improve storage, retrieval, picking, and inventory control.
For over 80 years, White Systems has helped facilities improve storage density, picking workflows, and inventory control with vertical and horizontal automated storage solutions that can reclaim up to 85% of floor space and support high picking accuracy.
Need to improve how inventory is picked, not just how it is stored? Explore warehouse picking solutions that help reduce walking, improve accuracy, and support faster fulfillment.
Take a look inside: 80 years of American-made automation and high-density storage solutions in action.
Types of ASRS Systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems can take several forms depending on the inventory profile, available space, throughput requirements, and level of automation needed. Some ASRS systems are designed for pallets or large loads, while others are built for small parts, totes, trays, tools, medications, or high-SKU inventory.
Common types of ASRS include:
- Vertical lift modules for high-density tray storage and goods-to-person picking
- Vertical carousels for fast access to small and medium-sized parts, supplies, and medications
- Horizontal carousels for high-volume order picking, batch picking, and fulfillment
- Mini-load ASRS systems for cases, totes, and cartons
- Unit-load ASRS systems for palletized inventory
- Shuttle systems for high-throughput automated storage and retrieval
White Systems focuses on vertical lift modules, vertical carousels, and horizontal carousels for facilities that need to improve storage density, picking speed, inventory accuracy, and operator access without expanding their building footprint.
How ASRS Improves Storage, Picking, and Inventory Control
ASRS helps facilities store more inventory in less space while making parts, tools, and products easier to access. Instead of sending employees to walk aisles or search shelves, the system brings stored items directly to an operator at an ergonomic access point.
This goods-to-person workflow can help reduce walking, improve picking speed, support more accurate inventory control, and keep inventory better organized. With software, barcode scanning, and system-guided picking, ASRS can also help teams track what was picked, who picked it, and where inventory is stored.
ASRS can help improve:
- Storage density
- Picking speed
- Inventory accuracy
- Operator ergonomics
- Access control
- Order fulfillment
- Parts and tool availability
Choose Your ASRS Solution
Identify the best automation technology for your specific storage needs.
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.
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The Compact Series: Precision-engineered for versatile, high-density storage of small-to-medium parts.
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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 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: Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies, Laboratory Storage, Kitting, and Industrial MRO.
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 built for high-throughput distribution, batch picking, and goods-to-person order fulfillment. By utilizing an oval track and pods of bins, they allow operators to pick from one pod while others are pre-positioning, helping reduce dwell time between picks.
Best For: Maximum picking speed and high-volume batch fulfillment.
Ideal for: Low-ceiling environments, Distribution Centers, and 3PL.
ASRS Cost and ROI Factors
ASRS cost depends on the type of system, machine size, load capacity, number of trays or carriers, software requirements, installation needs, and the complexity of any ERP or WMS integration. Inventory profile also matters. Small parts, heavy components, high-SKU inventory, and high-frequency picking operations may each require a different configuration.
When evaluating ASRS ROI, facilities should look beyond equipment cost alone. Space savings, reduced walking and search time, improved picking accuracy, better inventory visibility, and labor optimization can all affect the payback period.
For a deeper breakdown, read our guide to ASRS cost factors.
ASRS Software and System Integration
Software is what connects an ASRS to the broader material handling process. With the right controls and inventory software, operators can manage storage locations, picking instructions, replenishment, transaction history, user access, and inventory movement.
ASRS software can also support barcode scanning, pick-to-light, ERP integration, WMS integration, and reporting. This helps facilities improve visibility into what was picked, who picked it, where it came from, and when the transaction occurred.
Where ASRS Fits Best
ASRS is often a strong fit when a facility needs to store more inventory in less space, improve access to frequently picked items, or bring better control to parts, tools, products, or medications.
ASRS can support operations dealing with:
- Limited floor space
- High-SKU inventory
- Too much walking or searching
- Small parts, tools, components, or medications
- MRO and spare parts storage
- Kitting and production supply
- High-frequency picking
- Inventory accuracy issues
- Controlled or high-value inventory
- Ergonomic picking concerns
The right system depends on item size, weight, velocity, storage density, ceiling height, throughput goals, and integration requirements.
Why Partner with White Systems?
80 Years of Storage Experience
Since 1946, White Systems has helped facilities improve storage density, picking workflows, and inventory control with vertical and horizontal automated storage solutions.
OEM Engineering and Manufacturing
White Systems designs, manufactures, and supports its horizontal carousels, vertical carousels, and PC3 VLMs in the U.S., giving customers direct access to factory-level expertise.
National Field Service Support
Our direct-hire field service team supports installations, preventive maintenance, repairs, and long-term system performance across North America.
Software and Integration Support
White Systems supports ASRS workflows with inventory software, barcode scanning, picking tools, and ERP or WMS integration options.
From system selection through installation and lifecycle support, White Systems helps facilities choose the right ASRS configuration for their inventory, space, and throughput goals.
See Our Systems in Action
From hospital pharmacies to heavy industrial manufacturing, explore the real-world impact of White Systems automation.
ASRS FAQ
What does ASRS stand for?
ASRS stands for Automated Storage and Retrieval System. It refers to equipment and software used to automatically store, retrieve, and track inventory inside a facility.
Is a vertical lift module an ASRS?
Yes. A vertical lift module is a type of ASRS that stores inventory in trays and automatically delivers the requested tray to an operator.
What are the main types of ASRS?
Common types of ASRS include vertical lift modules, vertical carousels, horizontal carousels, mini-load systems, unit-load systems, shuttle systems, and other automated storage technologies.
How does ASRS improve warehouse picking?
ASRS improves picking by bringing stored items to the operator, reducing walking and search time, supporting guided picking, and improving inventory visibility.
How much does an ASRS cost?
ASRS cost depends on the system type, size, load capacity, number of storage locations, software, installation, and integration requirements. The best way to estimate cost is to evaluate inventory profile, throughput needs, ceiling height, and workflow goals.
Can ASRS integrate with ERP or WMS software?
Yes. Many ASRS systems can integrate with ERP, WMS, or warehouse control software to support inventory transactions, pick instructions, replenishment, reporting, and system visibility.
What inventory is best suited for ASRS?
ASRS is often used for small parts, tools, MRO supplies, production components, medications, high-SKU inventory, and other items that need organized, secure, and space-efficient storage.
See Your Results in Minutes
Use our free tools to explore how an ASRS will impact your bottom line:
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ROI Calculator – Estimate your labor and space savings. Try Now →
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Space Savings Visualizer – See exactly how much floor space you can reclaim. Try Now →
How does ASRS compare to static shelving? Read the VLM vs Static Shelving Comparison Guide →
See how ASRS integrates into active facilities and existing workflows →
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.
