Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (ASRS) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automated storage/retrieval systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector.

AS/RS is becoming a generic term that today refers to a variety of means under computer control for automatically depositing and retrieving loads from defined storage locations. See also Carousels . Although both of these technologies have roots that go back some 40 to 50 years, it is only since the late 1990s that AS/RS has been used to refer to more than crane and aisle applications.

Automated storage and retrieval systems, sometimes known as ASRS or AS/RS, are made of a variation of computer-controlled systems that automatically place and retrieve loads from set storage locations in a facility with precision, accuracy and speed.

When considering the purchase of used Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), it is important to consider all of the factors that may affect cost and operation. A used machine may not be compatible with existing infrastructure such as electrical supply and data networks, and could potentially require costly updates in order to meet current codes and safety standards.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives have become critical priorities for businesses aiming to align operational excellence with responsible corporate practices. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are proving to be pivotal in achieving sustainability goals by minimizing environmental footprints, optimizing resource use, and promoting safer, more efficient workplaces.This white paper explores how ASRS systems contribute to ESG objectives, offering compelling facts and real-world examples of gains that can be realized across industries.

At the 2025 MHI Spring Meeting, the Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) Industry Group proudly introduced its latest initiative: the ASRS Roadmap — a dynamic, user-focused resource designed to guide organizations through the journey of evaluating and implementing ASRS solutions.The ASRS Roadmap is a comprehensive, evolving tool that supports users at every stage of their decision-making process — from initial discovery to building a business case. It consolidates years of ASRS expertise and content into one accessible platform, featuring: Whitepapers – In-depth insight Blogs – Trends and use cases Guides – Planning and ROI strategies Presentations – Ready-to-share resources Videos – Visual learning toolsWhy does it matter? Well, the ASRS Roadmap cuts through the noise with credible, unbiased information that empowers both operators and executives to make faster, better-informed decisions, promote best practices across the industry, and stay aligned with evolving market needs.“We are excited to bring this to the market, and the help it will provide companies. This is a tool that will help people independently research ASRS solutions so when they determine this kind of technology could be right for their operations, they will be more empowered when they engage with suppliers.” - Rebecca Lennartz, Hai Robotics, member company of MHI and ASRS Industry Group.The ASRS Roadmap is available now on the ASRS microsite at www.mhi.org/asrsroadmap.For more information about MHI Industry Groups, please visit mhi.org/industrygroups. To learn more about ASRS, please visit mhi.org/asrs or contact Anna Teter at ateter@mhi.org.About ASRSASRS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of automated storage/retrieval systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems, and to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 1,000 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.

The Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems Industry Group of MHI is pleased to announce the approval of Rehrig’s application to join ASRS at the 2025 Annual Conference held October 12-15 in Tucson, Arizona.MHI member companies have the opportunity to join any of MHI’s Industry Groups or the Solutions Community. Industry Groups share information and conduct research to stay at the forefront of their industry. Typical Industry Group activities include industry statistics collection, standards development, technical publications, public relations, promotion of safety, and member and user education. The Solutions Community brings MHI members together with equipment and systems users to collaborate and address common challenges and opportunities in manufacturing and supply chain in a safe harbor environment.For more information about MHI Industry Groups, please visit mhi.org/industrygroups. To learn more about ASRS, please visit mhi.org/asrs or contact Anna Teter at ateter@mhi.org.About ASRS – Automated Storage & Retrieval SystemsASRS members are the industry’s leading suppliers of automated storage/retrieval systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems, and to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 1,000 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community.

The Automated Storage Retrieval Systems (ASRS) Industry Group of MHI is pleased to announce the approval of UMH’s application to join ASRS at the 2025 Spring Meeting held May 6 in Houston, TX. UMH is a full-service material handling partner specializing in manufacturing RMI-certified racking, advanced automation systems, and turnkey storage solutions - manufactured, stocked, and supported in-house to help businesses scale efficiently and operate with confidence.MHI member companies have the opportunity to join any of MHI’s Industry Groups or the Solutions Community. Industry Groups share information and conduct research to stay at the forefront of their industry. Typical Industry Group activities include industry statistics collection, standards development, technical publications, public relations, promotion of safety, and member and user education. The Solutions Community brings MHI members together with equipment and systems users to collaborate and address common challenges and opportunities in manufacturing and supply chain in a safe harbor environment.For more information about MHI Industry Groups, please visit mhi.org/industrygroups. To learn more about ASRS, please visit mhi.org/asrs or contact Anna Teter at ateter@mhi.org.About ASRS – Automated Storage & Retrieval SystemsASRS members are the industry’s leading suppliers of automated storage/retrieval systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems, and to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently.About MHI MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 900 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.

To meet demand for high throughput, a leader in the private label bottled water industry installed an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS), which increased their storage density 40%. In a few short months, a marked improvement in safety has already been noticed due to fewer forklifts being used. Their WMS manages all product movements resulting in less waste and product lost.

The Hänel Lean-Lift as a high-speed shipping systemWhen it comes to tools, the experts at Productivity Inc. can provide customized solutions for the metalworking industry. In addition to consulting, customer care, service and maintenance,Productivity Inc. delivers tools and tool holders to customers throughout North America. Fast shipping from the company’s site in Minneapolis is supported by three Hänel Lean-Lifts® that are used to store more than 10,000 items.The Hänel vertical lifts are equipped with multifunction containers, making them ideal for automated small parts storage. Job orders are displayed directly on the HänelSoft® terminal and can be processed there.The high-speed version of the Hänel Lean-Lift® quickly brings stored items to the retrieval area on request.If the items needed for a particular order are located in various lift systems, picking performance can be boosted even more through parallel system operation.Thanks to digital compartment and sub-level indicators, even storage positions in very small configuration layout patterns can be identified easily. The combination of all these features ensures that orders are filled and shipped in record time – without errors.Orders are filled directly opposite the system access points, where they are also packed for shipping. Order confirmation is entered in the systems using barcode scanners. Another Hänel Lean-Lift® located in a different area of the warehouse is also integrated in the storage solution.Productivity Inc. quickly recognized the high quality of Hänel technology through the reliable performance delivered by the storage systems

After celebrating over 100 years of producing ice cream, this Alabama firm was running out of warehouse space. In order to keep up with growth, their key distribution center needed to enlarge and streamline their operations. Its 3,000 pallet position, freezer (-30° F) warehouse was quickly running out of room. Because it was a two-story facility, the firm knew they would need to go up to gain more storage space. To streamline production and storage facility an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) consisting of two Storage/Retrieval Machines (SRM) operating in one aisle was installed. The system is 9 levels high and stores more than 7,000 pallets in only 14,000 sq.ft. of space.

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Robotics in manufacturing and warehousing are seemingly everywhere these days, but can they also work in refrigerated environments?

If you’re looking for a way to reduce the pressure on your workforce and want to automate your facility, then an automated storage and retrieval (AS/RS) system is the right choice for you.

Join us for an exciting MHI Tech Talk, sponsored by the ASRS Industry Group, as we explore why automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) have become essential to modern warehousing. As service-level expectations rise, ASRS is helping organizations improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency while solving today’s toughest fulfillment challenges. Join industry leaders as they share what decision-makers need to know about ASRS and the role it plays in building scalable, high-performing operations. Learn more about the ASRS Roadmap.

An ASRS delivers incredible ROI and will actually save you money - both right out of the gate and in the long-term.