The paper argues that faster fulfillment is no longer optional, driven by rising eCommerce expectations for next-day, same-day, and pickup models, and that manual picking cannot scale efficiently to meet that demand. Automated, software-driven picking systems—especially ASRS technologies like VLMs, carousels, and buffer modules—can sharply improve throughput, space utilization, labor productivity, ergonomics, and accuracy, with picking accuracy cited as high as 99.9% and floor-space savings up to 85%. It also stresses that the biggest gains come not just from equipment, but from pairing automation with pick-to-light, batch/zone strategies, and integrated inventory software to optimize workflow, manage replenishment, and improve end-to-end material flow.

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