In France, TGW Logistics has implemented a highly automated FlashPick system for INTERSPORT at its fulfilment centre in Saint-Vulbas, near Lyon. Delivered on schedule and to agreed performance levels, the solution is designed to support business growth, manage seasonal peaks and improve workplace ergonomics.
This article was first published in the July 1st 2026 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
Traditionally, experienced warehouse operatives relied on instinct and knowledge built over time to make real-time decisions – such as when to pick heavier items first, when to delay certain products, or how to adapt workflows based on product mix and order composition. Today, sophisticated software algorithms are capable of replicating this decision-making at machine speed. By embedding such intelligence directly into warehouse execution systems, businesses can significantly reduce ramp-up times for new employees, lower the cognitive burden on experienced staff and deliver consistent performance across shifts and sites. According to Kyle Franklin, Senior Solution Consultant at Lucas Systems, this approach also improves operational predictability and workforce satisfaction.
As one of Germany’s leading bicycle manufacturers prepared to bring a new warehouse into operation – with over 30,000 racking locations – it needed a way to mark 5,000 of those locations as “temporarily blocked” until they were required. Inotec’s Drytack labels were applied directly over the existing location barcodes on the warehouse racking. This ensured that the blocked locations could not be accidentally scanned while still allowing the customer to uncover the original barcode easily once the location was ready for use.
Large-scale automation projects across Europe demonstrate how these technologies are being applied in practice. Arvato, for example, has consolidated six former warehouse locations into a single, highly automated distribution centre in Hamm, Germany. The facility uses automation supplied by KNAPP and is capable of processing up to 5,500 orders per hour, supporting both same-day and next-day delivery. Central to the solution is KNAPP’s Evo Shuttle storage and retrieval system, comprising 550 shuttle robots servicing 132,000 storage locations across 22 aisles and 25 levels. This installation is recognised as the world’s largest shuttle system in the cosmetics sector.
E-commerce growth and the rise of omnichannel fulfilment models are fundamentally reshaping warehouse operations, placing unprecedented pressure on order-picking processes. With customer expectations now firmly centred on same-day or next-day delivery, warehouses must operate with exceptional speed, accuracy and flexibility. As a result, optimising order-picking systems has become a critical priority for logistics and supply chain operators seeking to remain competitive, writes Automate-X.
As these examples illustrate, selecting the right order-picking system is no longer a tactical decision, but a strategic one for warehouses focused on long-term efficiency, scalability and customer satisfaction.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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