Revolutionizing Warehousing in India: The Rise of Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems
India's warehouse and logistics sector is on the rise. The surge in e-commerce and high customer expectations demand faster deliveries, and warehouses need automatic operations as manual operations won't suffice. To address the issue of peak loads and tight service levels, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) are emerging steadily as a necessity.
Why Do Warehouses Today Need a More Intelligent System?
Today, warehouses are not just simply storage; they handle thousands of products and help track them in real time. This complexity often drives up costs and delays. However, with solutions like the automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), storage and retrieval processes become more efficient, allowing for faster and more accurate operations.
At Daifuku, our approach to automation centres on our ASRS technology, which is designed to reduce manual dependency and help businesses attain higher efficiency. By integrating with advanced solutions and warehouse management systems, the ASRS helps businesses achieve consistency in delivery even during peak seasons.
Integration with Digital Technologies
Modern warehouses are no longer just storage spaces; they are becoming integrated hubs powered by automation and analytics. With the rise of automation, analytics, and IoT, they have become networks for demand forecasting and inventory tracking. Through these technologies, businesses can now predict order surges, make smarter decisions, and reduce stockouts. For instance, the AI-enabled WMS combined with an ASRS provides complete visibility of goods movement, which helps companies develop resilience.
Workforce Impact
ASRS systems not only reduce manual tasks but also open doors for workforce upskilling. Workers are now shifting from physical labour to roles in maintenance, system monitoring, and data analysis. By adopting automation, businesses in India are not only improving efficiency but also creating safer and more rewarding spaces for employees.
Cost Efficiency and ROI
One of the most common concerns that businesses today face is the cost of automation. However, automated material handling and ASRS solutions deliver strong returns over time by significantly reducing error rates, and downtime. In high-volume warehouses, automation provides measurable efficiency gains thanks to improved accuracy in order picking and inventory handling.
Using Space Wisely
Space is a core challenge for warehouse operations, particularly in India where land acquisition can be expensive and limited. Instead of expanding warehouse footprints, ASRS providers such as Daifuku enable companies to build vertically and fully utilize available cubic space. By increasing storage density, ASRS solutions allow warehouses to manage a higher volume and wider range of products within the same footprint. At the same time, the ASRS offers a level of scalability that supports phased implementation, enabling businesses to start with a smaller system and add aisle to their system as demand and business growth increase.
Safety and Reliability
The use of automated systems reduces the need to lift manually, lowering the risk of accidents at the workplace. By automating repetitive and heavy-lifting tasks, warehouses can create a safer and more ergonomic environment for their workforce. With Daifuku’s ASRS solutions, companies also receive comprehensive support — from system design and implementation to maintenance and after-sales service — ensuring reliable performance and smooth day-to-day operations.
Sustainability and Green Warehousing
Today, a priority of the logistics sector is sustainability. Government policies are encouraging more sustainable options, and companies are looking to reduce their carbon footprint (*1). Embracing automation with an ASRS optimises space, minimizes damage to handled goods, and increased safety. For many businesses, adopting an ASRS is not just about efficiency but also aligning with long-term sustainability objectives.
Sector Specific Applications
The use of automated systems reduces the need to lift manually, lowering the risk of accidents at the workplace. By automating repetitive and heavy-lifting tasks, warehouses can create a safer and more ergonomic environment for their workforce. With Daifuku’s ASRS solutions, companies also receive comprehensive support — from system design and implementation to maintenance and after-sales service — ensuring reliable performance and smooth day-to-day operations.
India's Warehousing
Warehousing in India is expanding rapidly; in Q1 of 2025, leasing has crossed 9 million sq ft. The demand for Grade A warehouses also increases by 33% year on year (*2). This growth attracts significant investments and a shift towards automation facilities.
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Pallet ASRS
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Case ASRS
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STVs combined with an ASRS
Summing It Up
For businesses in India, embracing automation through an ASRS is key to boosting efficiency and staying competitive. At the same time, automation is reshaping industries and the workforce, creating opportunities for skilled roles. As India’s warehousing sector prepares for the next wave of growth, businesses that adopt ASRS today will be tomorrow’s leaders. With Daifuku’s global expertise and strong India presence, companies can future-proof their operations and scale with confidence.
F&Q
- What is an automated storage system?
- An automated storage system, or ASRS, is a system that automatically stores and retrieves goods, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
- An ASRS delivers speed and accuracy, which helps our customers in India keep up with demand.
- An automated storage system, or ASRS, is a system that automatically stores and retrieves goods, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
- How safe is an ASRS?
- An ASRS reduces manual handling, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
- Why choose Daifuku for ASRS automation?
- Daifuku is India’s leading ASRS solution provider, combining Japanese technology with local manufacturing. We offer end-to-end warehousing automation from pallet and bin-load ASRS to sorting vehicles and conveyors designed to be scalable, efficient, and environmentally responsible. Backed by 85+ years of global expertise, Daifuku helps Indian industries transform their supply chains; for example, leading paint manufacturers use our ASRS and WMS to streamline distribution at scale—watch our Birla Opus case study video.
- Can an ASRS be used in small warehouses?
- Yes. Check out our Unit Load Model Systems page to see different system scales.
- Is it costly to install an ASRS?
- The cost primarily depends on the system size, type, and configuration. While investment might seem high at the start, it reduces overall operational costs.
- Do ASRS systems reduce jobs for workers?
- No, ASRS does not eliminate jobs, it transforms them. Automation removes repetitive, physically strenuous tasks such as long walks, manual picking, and handling items at difficult heights. It also reduces reliance on manually operated forklifts, one of the leading causes of warehouse injuries.By taking over these high-risk, low-value activities, ASRS allows workers to move into safer, higher-value roles in supervision, system monitoring, data handling, and equipment maintenance. This leads to better career opportunities, improved safety, and higher overall productivity.
- Which industries benefit the most from ASRS systems?
- ASRS supports an array of industries within the manufacturing and distribution sectors, including paints and chemicals, food and beverages, electronics, tyres, e-commerce, and pharmaceuticals.
References:
Chandrika Vemala
Sales & Marketing Facilitator, Daifuku Intralogistics India
Chandrika joined Daifuku Intralogistics India in 2019 and works as a Sales & Marketing Facilitator. A mechanical engineer by qualification, she plays an important role in supporting sales and marketing activities and contributes to the company’s continued growth and success in the country.
About Daifuku Intralogistics India
Daifuku Intralogistics India Private Limited is a Group company of Daifuku Co., Ltd. (est. 1937), one of the world's leading Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) providers. Combining Japanese technology with local manufacturing, we deliver efficient, reliable, and accurate automation solution across industries including F&B, automotive, pharmaceuticals, paints and chemicals, and more. With 300+ stacker cranes and 400+ Sorting Transfer Vehicle installations across India, our solutions enhance storage density, accuracy, and productivity.
To find out more, reach our India team directly via their dedicated landing page.
