Title: Simulation modelling approaches for automated storage and retrieval systems: a systematic literature review

Authors: Andrea Ferrari; Giulio Mangano

Addresses: Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torino (TO), Italy ' Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torino (TO), Italy

Abstract: Automated storage and retrieval systems have been extensively studied in the literature using various simulation techniques. However, the literature on this topic is fragmented and therefore this paper presents a systematic literature review of international contributions related to automated warehousing systems, focusing on the methodology used and the main impacts considered by researchers. The study found that shuttle-based systems are the most studied storage and retrieval solution, and analytical modelling and discrete event simulation are the most widely used approaches. Operational impacts are the most frequently considered. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the drivers that guide the selection of a particular methodology when studying automated storage and retrieval systems. The paper provides insights that could inspire further research into evaluating the impact of simulation techniques in the context of automated warehouses and assist in the selection of the most appropriate simulation and modelling approach.

Keywords: automated storage and retrieval systems; automated warehouse; simulation; modelling; systematic literature review; multinomial logistic regression; MLR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2026.155662

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2026 Vol.54 No.4, pp.524 - 545

Received: 13 Oct 2023
Accepted: 18 Jan 2024
Published online: 10 Aug 2026 *

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