Warehouse Automation Technologies in Use Today – Montréal & Toronto Industrial Facilities

Written by: Brad Anderson   Published on: November 25, 2025

Warehouse automation technologies are revolutionising logistics operations all across Canada’s major urban centres, especially Montreal and Toronto. I understand that the term “automation” can seem a little intimidating. You hear it and picture a factory floor run entirely by robots, with no humans in sight. The reality, for most warehouses, is a lot less “sci-fi” and a lot more practical. 

The truth is, you don’t need a fully automated warehouse to see real benefits. Efficient warehousing isn’t about replacing your entire workforce with machines; it’s about using smart technology to handle the repetitive, back-breaking, and time-consuming tasks. From e-commerce demands to labour shortages, the pressure is on to move products faster and more accurately.  Leveraging warehouse automation technologies is therefore essential to survive and grow in a competitive market.

The Growing Role of Automation in Warehousing

The push toward automation is a direct response to real-world challenges. E-commerce has trained customers to expect next-day or even same-day delivery, putting immense pressure on warehouse processes. At the same time, finding and retaining skilled labour is tougher than ever. Automation vendors are stepping in with solutions that address these pain points directly. 

While the idea of a fully automated warehouse is appealing, the journey there is incremental. It starts with identifying the biggest bottlenecks in your current workflow and finding the right tools to fix them. In Canada, labour shortages in the warehouse sector are particularly acute. Warehouse automation, combined with professional automated warehouse racking installation and layout design, provides a key competitive advantage for several distribution centers located in Ontario and Quebec.

Automated Warehouse Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

One of the most impactful types of warehouse automation is the Automated Storage and Retrieval System, or AS/RS. Think of it as a high-density storage system on steroids. Instead of workers manually locating and retrieving items, an automated system of cranes and shuttles does the work. This is a game-changer for a few reasons:

• Space Optimization: AS/RS systems can be built much higher and with narrower aisles than traditional racking, maximizing your automated storage capacity without expanding your footprint.
• Increased Accuracy: Human error is a major source of inventory and order fulfillment mistakes. Automated systems don’t get tired or distracted, leading to near-perfect accuracy.
• Higher Throughput: AS/RS can operate 24/7 at a consistent pace, dramatically increasing the number of orders you can process.

These automated warehouse systems are a significant investment, but for businesses struggling with space constraints and high order volumes, they offer a clear path to more efficient warehousing.

Autonomous Mobile Robots & Vehicles

This is where things get really interesting. You’ve probably heard of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). While they sound similar, they have a key difference. AGVs typically follow fixed paths, like magnetic tape on the floor, while AMRs use sensors and cameras to navigate more freely.

Both AGVs and AMRs are transforming how goods are moved within the warehouse. They can transport everything from raw materials to finished orders, reducing the need for forklifts and manual carts. This leads to a safer, more organized environment. A popular application is the “goods-to-person” (GTP) model, where robots bring shelves of products directly to a stationary worker for picking. This simple shift eliminates most of the time workers spend walking, making the entire process faster and less physically demanding.

Picking Technologies and Pick-to-Light Systems

Order picking is often the most labour-intensive part of warehouse operations. It’s also where most errors happen. Thankfully, there are several types of warehouse automation designed specifically to improve this process. Pick-to-light systems, for example, use lights to guide workers to the correct item and quantity for each order. Voice-picking systems provide similar guidance through a headset. These technologies are relatively simple to implement but can have a huge impact on accuracy and productivity. When combined with a robust warehouse management system (WMS), they create a highly efficient and nearly error-proof picking process. For any business looking to improve its order fulfillment, exploring these types of warehouse automation is a great place to start.

At Convex Services., we understand that navigating the world of warehouse automation technologies can be overwhelming. Our expertise in installation services ensures that whatever systems you choose, they will be implemented correctly and safely. 

Are you a company in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, or elsewhere in Quebec that is considering warehouse automation? Would you like to learn more about racking installation for an automated warehouse? Contact us, and our experts will be happy to answer all your questions.

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