The Genesis of Throughput Models for Automated Warehouse Systems - A Drama in three Acts

The development of automated warehouse systems has been driven by advancements in computing, communication, and control technologies. However, throughput models and guidelines often lag behind industrial implementation. This paper analyzes the historical progression of automated warehouse systems, highlighting the decades-long gap between system realization and model development. By classifying storage technologies and tracing their evolution, we emphasize the need for systematic methodologies to accelerate throughput modeling, ensuring that performance evaluation keeps pace with innovation in warehouse automation.