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GOODS-TO-PERSON (GTP) AUTOMATION SYSTEMS FOR FASTER, MORE ACCURATE FULFILLMENT

Maveneer partners with trusted GTP manufacturers to bring the benefits of automation to your warehouse:

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WHAT IS A GOODS-TO-PERSON (GTP) SYSTEM?

Traditional fulfillment often depends on manual picking, where associates spend significant time walking, searching, and handling items—limiting throughput and increasing fatigue.

Goods-to-Person (GTP) automation reverses that model by delivering inventory directly to operators at ergonomic workstations. The result is faster picking, higher accuracy, reduced travel time, and a workflow that scales more reliably for high-demand operations.

 

HOW GOODS-TO-PERSON (GTP) AUTOMATION WORKS

At its core, a Goods-to-Person (GTP) system combines automated storage, intelligent software, and ergonomic workstations to streamline order fulfillment. Instead of operators traveling through the warehouse to retrieve items, automation systems locate, retrieve, and deliver inventory directly to stationary picking stations.

Step-by-Step: The GTP Workflow

  1. Inventory Storage. Products are stored in a high-density automated system such as an AS/RS, shuttle system, carousel, or robotic grid.
  2. Order Release. The Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Warehouse Execution System (WES) releases an order and determines the most efficient retrieval sequence.
  3. Automated Retrieval. The system locates the required SKU and automatically retrieves the tote, tray, pallet, or storage bin containing the item.
  4. Delivery to Workstation. The inventory is transported to an ergonomic picking station where the operator remains stationary.
  5. System-Directed Picking. A screen, pick-to-light display, or other interface instructs the operator on the exact item and quantity to pick. Inventory updates in real time.
  6. Order Consolidation & Dispatch. Completed picks are routed to packing, sortation, or outbound shipping areas.

GOODS-TO-PERSON (GTP) VS. PERSON-TO-GOODS (PTG)

GTP brings inventory to stationary pickers while PTG has pickers walk the warehouse. Here’s the quick comparison:

 

Category

Goods-to-Person (GTP)

Person-to-Goods (PTG)

Operator movement

Minimal, operators stay at stations

High, operators walk picking routes

Productivity

Higher potential picks/hour

Depends on travel distance + routing

Accuracy

More consistent, system-directed

More variable, manual handling

Unit loads

Often needs standardized totes/trays

Works with irregular loads

Cost profile

Higher upfront, lower operating cost

Lower upfront, higher labor cost over time

 

 

TYPES OF GTP AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

The success of Goods to Person picking relies heavily on automation technologies. Two primary categories of automation solutions are used in GTP picking: fixed solutions and mobile solutions. Let's explore each of these categories of automations:

FIXED SOLUTIONS

Automated cranes store and retrieve pallets or cases in high-bay racking—best for heavy loads and large facilities.

  • Handles pallets and large containers
  • Fast retrieval for higher throughput
  • Maximizes vertical storage density

Robotic shuttles move totes or cases through high-density storage with high speed and flexibility.

  • High throughput for high-velocity SKUs
  • Scales across zones and levels
  • Reduces labor and picking errors

Rotating shelves bring items to a pick window in a compact footprint—great for smaller operations or fast-moving parts.

  • Space-efficient storage
  • Ergonomic, operator-friendly picks
  • Supports multiple SKUs per presentation

MOBILE SOLUTIONS

AMRs navigate the facility to bring totes, carts, or shelves to pickers.

  • Flexible deployment
  • Easy to integrate and scale
  • Improves travel time and productivity

 

Guided robots move items along set paths for predictable, lower-cost transport.

  • Cost-effective and simple to operate
  • Task-specific movement for repeatable workflows
  • Scales as volume grows

BENEFITS OF GOODS-TO-PERSON PICKING

Improved Accuracy

GTP minimizes the potential for errors associated with manual putaway and picking. With items brought directly to the operator, the chances of picking the wrong product or quantity are significantly reduced.

Decreased Labor Costs

By automating the retrieval and transportation of items, GTP reduces the physical labor required for picking and putaway. This not only lowers labor costs but also reduces the risk of injuries associated with repetitive manual tasks.

Increased Efficiency

GTP dramatically improves picking and replenishment efficiency. Operators can focus solely on picking and packing tasks, without the need for extensive walking or navigating the warehouse, resulting in faster order fulfillment.

Space Savings

GTP systems eliminate the need for discrete pick faces and picking aisles, increasing storage density in the warehouse.

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REAL-WORLD GTP IMPLEMENTATION:

CANADIAN TIRE

Canadian Tire partnered with Maveneer to deploy two integrated GTP systems to support high-velocity SKUs and growing demand.

  • Challenge: Rising order volume, limited labor, too much travel, peak accuracy risk

  • Solution: Two GTP deployments integrated with WMS and daily workflows

  • Results: Higher throughput, less travel, better ergonomics, scaled without adding headcount

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GOODS TO PERSON SYSTEM

Selecting the right GTP system depends on more than technology preference. The best solution aligns with your order profile, facility constraints, and long-term growth strategy.

When evaluating Goods-to-Person automation, consider:

  1. SKU Velocity & Order Volume. High-velocity SKUs and dense order profiles often justify higher-throughput systems like shuttle or AS/RS solutions.

  2. SKU Size & Variety. Small parts, cartons, and pallets require different storage media. Ensure the system accommodates your full SKU spectrum.

  3. Existing Infrastructure. Evaluate ceiling height, storage media, building constraints, and current automation to determine compatibility.

  4. Capital vs. ROI Timeline. Some systems require higher upfront investment but deliver lower operating costs over time.

  5. WMS / WES Integration. Seamless integration with existing software is critical for real-time inventory accuracy and performance optimization.


Not sure which path makes the most sense? Maveneer’s engineers evaluate your data, model performance scenarios, and design a right-sized GTP system for your operation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GOODS-TO-PERSON (GTP) AUTOMATION

How much does a Goods-to-Person system cost?

The cost of a GTP system varies based on throughput requirements, storage density, building constraints, and software integration needs. Smaller carousel-based systems may require lower capital investment, while large AS/RS or shuttle systems involve higher upfront costs but often deliver stronger long-term ROI through labor reduction and increased throughput.

How long does it take to implement a GTP system?

Implementation timelines depend on system complexity. Mobile robotic solutions may deploy in months, while large fixed AS/RS systems can require longer planning, design, and commissioning phases. A detailed operational analysis helps determine realistic timelines.

Can a GTP system integrate with my existing WMS?

Yes. Most Goods-to-Person systems integrate with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS). Integration ensures real-time inventory visibility, optimized task sequencing, and accurate order fulfillment.

What industries benefit most from Goods-to-Person automation?

GTP systems are commonly used in e-commerce, omnichannel retail, pharmaceuticals, industrial distribution, manufacturing, and spare parts operations, especially where high SKU counts and fast order fulfillment are critical.
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