Abstract
Order picking systems (OPS) must be redesigned in light of the evolving nature of modern warehousing to increase productivity and lower operating costs, as well as to consider the growing importance of social sustainability. The growing awareness of social issues drives organizations to demand sustainable business practices. Organizations can make informed decisions about adopting order picking technologies by understanding the interconnected sustainability benefits of automation. This study aims to examine how automation in order picking systems can contribute to social sustainability within warehouse operations. This study employed a bibliometric analysis to investigate order picking automation and social sustainability, letting the themes that characterize this research subject emerge. In addition, semi-structured interviews allowed us to determine the relationship between the two concepts. The results reveal that social sustainability within warehouse operations has been partially studied. However, it is perceived as a priority by logistics companies, which have to deal with the ageing of the population and the need to protect the well-being of operators in physically demanding activities. Studies on (order picking) automation technologies for improving the social sustainability of warehouse operations will become more prevalent in future research, especially concerning how technology can contribute to employee well-being, professionalism and safety. The contribution of this work lies in guiding warehouse management practices toward a socially sustainable model. Our findings contribute to the broader discourse on improving working conditions in logistics, reducing operational costs, and ultimately fostering a workplace aligned with social sustainability principles. This study lays the groundwork for further research and practical implementation in the fast-changing field of warehouse management.