Customer Stories | Succeeding with AutoStore Solutions

Conway Accelerates Fulfillment Performance With AutoStore

Written by AutoStore | 2026

 

 

Conway The Convenience Company is one of Spain’s leading operators in integrated supply chain management for the convenience and foodservice sector. Serving a broad network of restaurants and convenience stores, the company depends on fast, reliable logistics processes and consistent product availability to meet demanding service expectations.

As order volumes increased and product assortments expanded, Conway faced growing pressure on warehouse capacity, operational efficiency, and order accuracy. To support continued growth while maintaining service levels, Conway implemented an AutoStore solution designed to increase storage density, improve throughput, and create a scalable fulfillment operation.

The solution was delivered with AutoStore, empowered by Smartlog, and integrated with Conway’s existing logistics infrastructure to create a high-performance, future-ready operation.

"Implementing the system has allowed us to stabilize our processes and improve order preparation speed. The system's accuracy and the constant availability of product references give us great peace of mind in our daily work and help us maintain the level of service our customers require."

Vicente Ramírez, Logistics Project Director at Conway The Convenience Company

The Challenge

Conway’s operating model requires the management of high volumes of multi-reference orders with strict delivery requirements and consistently high product availability. Prior to automation, order picking relied on conventional shelving and extensive operator travel throughout the warehouse.

As SKU counts and order volumes increased, maintaining a stable workflow became more challenging. Frequent movement between aisles, manual replenishment activities, and growing space constraints limited operational efficiency and created additional complexity in order preparation.

At the same time, Conway needed to increase storage capacity without expanding its facility footprint. The company also required greater inventory accuracy, improved traceability, and a logistics platform capable of supporting future growth while maintaining high service standards.

The Benefits of the AutoStore System

By implementing an high-density AutoStore solution, Conway significantly improved operational performance while creating a more scalable fulfillment environment.

The new system reduced order processing time by 40%, enabling faster response to demand and allowing larger volumes to be managed efficiently. Productivity increased by 60%, while the order picking footprint was reduced from 2,000 m² (21,528 ft²) to 700 m² (7,535 ft²), freeing valuable warehouse space for additional operational needs.

The solution supports throughput of up to 1,600 order lines per hour and up to 17,000 order lines per day, while enabling preparation of up to 40,000 units daily.

Inventory visibility and control were also strengthened through continuous stock management, helping eliminate manual inventories and reduce picking errors. Inventory accuracy and 99.5% availability support reliable deliveries and consistent service for Conway’s customers.

The goods-to-person workflow helps support employees by eliminating continuous travel within the warehouse and reducing the need to work at height. Ergonomic workstations equipped with adjustable lifting tables contribute to a safer and more comfortable working environment.

Training requirements have also been simplified. Tasks that previously required extensive onboarding can now be learned significantly faster, providing greater operational flexibility as activity levels change.

How the System Works

At the center of the operation is the AutoStore Grid, where inventory is stored in Bins. Robots travel across the top of the Grid, retrieving the required Bins and delivering them directly to Workstations (Ports).

When order preparation begins, the Galys warehouse management system coordinates Robot movements and inventory allocation so that the correct Bins arrive at the appropriate picking stations in sequence. This creates a continuous goods-to-person workflow that minimizes delays and improves operational consistency.

The AutoStore installation is integrated with Conway’s existing Flow Rack and conveyor infrastructure, along with an automated case erector and static SKU picking area. High-turnover products continue to be managed through established operational processes while benefiting from tighter integration and improved material flow.

The solution provides complete inventory visibility and centralized control across the fulfillment operation, ensuring accurate stock information and supporting real-time decision-making.

System Overview

  • Installation type: Brownfield
  • Robots: 56 Robots
  • Workstations (Ports): 7 CarouselPorts, 4 ConveyorPorts
  • Bins: 27,100 Bins
  • WMS: Galys WMS
  • Integrated technology/automation: Flow Rack system, conveyor system, automatic case erector, ergonomic lifting tables, Pick to Voice integration
  • Partner: Smartlog

Conclusion

Conway’s AutoStore implementation has transformed its fulfillment operation by improving throughput, increasing storage density, and strengthening inventory accuracy. The solution delivers faster order preparation, more efficient use of warehouse space, and a reliable platform for supporting customer demand.

Designed with future expansion in mind, the installation provides the scalability needed to accommodate continued business growth while maintaining the high service standards expected by Conway’s customers. Empowered by Smartlog, AutoStore has become a key enabler of Conway’s long-term operational strategy.