Kardex launches enhanced StoreX Calculator for AutoStore expansion planning

Kardex Solutions has launched an enhanced version of its StoreX Calculator digital planning tool, developed in partnership with iAutomate, aimed at helping warehouse operators better plan, justify and manage automated storage and retrieval system expansions.

The updated StoreX Calculator extends beyond initial system design to support long-term optimization and expansion planning, addressing the frequent need for AutoStore system upgrades as warehouse operations grow. Kardex said the tool allows users to model multiple growth scenarios using operational data to assess how changes in grid size, robot count and infrastructure affect timelines, system footprint and investment.

“AutoStore systems are not static assets—they’re designed to evolve as businesses grow,” said Fred Fox Jr., president of Kardex Solutions Americas. “With the newly enhanced StoreX Calculator, Kardex is giving customers the same level of data-driven clarity for expansion decisions that they expect when designing a new system. It removes uncertainty around cost and timing, enabling smarter planning and faster, lower-risk scaling and reflects our commitment to continuously evolving our solutions so customers can extract maximum performance, throughput and value over the life of their system.”

Kardex said the tool is intended to improve transparency around expansion costs and implementation timelines, an area it said has traditionally relied on high-level estimates. The calculator produces structured reports estimating costs, execution phases and implementation speed, while distinguishing between total project duration and on-site work.

“Kardex and iAutomate share a common goal: helping customers make informed decisions based on data, not guesswork,” said Christoph Buchmann, founder and managing director of iAutomate.

“The new functionality of StoreX gives AutoStore users unprecedented visibility into how their systems can scale—what it will take, how long it will take and what value it will deliver. That level of insight is a game changer for how businesses plan automation growth long-term.”

Kardex said the enhanced tool supports a broader industry shift toward incremental automation and optimizing existing facilities rather than building new sites.