**6. Discussion**

The main goal of this research was to develop the principal building blocks of a warehouse maturity model and to apply them to a real case. To reach this objective,

#### *Autonomous Warehousing: Development and Application of a Maturity Model DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104184*

we initially performed a literature review to explore available maturity models that address warehouse maturity towards automation and, more importantly, autonomy. We found that there is a relative scarcity of models to build on. Therefore, our model is based on warehouse processes as an orientation for developing maturity dimensions. Because the concept of industry 4.0 postulates a holistic transformation of business models a focus on process maturity does not match with an integrated approach. Aspects such as technology management, the way the organization works internally and the importance of the workforce will have an impact and should be considered when assessing maturity in warehouses. By the integration of the industry 4.0 model as well as organizational maturity, we enriched the process model in order to achieve an integrated maturity model for the autonomous warehouse. To apply and test the maturity model, we used a single case study of a midsized logistics service provider. The main business activity is pre-wholesaling for pharmaceutical products; the main service is warehousing for manufacturers of pharmaceutical products and related value-adding logistics services. For the assessment itself, we used document analysis, semi-guided interviews with operators and management, process walks as well as interactive workshops to capture in-depth information, and to discuss and interpret the findings. The assessment was performed by three researchers in one day workshop. In the maturity assessment conducted, the process was able to identify and confirm both the current state and the development needs for an autonomous warehouse system.

Our observations allowed for a multi-dimensional view of the maturity of the warehouse system of this company. The predefined levels were easy to understand and sufficient in differentiating levels. The application procedure ensures a concise assessment providing further insights into how the company handles challenges and opportunities as well as how to meet customers' increasing requirements.

As the maturity levels were pre-described, the assessment is a semi-qualitative approach. Therefore, it gives room for individual understanding and interpretation. The selection of interview partners, as well as the workshop structure, allows to establish an integrated understanding of the actual situation. As industry 4.0 postulates an integrated transformation, which affects not only technology but also people and organization as well, the model was not able to describe and evaluate the inter-relationship between technology, organization and people maturity. It seems to be obvious that technology impacts organizations and people, but the knowledge and design for it require further investigations.
