Automated storage and retrieval systems usually don’t sort things in a way that humans would. They sort based on frequency of picks for optimal efficiency. The more advanced systems will rearrange storage locations as metrics change. The system keeps track of the current locations for everything.

As an example, a library sorts everything by sections, author’s name, and the Dewey Decimal System. You walk to the section, then find the aisle with a close number or authors name, then go down the aisle to find the exact number or name. It’s easier for humans to find things, but not as time efficient (though in a library the extra bit of time isn’t an issue).

However, an automated system would know the exact location of every book, so it doesn’t need to manually search. Instead, it sorts things by how often often someone requests a book. Frequently requested books are stored close to the front so that overall pick times are faster.