The introduction of new technologies in the warehouse has proven to have a major impact on logistics processes, especially with regard to automated warehouses and storage systems. In addition, new, more flexible automation solutions for warehouses are constantly being introduced to the market. As a result, this topic is also increasingly relevant for contract logistics service providers who place particular importance on flexibility. Contract logistics must therefore deliver optimal and stable processes despite unfavorable external influences such as the shortage of skilled workers. The aim of this thesis is to identify the drivers and barriers for the use of automation in the warehouse of contract logistics service providers. After defining several terms relating to warehouse logistics, the special characteristics of contract logistics and the automation of logistics in the warehouse are discussed. In the main part of this thesis, the drivers and barriers from the scientific literature are first identified with the help of a systematic literature review. Aferterwards they are examined from a practical perspective. To this end, expert interviews were conducted and evaluated using a qualitative content analysis. Finally, the drivers and barriers from science and practice were compared.