Multi-function inventory handling station assembly

An inventory handling station assembly 60 for a storage and retrieval system, the storage and retrieval system comprising a grid framework structure (GFS) 14 comprising upright columns 16 forming grid columns 15 for stacking containers 10, the upright columns interconnected by first 18 and second 20 sets of grid members in a horizontal plane forming a grid comprising grid cells; the grid members 18, 20 support first and second sets of tracks 22a, 22b at an upper level of the GFS for a load handling device (LHD) 30 to move containers on the GFS; the inventory handling station assembly comprises: a supply zone 64 comprising a vertical chute 62 cooperating with an upright column and having an opening for receiving containers lowered by a LHD through a grid cell and an opening for containers to exit the supply zone; a buffer zone 70 comprising a bin lift device 68 to lift containers towards the grid for retrieval by the LHD, an access station 66 between the supply zone and the buffer zone enabling access to containers exiting the supply zone, and a conveyor system 76 for conveying containers from the supply zone to the buffer zone via the access station.