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Around the world, logistics and supply chain companies are investing more in automation and digitalization to optimize efficiency in the warehouse as part of Logistics 4.0. This has brought about a consequential change in how internal material flow takes place within a site. Better known as intralogistics, it encompasses the storage, picking, and transport processes.

Why do companies choose the SSI LOGIMAT Vertical Lift Module? What types of materials can be stored in it? How complex is the planning and design process? And what are the expected delivery times? Benjamin Höller, System Consultant for Vertical Lift Modules at SSI SCHAEFER, answers these and other exciting questions in this expert discussion.

In the Let's Talk format at SSI SCHAEFER's booth at LogiMAT 2024, Knut-Andreas Kran, CEO of ASKO OSLOFJORD AS, and Thomas Elstner, Head of Product Management Software at SSI SCHAEFER, discuss the challenges in developing, planning, and building the highly complex facility. The discussion also focuses on the SSI Case Picking solution, which has significantly contributed to the high level of automation in the facility, and thus, the improved order fulfillment quality.

Freely scalable mobile racking systems are the perfect solution for maximizing warehouse capacity and providing full flexibility in handling operations. Thanks to his many years of market experience, David Eisenhut from SSI SCHAEFER understands how much deep-freeze logistics companies, for example, benefit from this. In this interview, the expert for dynamic intralogistics solutions provides insights into how mobile racking can be integrated into warehouse processes, when automation is worthwhile and how the systems help to save energy costs.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is on the brink of a significant transformation in warehouse logistics, driven by technological advancements, economic reforms, and a dramatic rise in e-commerce. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are making substantial investments in logistics infrastructure as part of strategic initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2030, positioning themselves as key logistics hubs.

Growing FMCG businesses will inevitably reach the point where their existing logistics operations will no longer be able to handle increasing buyer demand.

At some stage, limitations in space, a growing number of SKUs or other bottlenecks, will stretch the capacity of existing picking and distribution systems until a solution needs to be found.

Digitalization offers a huge range of opportunities, but this is accompanied by security risks as a result of cybercrime. SSI SCHAEFER, one of the world’s leading providers of solutions in all areas of intralogistics, tackles these challenges with a comprehensive security concept based on standards such as ISO 27001 and IEC 62443, and the “Defense in Depth” approach. By combining cutting-edge technology, a strong partner network, and keen awareness of security issues, the company is able to ensure security in all areas and provide effective support for its customers.

The SSI LOGIMAT not only redefines efficiency and ergonomics in small parts storage but also paves the way for future-proof automation solutions. Benjamin Höller, Vertical Lift Module expert at SSI SCHAEFER, highlights the fundamental benefits and provides insights into the first steps companies can take on the road to automation.

Carsten Spiegelberg, Managing Director of Middle East and Africa, brings close to 40 years of logistics expertise. A key figure in establishing SSI SCHAEFER’s automation business across Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Australia/New Zealand, Carsten has driven the success of automation ventures. He discusses several key aspects of SSI SCHAEFER’s operations and achievements in the interview with Logistics Gulf News

Wear and tear, defects and even discontinuations can pose a real risk for system operators – in the worst-case scenario, they can even lead to a shutdown. To prevent this, proactive action is required. The solution? Obsolescence management: Through strategic planning and implementation of necessary measures, failures can be avoided, costs reduced and the lifecycle of machines efficiently extended.

Cloud solutions are on the rise everywhere. Stationary servers have become obsolete almost everywhere, not only in private and office applications, but also in warehouses. Since 2019, SAP has been offering the standard warehouse management solution SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) as a separate system within the SAP S/4HANA suite. The WMS can be hosted or operated both “on premise” (i.e. on the operator's own servers or a connected data center) and in the cloud.

In the world of intralogistics, where efficiency and precision are crucial, the Warehouse Management System (WMS) plays a central role in success. WMS systems are the backbone of any modern warehouse, enabling companies to optimize their stock levels, accelerate process orders, and seamlessly integrate the entire logistics process. But how can companies ensure they are getting the best possible WMS solution that meets their individual needs? The answer lies in complete logistics and software consulting from a single source.

Whether in industrial, e-commerce, or the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sector: Wherever single-piece picking is required in the small parts area, maximum precision is essential – with growing product assortments and increasing availability and quality demands. In the interview, SSI SCHAEFER experts Markus Jammernegg, Head of Modules, and Thomas Elstner, Head of Product Management, Product Line Software, provide insights into the fully automated solution for single piece picking SSI Piece Picking, which is characterized by its gentle product handling. The robotic solution takes over repetitive tasks and speeds up picking processes thanks to intelligent software.

In March 2022, Nahdi Medical Company (Nahdi) launched its first automated pharmaceutical distribution center, IMDAD, located in Jeddah Second Industrial City as part of developing its core capabilities to support the company’s strategy. Covering an area of 250,000 m², the advanced facility features temperature-controlled logistics and employs cutting-edge technology and systems to automate the order fulfillment process.

In intralogistics, the term "retrofit" refers to the modernization of machines, equipment, and software systems. It is a cost-effective alternative to buying new, ensures sustainable operation, and goes hand in hand with increased system efficiency. But what exactly does it mean when a software system in a warehouse is modernized? What impacts on ongoing operation can be expected?

Successful fulfillment has become a multidimensional and complex service within the supply chain. Automated, highly dynamic warehouses in particular require sophisticated order fulfillment software solutions: such as those offered by the WAMAS Warehouse Control System (WCS). Modern WCS systems are the first choice in automated warehouses across all industries. They connect both people and performance modules and help align order fulfillment efficiently.

Expectations of logistics continue to grow, and the ability to respond consistently requires a high degree of agility and flexibility. Affordable plug & play solutions serve as the basis for easy integration into existing processes, and diverse expansion options ensure a high degree of flexibility, even for dynamic requirements in connection with ongoing expansion. SSI SCHAEFER is a family-run intralogistics specialist with a long history anchored in the SME sector, offering modularly combinable, scalable and reliable logistics systems in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

No matter whether it is due to rapid growth, supply bottlenecks or absence of employees – the importance of flexibility in small parts storage becomes apparent in cases of unforeseen events. How do you ensure delivery capacity, even in dynamic times? If automation is the solution, what measures can be implemented in a small parts warehouse with only minor investment? How flexible and scalable are these systems?

Pallets, bins and cartons in partly or fully automated warehouses are transported to palletizing, picking or shipping in certain sequences. The more efficiently this is done, the greater the technical performance that can be achieved. SSI SCHAEFER's WAMAS logistics software features a new sequencing solution that provides flexible waiting points for short-term buffering of goods within the conveyor network, increasing flexibility and scalability in the warehouse.

... Even When the Temperature Rises in Frozen Food and Fresh Produce Logistics

Special requirements are the order of the day, particularly in fresh produce logistics. Fresh produce logistics comprises fresh fish, dairy, and fruit and vegetable shipments from countries all over the world, as well as frozen food shipments straight to the consumer – and always in the shortest time possible. Frozen food and fresh produce require uninterrupted cooling in order to preserve their maximum shelf life. It goes without saying that this also involves adherence to all legal provisions regarding the cold food chain.

Did you know that single-piece picking is one of the most cost-intensive processes in material handling? At LogiMAT 2023, Martin Böhmer, VP Global Technology, and Thomas Elstner, Head of Product Management Software, from SSI SCHAEFER as well as Elmar Stöve, Managing Director, RO-BER, discussed the use and benefits of picking robots in the «Let's Talk Expert Panel Discussions».

The corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine are crises that have caused many industries to evaluate operations because they highlight and even aggravate known problems. For instance, lack of digitization or the shortage of skilled workers have exposed a somewhat fragile ecosystem. Solutions to these challenges are needed quickly to remain competitive and secure the future of many companies. Cold storage logistics is one of the sectors that calls for new solutions.

How volume reduction helps to reduce CO₂ emissions and what returnable container options SSI SCHAEFER provides.

The e-commerce sector continues to grow exponentially and promises rapidly increasing sales. However, at the same time, the number of returns is constantly rising, which puts a strain on margins. The fashion industry suffers from this development, as it wants its products to be available for the customer as quickly as possible to prevent loss of value in the seasonal business. Automation is an effective solution of meeting this ideal.

What potential does data have in warehouses, what software supports data processing and what challenges should be considered? Martin Böhmer, VP Global Technology, and Mario Traar, Digitalization Expert at SSI SCHAEFER, answer these questions in the Expert Roundtable 2023.

Intralogistics is all about complex, long-term relationships with multiple personal contacts at every stage, from warehouse layout design to implementation to lifetime service. To achieve operational efficiency, maximum availability and rapid response are essential. Service providers in all industries consider their top priority to be making customers' everyday lives easier. The standard service package for intralogistics includes 24/7 technical support, call out support, preventive maintenance, reactive support and a long list of other services. With the introduction of Industry 4.0 and also remote tools, such as SSI Augmented Support, communication became clearer and respond times became shorter.

Hackers often sneak unnoticed into companies’ IT infrastructure. One popular method is to gain access through phishing emails or exploit security vulnerabilities and then access not only the company’s IT systems, but also connected systems.

How can seasonal fluctuations be mastered with the help of automated logistics systems? Can the use of automated guided vehicles avoid staff shortages and increase efficiency and productivity? Stefan Neubauer from LGI Logistics, Karl Rapp from DS AUTOMOTION and Stefan Reichwald from SSI SCHAEFER discuss the challenges and solutions of future-proof logistics in the Let's Talk expert panel discussions 2023.

Implementing a uniform warehouse management system (WMS) across multiple sites around the world requires appropriate software capabilities and extensive program management expertise. The tried and tested solution approach of the experts at SSI SCHAEFER presents a combination of industry and implementation expertise alongside the use of our in-house WAMAS Enterprise WMS solution. The scalable approach offers customers of all sizes, from local start-ups to global enterprises, numerous advantages – both in terms of technology and cost.

When planning a new logistics building – and for retrofits too – green building and sustainability factors gain in importance. SSI SCHAEFER offers several green solutions. Moreover, the company offers further services from energy consulting and planning, certification and monitoring, and subsidy consulting. Johannes Zimmermann, Director Construction Management at SSI SCHAEFER, provides deeper insights in the following interview.

What are the implications of the labor shortage, the sustainability factor and rising energy costs in deep-freeze logistics? Dr. Sabine Eichner from the German Frozen Food Institute, Guido Follert from Fraunhofer-IML and Andreas Oy from SSI SCHAEFER discuss the challenges and solutions for future-proof deep-freeze logistics in the Let's Talk expert panel discussions 2023.

A new compact “C” assembly group is now available, completing the range of proven SSI Exyz storage-retrieval machines from SSI SCHAEFER. SSI Exyz C automates the pallet rack processes in existing buildings in heights of up to 13.5 m. Without any need to upgrade floor slabs or perform extensive modifications - implementation during ongoing operation is also possible. Learn more about the energy-efficient solution.

In the following interview, Elie Zita provides an overview of how digitalization has revolutionized customer service, guaranteeing maximized system availability and sustainability as a result of customized, predictive maintenance.

In the area of Integrator Business Automation, SSI SCHAEFER applies a product-based approach to supplying the market. Our day-to-day business involves delivering intralogistics components to a general contractor. How this business sector works and the role that SSI SCHAEFER plays is explained by Arnold Lanz, Vice President of Hub Development & Integrator Business Automation.

Learn more about how SSI SCHAEFER increases efficiency in manual or semi-automated processes with our AGV portfolio.

The everyday role of e-commerce in retail, wholesale, and fashion industries, becomes also more important for pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies with the growth of online pharmacies. Increased consumer health awareness, coupled with self-medication trends, is leading to higher online demand for over-the-counter products and beauty and care orders.

An activity is carried out efficiently and effectively when it comes easy and follows clear processes. In order to meet these requirements, as part of the ergonomics@work!® program, we implement special picking stations designed to motivate employees, promote peak performance and significantly improve ergonomics at the work station. Movements such as lifting and carrying are assisted with ergonomic pulling and pushing. This means optimization of workflows and work heights. The goal is to create “feel-good work stations” that feature intuitive operator guidance using intelligent communication and display systems. The solutions are specifically tailored to the customer’s needs.

Interview with Dr. Armin Vogel: how sustainable plastic containers are produced and used in logistics over the long term.

Our experts provide insights into an array of trends and innovations that everyone involved with intralogistics needs to know.

Fully automatic concepts that are integrated seamlessly into intralogistics processes, provide the ideal basis for tailor-made, gentle and reliable product handling. For this purpose, SSI SCHAEFER offers tailor-made, modular solutions for robot-supported palletizing and picking as well as high-performance robotics applications for single-piece picking in the warehouse.

Every last inch of space in your warehouse is taken – so what do you do now? Looking for a bigger building is one option, but it’s not the only one. Perhaps you could use your space even more efficiently? This may take a lot of time, effort, and planning, but with the right partner by your side you can maximize the potential of the space already available to you.

Ergonomics and improved work station layout, introducing a safety culture, specific work instructions and the introduction of regular safety checks ensure a safe warehouse environment. While this may sound straightforward, it is often neglected in practice and can unfortunately result in accidents. Make your warehouse safer.

Freshness, timeliness, and service quality are the challenges of the food retailing industry in the classic, stationary retail trade. Due to the changing consumption patterns and the online boom in the food retail industry, new logistics challenges arise, which can only be met with state-of-the-art software.

Intralogistics systems are becoming larger and larger and increasingly complex. Today’s computing power of a modern warehouse IT infrastructure is breaking new ground in terms of size and complexity, thus reaching dimensions that would have been unimaginable just a couple of years ago. In the following article Markus Klug, Team Leader Data Analysis & Simulation, explains how SSI SCHAEFER enables sustainable logistics with and through IT.

What do user-centric solutions for digital intralogistics from SAP look like? What advantages do they offer? And what do you need to consider before and during implementation? Matthias Nater, Digital Supply Chain Management & Manufacturing at SAP Germany, and Alexander Bernhard, Managing Director of SWAN GmbH, discuss the current challenges and SAP software solutions along the supply chain in the Let's Talk expert panel discussions 2023.