Fachforen LogiMAT 2020

Chaired by: Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel, Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Institute of Material Flow and Logistics (IML), Chair of Materials Handling and Warehousing, TU Dortmund University

In intralogistics, digitalization and artificial intelligence will be the first to break through. Swarms of autonomous guided vehicles that organize themselves, connect to their platforms and pay for their journeys via blockchain, will become the symbol of the coming Silicon Economy in intralogistics. New business models will be created that require open and federal eco-systems, cooperations with industry and coopetition with market players. These hypotheses are discussed in this forum.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Echelmeyer, Logistics, Material Flow Design, Operations Research, Reutlingen University, ESB Business School, member of the Intralogistics Network in Baden-Württemberg e. V.

How fast and efficiently can you react to changes in your business goals or in your order situation? What means can be used to gradually increase levels of freedom and productivity in intralogistics?
Flexibility is not an end in itself – it should give you and your company better scope for action. Applied at the right place in your processes, innovative technology gives more reaction capability, without tying up too much capital or personnel. In the I.N. Forum practitioners report on their experiences from automation projects.

Chaired by: Sandra Lehmann, Editor, LOGISTIK HEUTE, HUSS-VERLAG GmbH, Munich

Generation Greta is making it clear: When it comes to climate protection and sustainability, declarations of intent are no longer enough. So, in these times of plastic shaming and the throw-away society, packaging logistics has also had to look very closely at the theme of sustainability and develop initial solutions for packaging that are environmentally friendly and secure - for storage, transport and dispatch. What these new applications look like, what they bring and whether they are made of plastic, paper or another material entirely, will be discussed by experts from business and research.

Chaired by: Alexandra Kornacher, Head of Design, Research Group for Optimizing Added Value at the University of Augsburg (HSA_ops)

Reducing emissions is an urgent concern, if we are to meet the Climate Action Plan 2050. Commercial logistics is responsible for a part of these emissions in the transport and industrial sectors, but changes since 1990 have been marginal. The goal is still to reduce emissions in comparison to today´s levels by 55% (in transport) and 34% (in industry) by the intermediate date of 2030. In this forum experts will be exploring how this goal can still be achieved, in Pecha-Kucha-style presentations and in discussions with the audience.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Philipp Gölzer, Head of the Business Area “Digitalized Production“, Fraunhofer SCS and Professor at the Technical University of Nuremberg

A great deal of data are generated in logistics processes. But when companies decide to leverage these valuable data using data analytics, they often meet problems, because of poor data quality, fragmented or incorrect data, or different formats. Or, for a particular application, the correct data may simply not be available. We show examples from practical applications, where we have overcome these hurdles and generated real added value from data for process optimization or the development of new services. The Fraunhofer SCS and partners deliver an AI reality check.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Fottner, Chair in Materials Handling, Material Flow, Logistics at the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich

Trouble-free cooperation between man and machine is one of the main pillars of Industry 4.0. The demands on logistics systems are steadily rising, driven by an increasing number of variants and rising pressure on costs and time. The latest technologies and intuitive operating concepts are offering new freedom to design the workplace of the future for a changing society. In this forum experts from business and research explain how assistance systems support human workers and in doing so, help reduce errors.

Chaired by: Waldemar Osterhoff, Senior Consultant Forum-FTS GmbH, Voerde

Smart digital factories need intelligent AGV systems that are intuitive to operate and have standardized interfaces on innovative platforms. Transport robotics in fast 5G networks are leading to intelligent and much more flexible material flow solutions. Themes covered include how 5G is bringing the vision of cyber-physical systems much closer in Industry 4.0. New system approaches in AGVs will be illustrated using an example that also integrates 5G data transmission and processing in the Edge Cloud. An example with open innovative architecture in warehouse logistics shows the new trends.

Chaired by: Peter Altes, Director, AIM-D e. V., Lampertheim

Production, the supply chain and logistics are in a process of digital transformation and are becoming ever more closely intertwined. Automatic identification systems (AutoID) form the basis of this process and of communication between people, machines and objects. Integration with software systems, Cloud connectivity (IoT/IIoT) – in particular security – present major challenges. AIM experts will demonstrate and explain to you the contribution of AutoID to digital transformation and thereby more efficient control and optimization of company processes.

Chaired by: Dr.-Ing. Kai Pfeiffer, Group Director, Service Robotics for Industry and Commerce, Fraunhofer IPA, Dortmund

Reliability and short delivery times play an ever more important role in purchase decisions. Commissioning therefore needs to be fast and efficient. Whether that job is done by a human operative or a machine, intelligent algorithms have the overview. They gather orders together in batches, plan the routes and allocate warehouse space. Artificial intelligence enables robots to reliably identify goods, grasp them securely and lay them in an ordered way in shipping cartons. By means of “deep learning”, AGVs identify the best route and adapt their driving behavior to suit the situation.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Schulz, Director, Institute of Mechanical Handling and Logistics (IFT), University of Stuttgart

Sequence 1
09:30 - 10:00

Studying logistics – online and in-work

Further learning with the University of Stuttgart

The MASTER:ONLINE in Logistics Management course is one of a number of pioneering initiatives in Germany to offer online study for people already in work. Students learn technical as well as business competences culminating in a master´s degree or a professional certificate. The “Master of Business and Engineering in Logistics Management” (MBE) is internationally recognized and a pathway to a PhD. Find out in this forum about flexible and needs-oriented study options.

Sequence 2
10:00 - 11:00

Excellence in manual order-picking

Designing efficient and flexible manual order-picking systems

Manual order-picking systems offer high flexibility at low investment cost. People are capable of adapting quickly to dynamic, heterogeneous processes and when there are capacity fluctuations, people can move to other functions within the company. For that reason manual activities are an integral feature of commissioning processes in production and distribution logistics. This series of talks by practitioners and researchers delivers specific, scientifically founded approaches to planning and optimizing manual order-picking systems.

Sequence 3
11:30 - 12:30

Decentralized control in automated material flow systems

Needs-oriented component sequencing on location

Material flow systems that are capable of reacting to event-driven real-time needs at the sink have to be flexible. A static pearl chain which takes several days to work through does not meet these demands. Integrating human sensory and cognitive capabilities as a decentralized decision-making point in automated material flow systems creates flexibility in dealing with event-driven situations.

Sequence 4
13:30 - 14:30

Simulation of material flow systems

Planning and control in research and practice

As a result of ever shorter innovation and development cycles, growing competitive pressure and an increasing variety of services and products, material flow simulation is becoming more and more important.
Three talks are presented in this series: The first two talks, by the Institute of Mechanical Handling and Logistics at Stuttgart University, are an introduction to the themes of simulation-based planning and control of material flow systems. The final talk is by SimPlan AG, a leading simulation service-provider in the area of material flow systems.

Sequence 5
15:00 - 16:00

Sensorics for autonomous logistics systems

Approaches and solutions from research and industry

Whether mobile, stationary or a mix of both – autonomous systems need sensors. What applies to vehicles, applies also to logistics. When systems make decisions independently and should also be able to react to unexpected occurrences, then sensors provide the required information about the environment. This information can be acquired at the autonomous system itself, or also through the installed infrastructure. Approaches and solutions to sensorics in autonomous logistics systems are presented in this series of talks.

Chaired by: Bettina Bohlmann, Start-In Guide, 3p procurement branding GmbH, Düsseldorf. Participator in the Supply Chain Summit EXCHAiNGE 2020

Many companies still act in accordance with the belief that sticking to their ways and focusing on investing in technology and materials will bring them a sustainable competitive advantage. Yet the reality is that products, processes, even knowledge can be copied and that companies can quickly be overtaken by the competition on all these fronts. The key factor in ensuring success lies therefore in creating a unique (own) corporate culture with strong integration. How to overcome barriers to innovation and initiate and manage the transformation process will be the subject of discussion here with the experienced change expert Bettina Bohlmann and other pioneers in corporate practice.

Chaired by: Dipl.-Ing. Sami Demircan, Senior Account Manager Smart Automation, TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH, Munich

Driverless transport systems (DTS) are now an accepted part of manufacturing, logistics and the health service. Especially in combination with a manipulator or robot, they make an important contribution to the productivity of a company. Safety is of course a must. However, what is less clear, and sometimes even contradictory, are the regulations regarding safety testing of DTS. A catalog of standards has still not been produced. This series of talks by TÜV Süd takes up these problems and shows DTS manufacturers and integrators solutions for international market access.

Chaired by: Thorsten Aha, editor in chief ident, Ident Verlag & Service GmbH, Dortmund

In order to survive in the market at present and meet the many and varied demands of customers, what´s needed are flexible solutions and innovative technologies. For SMEs in particular effective implementation of digitalization is an enormous challenge. Examples of efficient technical solutions for autoID technology applications in automation and logistics will be presented and discussed. In a series of experienced-based talks the applications for technologies such as RFID, mobile IT, barcodes and the use of robots will be explored

Chaired by: Michael Lickefett, Head of Department for Factory Planning and Production Management, Fraunhofer IPA, Stuttgart

Intelligent systems promise enormous savings in production costs because they simplify, supplement and enable new ways of optimizing production. In this forum IPA experts point out ways in which the causes for losses can be identified in ongoing production processes. They explain how manual operations can be digitally logged and evaluated and how intelligent systems can contribute to production planning.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr. Dr. Bernd H. Kortschak, Chair, Business Administration and Logistics, Erfurt University of Applied Sciences

The advances in data processing and in IT have, it seems, greatly simplified warehouse planning. CAD is used in getting the most out of the available space on the site in question, and computers also support warehouse operations. Yet this approach does not take into account the function of the warehouse in the supply chain or the requirements of the goods being stored or the markets. The value of the goods, the delivery service, space conditions, sales volumes etc. – all these are important factors which should be integrated into warehouse planning and operations.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr.- Ing. habil. Rolf Jansen, Managing Director, Verein zur Förderung innovativer Verfahren in der Logistik (VVL) e. V., Dortmund

In many areas of logistics disruptive technological changes have been experienced in recent years. Self-driving vehicles in warehouse distribution, intelligent packaging in the warehouse and man-machine collaborations in order-picking are examples of successful implementation of these rapid developments. Experts from research and business explain, using selected examples, the opportunities this opens up for companies and what measures are necessary in order to be able to use the innovations sensibly.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr. Kai-Oliver Schocke, Professor for Production Management and Logistics, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Using the example of a transformation project for complex discrete production at Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG, the speakers explains how a heterogeneous technology landscape can be harmonized in tune with logistics globally via a template strategy with solutions from the supply chain execution platform, based on SAP. And also in the process, how that landscape can be digitalized. The team of speakers: Prof. Schocke from Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Jürgen Beetz, Senior Director SAP Competence Center at Kärcher and Daniela Oppmann, Director Business Development Logistics at SALT Solutions.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Thorsten Schmidt, VDI-Gesellschaft Produktion und Logistik (GPL) and holder of the Chair in Technical Logistics, Technical University of Dresden

Lengthy and flawed start-up phases in automatic logistics systems are now a thing of the past. Today digital twins are used to ensure successful development of logistics IT systems. Through real-time coupling of real IT systems with simulation models, virtual test environments are created which enable early and comprehensive quality assurance of control systems in equipment and components in intralogistics. Presented in this trade forum is the soon-to-be-published VDI Guideline 4497 on emulation.

Chaired by: Dr.-Ing. Günter Ullrich, Director, Forum-FTS GmbH, Voerde, Head of VDI FA

Demands on safety in the AGV world are high. To minimize uncertainties in planning and implementing DTS, the VDI Committee on AGV has presented two important new documents that need to be taken into account: First a new edition of VDI 2510, sheet 2 (for manufacturers and operators), plus new easy-to-understand guidelines for AGV operators.
One focus will be on demands on AGV in outdoor areas: The latest sensor technology, a new standards basis and smart services are opening the way to outdoor use.

Chaired by: Dr. Jörg Pirron, Director in the Intralogistics Network in Baden-Württemberg e. V., Managing Director, PROTEMA Unternehmensberatung GmbH

In many companies there is uncertainty: How far should digitalization go in corporate functions and decision-making, and for what purpose? What changes will this result in for operational processes and the employees? This uncertainty leads to opportunities being missed; in some cases the motivation of the workforce is being undermined: nobody wants to be just a cog in a large and incomprehensible machine. The experts in this I.N. Forum point out how companies can approach change in a pro-active and strategic way, and shape the digital transformation for their benefit.

Chaired by: Dr. Veronika Kretschmer, Consulting Psychology and Ergonomics, Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), Dortmund

Even in digitalized warehouses, people will continue to play an important role. The latest examples from industry and research show how the latest order-picking technologies can be adapted to both the employee and the processes. For tomorrow´s order-picking, overall analysis and design are key. Also presented here, as well as a checklist on the ergonomics of data goggles and applications from practical day-to-day operations, is the dynamic order-picking test center of the Fraunhofer IML.

Chaired by: Prof. Dr. Michael Henke, Director, Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics, Dortmund

Through the latest developments in technology and the world economy, trade relations between Germany and China are taking on increasing importance. Exchange between logistics experts in both countries and the implementation of joint research and industrial projects are essential in order to be able to meet the global challenges together. In this forum experts from research and industry discuss the trends and developments as well as the opportunities and challenges of cooperation projects between Germany and China in Logistics 4.0.

Chaired by: Dr. Christian Jacobi, Director, EffizienzCluster Management GmbH, Managing Partner, agiplan GmbH, Mülheim an der Ruhr

Digitalization and automation are bringing about long-term change in intralogistics, not only generating greater efficiency and flexibility, but also prompting companies to review their logistics structures. Process and system optimization is a way to, for example, further develop analogue business models and traditional working methods. In this sector experts explain how to optimize logistics networks and processes, implement digital tools, reduce costs and open the way for growth – all in an effective organization.