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A robust and resilient supply chain is a critical success factor for the competitiveness of manufacturing companies. However, today’s supply chain faces various challenges, such as higher complexities and increasing dynamics coming from megatrends (i. e. globalization and sustainability). The medium-sized drive technology industry, with its global supply chains and high customer requirements, is particularly affected by these challenges. Therefore, digitalization initiatives are crucial. This article analyzes current digitalization projects in the drive technology industry in order to identify relevant trends and fields of application. Synthesized from the industry's target picture for higher resilience/ flexibility, greater transparency and more sustainability along the supply chain, these provide guidance for medium-sized companies and their digitalization strategies. (Only in German)

The introduction of new Industry 4.0 technologies is changing job characteristics in many manual industrial sectors, especially in production and logistics, through automation and digitization. Depending on the extent and degree of maturity, these changes are perceived differently by employees and can have both positive and negative effects on job satisfaction and motivation. This article uses the example of workplaces in in-house logistics to highlight how their characteristics change as a result of the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies. It also presents a process model that can serve as a decision-making aid for companies to consider important implications for the successful transformation process and to pursue the human-centric design of manual, technically supported workplaces.

Technology is disruptive when it leads to fundamentally new business models, products and production concepts. It is not just about the technology. Disruption only occurs when new technology is used in the context of a new business model or in fundamentally changed processes. Cyber-physical systems can be used disruptively. (Only in German)

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the additional challenges that events face in terms of appropriate crowd management. This paper is dedicated analyzing these challenges and existing approaches for the safe operation of events during pandemics. Based on this, an innovative framework is presented that uses intelligent crowd analysis and is applicable to an environment with volatile groups. In addition, the specifiv use case of trade fair events is considered in this framework.

Supported by an intelligent assistance system, the sustainability and digitalisation of the tideindependent Industriehafen Bremen can be increased. To guarantee port security, a constant level of the isolated harbour is essential. There is great potential for increasing energy efficiency if the lock naturally waters the harbour basin at times of high tide instead of employing a pump station. This contribution shows how artificial intelligence and innovative software systems were used to develop an assistance system to improve existing procedures without making extensive changes to the existing port infrastructure. (Only in German)

The Act on the Protection of Human Rights in Global Supply Chains (Supply Chain Act), which will apply from 1 January 2023, pursues the goal of tracing production and working conditions that violate human rights as well as the protection of the environment in the value creation networks. To act when grievances are identi ed, information on production and working conditions must be available transparently across supply networks. However, this goal is only possible with a digital and e cient exchange of information. The question is therefore how and under what framework conditions this exchange of information can succeed.

The trend toward digitization o ers considerable potential; this is particularly true in supply chain management (SCM). However, not every technology is suitable for every company and its processes. This article presents a structured approach that supports companies in the selection process. The approach consists of several phases: Starting with the identi cation of business goals and ending with the selection of those technologies that seem most promising. Its applicability was tested in a research project at a logistics service provider. It is easily transferable to a concrete decision-making situation.

Procurement 4.0 represents comprehensive information technology networking with suppliers. This enables the automation of the operational procurement process and forms the basis for closer collaboration with strategic suppliers. However, such networking is also accompanied by risks which can sustainably reduce the success of procurement. After an assessment of digitization-induced risks it is shown that a trade-off between relationship and supplier risks takes place, depending in the intensity of the network.

Maritime container transport is the backbone of international trade and supply and distribution processes in global manufacturing networks. However, digital support of container transportation related processes is still insu cient. This article shows how a digital platform can facilitate the digital interaction between industry and logistics stakeholders. Using the quotation process as an example, it describes how the platform can support transactions between shippers and transport service providers. Use of the digital platform increases process transparency, reduces duplication of work and reduces the time required to carry out the processes.