Typeset

In transport logistics the utilization of transports is often unknown. As a consequence it is not possible to use this information during the transport planning phase and it cannot be used for operational transport control. This report describes technologies which can measure the utilization of shipping spaces. Due to the lack of market-ready systems, a new system was developed that uses ultrasonic sensors to determine the transport utilization. The system was built on a trailer and was tested during live operation. It was shown that the system fulfills the given requirements and it is suggested to expand the tests.

As a result of digitization, logistics objects and systems are increasingly being equipped with information and communication technologies, which is accompanied by new functionalities. Such smart objects enable a high-resolution representation of processes within a supply chain and support their control. At the same time, the variations in the technical design and integration are increasing. For the handling of complexity, an approach for a systematic structuring of objects in logistics with regard to function, structure and dependencies is presented.

Methods for monitoring and controlling material flows in a production or logistics system should support objectives like costs and throughput-time. Lean focuses on decentral, demand-driven steering of activities. Advanced manufacturing concepts for Smart Factories rely on innovative digital technologies. Which method is the best fit for steering the material flow? The Crossroads-Model explains different approaches and supports the selection of a suitable method for corporate practice.

Implementing Industry 4.0 as the digital Agenda in all manufacturing industries and thereby increasing the competitiveness is a matter of course and clearly also applicable for the food and beverage industry. With altering customer behaviours, legal requirements as well as the increasing specialization, the industrial sectors are facing continuous challenge. Even though the automation of facilities in many cases is already put into practice, the structured integration into a holistic data concept is often missing. Through the digital networking of all processes, innovative solutions are on offer. What does Industry 4.0 mean for the food and beverage industry, where the opportunities lie and which specific implementation measures are available is subject to this article.

Fast-pacing technologies force companies to improve their flexibility. Fluctuating demand and volatile markets require high reactivity. Due to Industry 4.0 and globalization, communication in companies is becoming increasingly important. Social networks can be used to improve the efficiency of in-house communication and create a connection to partners and customers. This paper discusses how social networks can support corporate communication internally as well as externally, with a focus on logistics and production. In this context, practical examples are shown and a self-developed model is presented.

In the last years, e-business and networking between companies has become an increasingly important aspect. Simultaneously with e-business, electronic data interchange has evolved and supported network formation. According to the large number of supplier platforms, like SupplyOn, the traditional 1:1 EDI communication between manufacturer and supplier is no longer the only way of interaction. The present article describes this development detailed and deals with different possibilities of data interchange just as the comparison to classical EDI.

The large number of systems offered on the market makes a well-founded selection process necessary from the requirement survey to the final system selection. A comprehensive model that systematically supports and simplifies this process is the subject of this two-part article. The methodology goes beyond a questionnaire-based query and verifies system capabilities using structured case studies. The first part of the article [1] describes the process steps from the survey and collection of requirements of the customer to the system to their structuring in customer specifications. The present second part outlines the process steps of the system rough selection up to its fine selection. The individual selection steps are methodically supported by practical references as well as by the use of concrete tools. Using the described methodology selected systems can be objectively compared - a prerequisite for effective and efficient system selection for industrial companies.

Functional materials, so called smart materials, have the ability to adapt to external environmental conditions i.e. they are able to change their properties through external physical stimuli so that, they are optimally adapted to their surroundings. These processes are accompanied by energy conversion processes. These properties predestine smart materials to act as sensors and actuators. They enable high functionality in simplified structures, already on the material level. Therewith, a new and better quality can be achieved in product design.

When aiming for an Industry 4.0 vision, companies are well-advised to not only focus on technology and data. With any digital transformation, the careful consideration of all elements of the company’s “socio-technical triangle” (man, technology, and organization) is a central success factor. Based on a qualitative survey, we identified qualification, organization, and leadership as central dimensions of the work system. Integrative measures include identification of competence requirements, training in data-thinking as well as agile working methods and structures. Finally, leadership plays a central role in orchestrating the digital transformation.

Recently, implementation procedures of automatic production, digitalization and Industrial Internet of Things technologies (IIoT) play an increasing role in industrial manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the competence requirements for employees change. These changes cannot be anticipated by traditional learning approaches. The following contribution faces this challenge and will show a new integrated learning factory approach which combines the application of new technologies with a flexible production environment. Thus establishing production surroundings that are familiar to the learner. The contribution demonstrates this approach using a quality control process in the context of logistics.