Logistics

The progressive digitization of the working environment requires an infrastructure in production and logistics companies. In addition to establishing communication networks, a digitized infrastructure can itself be used as the subject of intelligent behaviour. Using the example of intelligent lighting control in port logistics, this article provides an overview of the potentials and hurdles that exist. First, it be examines how infrastructures in ports are structured and which technical solutions exist to implement intelligent control methods. Thereafter, it shows the potential arising from such intelligent lighting control, example given up to 35 % saving of energy costs allocated to electricity, and what hurdles must be overcome beforehand.

Our production, logistics and communication networks are becoming increasingly complex. More and more information has to get from sender to receiver in an increasing speed. In this interconnected and digital world, more people, companies, machines and products interact with each other. Each of these network participants has specific characteristics that describe its identity. On the basis of these digital identity it is possible to connect the entities directly with each other.

The digital transformation of production logistics processes promises great potentials for increasing their efficiency. The processes can thus be better controlled and existing capacities better utilized. For a successful digital transformation, the quality of the information that will be collected and processed is a key factor. This paper presents a method for a systematic digital transformation of production logistics processes, with a focus on information flows and their quality.

Regarding to a lack of transparency, expert interviews have shown that many activities in load-carrier-management in companies are performed manually and are prone to errors. The consequences are overstock or more severe understock of load carriers. This article presents the concept of the data-based service “automated monitoring of stock levels”. The service is based on the integration of technologies for identification, communication and localization into conventional load carriers and the generation of data during the logistic process. The data are processed in a cloud-based service-system that triggers supply chain events in case of potential understock of load carriers to prevent supply chain disruptions.

Process modeling represents a challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises. In most cases, the added value is not recognized and is therefore rarely used. This article shows the potential of process modeling in order picking processes. The focus is on the documentation of the processes as well as their execution. Deficits in companies are pointed out and clarified, how the process modeling can solve these. Above all in the management of different process variants adaptive process modeling can show advantages. The resulting adaptive process models form the basis for making processes executable.

Graduates in logistics management find themselves in working environments characterised by developments in digitalisation, automation and decentralisation. These trends are often summarised as “Logistics 4.0” when they take place in the field of logistics. In order to prepare students for these trends before they leave their university, laboratories equipped with the appropriate technologies could be used. This article describes how such a laboratory could be set up and what components it could consist of.