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The complex dynamics of block warehouses pose major challenges to the manual stocktaking process. Frequent relocation of pallets, crates or pallet cages without fixed storage locations leads to a time-consuming and error-prone inventory process, wherein goods often have to be searched for and damages due to improper storage can occur. The use of (semi-)autonomous drones offers a promising solution to enable automated stocktaking, especially if these are appropriately equipped for optical goods detection.

Motion-Mining® is a technology that uses motion sensors and pattern recognition to enable automated process mapping and analysis of manual work. This article evaluates the advantages and limitations of its use in manufacturing and logistics processes. To this end, Motion-Mining® is compared with traditional lean management tools used to analyze manual activities. Experiences derived from four use cases provide decision support for selecting the appropriate method for a specific use case.

Spare parts for older products are often difficult to obtain or cannot be produced in an economically viable way using conventional manufacturing techniques. This article examines whether damping elements for gearbox bearings (in/for the automotive sector) can be manufactured from thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) with the same or compatible properties as the original part alternatively using additive manufacturing.

Correctly recycling obsolete refrigeration devices plays an important role in environmental and climate protection efforts. Recycling plants are subject to regular audits to ensure their compliance with strict environmental regulations. However, the collection of audit-related data is a challenging and time-consuming task, as it is usually done manually and is prone to errors. One solution for more sustainable and efficient monitoring is to automate digital data collection using sensors and artificial intelligence. This enables a direct estimate of the expected level of pollutants. This paves the way for continuous performance monitoring and efficient management of refrigeration appliance recycling plants.

The circular economy (CE) promises a more sustainable use of resources by managing products in a cycle and striving for a transformation from a linear to a circular supply chain. In particular, digital technologies as enablers for the circular economy have been increasingly researched and applied in practice in recent years. This article describes which digital technologies offer potential for increasing circularity in the production of circular photovoltaic (PV) systems.

The flow of materials along regional and global value chains has far-reaching environmental, economic and social effects. The sustainability profile of materials should therefore play a central role in management. Adapting material flows to adhere to sustainable principles requires an integrated approach that includes all areas of the company. The decisive factor is that sustainable materials management ultimately requires the entire life cycle of a product to be taken into account – from design and produc- tion through to sales and aftercare measures.

Industrial manufacturing offers a wide range of opportunities for a more ecologically compatible and socially just organization. Sustainability-oriented HR management can competently support industrial manufacturing companies in the design and implementation of sustainable manufacturing. It is important to integrate ecological, social and economic requirements into the respective areas of responsibility. In addition, employees must be motivated and qualified to adopt environmentally friendly working practices in order to be able to implement sustainable manufacturing in practice. Sustainable incentive systems and employee-oriented personnel management must also be taken into account.

The importance of procurement in industrial management has largely grown over the last decades. Yet, the increasing strategic relevance also calls for more future orientation. This Delphi study develops a profound overview of topics that comprise an innovative“Procurement 2030”.

Despite the fact that SME innovation is critical to a country’s economic success, SMEs spend less than 50 % of their budget on R&D when compared to large companies. “Open innovation”is seen as helping SMEs to improve their competitive position. For regions dominated by SMEs it is important to develop an ecosystem that supports open innovation processes. Universities can be key enablers within these ecosystems. They support SMEs with their expertise in science and engineering as well as in innovation and project management. In this article we present a case study to demonstrate the role of a university of applied sciences in an open innovation ecosystem.