The starting point for process optimization

"In order to inspire customers, you need to know and understand their requirements. We will therefore continue to listen carefully to our customers in 2018 and then try to offer the optimum solution for each customer's requirements. To this end, we are very close to our customers with our dense network of specialist consultants in order to get to know their requirements on site. In order to implement and visualize our suggestions even faster, we are currently equipping our specialist consultants in the office and in the field with a product and furnishing configurator. In addition to 3D planning of complete pallet racks, for example, we can also carry out individual 3D configuration of containers. Together with the customer, colors, logos, barcodes, etc. can be displayed quickly, photo-realistically and with all details fully dimensioned. On the product side, we will once again be presenting new container types at LogiMAT in spring 2018. We will also be offering an update to our Seal+Trac app, which expands the possibilities in connection with our numbered barcode seals. This will make the transportation of goods in our MB and EQ reusable transport containers even safer.

What role does the container play in process optimization in the warehouse?

"Definitely an important role. On the one hand, this has to do with the fact that the containers transport parts, products or components across various process steps. However, it is not only things that are transported, but the container also transports information with its unique ID (barcode or RFID). This data - provided it is collected and analyzed - can be used as a starting point for process optimization. On the other hand, it is the standardized format of the containers that enables process optimization through sensible automation - whether conveyor technology, miniload, shuttle, stacking and destacking machines or others.

Photo: SSI Schäfer

Two questions for Thomas SchleisiCk, Head of Product Management Container Systems at SSI Schaefer

materiafluss: Which product or corporate philosophy do you want to inspire customers with in 2018?Thomas Schleisick: As one of the global market leaders and drivers of innovation in intralogistics, SSI Schaefer is predestined like no other company to address the topic of Industry 4.0 and the associated requirements for container systems. QR codes, 2D codes, RFID transponders and in-mould labelling will become increasingly important in the future. On the materials side, the use of sustainable raw materials and the reduction of CO2 emissions are also important. In order to continue to provide our customers with the decisive competitive advantages in highly competitive markets, we rely on high performance in the form of new designs and innovative technologies for a perfectly adapted material flow. The trend towards customizing can be seen across all industries. In the container industry, this means that customers expect customized, individual packaging solutions - SSI Schaefer delivers these after a joint requirements analysis with the customer: What role does the container play in process optimization in the warehouse?Schleisick: The warehouse is part of a whole and not isolated. This is because digital networks exist not only within the company but also beyond it. Internal control and external tracking of the containers are part of this process - the containers must be able to communicate with the customer's merchandise management system. Permanent traceability is the key here: for the company, the customer and the supplier. The increasing number of goods flows is forcing this. How do the processes link up with the warehouse? SSI Schaefer answers this question by coordinating between areas and utilizing synergies. Our containers not only meet the criteria for process optimization in the warehouse, but must also be perfectly suited for internal and external transport.

Two questions for Jan Sünneker, Managing Director Sales Georg Utz

Photo: Utz

Which product or corporate philosophy do you want to inspire customers with in 2018?

The question of Utz's corporate philosophy is easy to answer: Utz stands for customized plastic load carriers - containers and pallets that are precisely adapted to the requirements of the respective customer. This often results in a new standard, sometimes it remains a very special solution for the same customer that no one else can use. For this reason, the other question of which product will delight customers in the coming year is initially like evaluating the proverbial crystal ball for Utz. The challenges will come and some of them are already emerging. One example: entire industries are shifting to a common plastic container so that they can exchange information with each other. Final decisions are about to be made here and are likely to bring an interesting turnaround to the container market next year.

mfl: What role does the container play in process optimization in the warehouse?Sünneker: The keyword "digitalization" alone makes it clear that the significance of plastic containers for process optimization is becoming increasingly important. In addition to normal barcodes and data matrix codes, more and more RFID solutions are finding their way onto plastic load carriers. Various types of RFID tags have already been used on a wide range of products from our company. This poses a major challenge for the production of a load carrier, as the process is far from complete with the "pure production" of the load carrier. The right choice of a suitable load carrier (with all possible applications) will be an important step in optimizing logistics processes in the future.

Martin Schrüfer