Flexibility as a basis
Lean management ensures an optimized material flow that adapts to individual customer requirements. In addition, companies save storage capacity and the associated costs. Required material is only made available when it is actually needed. As a result, production is customized according to customer orders. The main advantages of this are the avoidance of over- and underproduction, cost savings and increased flexibility.

However, the adaptability gained must not compromise the quality of the material used. Otherwise, both increased downtime and repairs will result in costs or unnecessary consumption of resources. Nevertheless, it is not enough to simply consider the efficiency-enhancing principles of lean production at a methodical level: anyone who plans to optimize the internal flow of materials must also take into account the quality of the materials used.
If you want to optimize the internal flow of materials, you have to pay attention to flexibility and durability when constructing operating resources.

When does lean management pay off?
As high storage capacities are no longer required, lean management has a direct impact on stock levels. This creates free capacity for additional product lines. The supplier replenishes the required material directly or from a separate central warehouse. The principles of lean production thus make above-average corporate success possible. The main focus is on reducing complexity, with the aim of finding efficient solutions using simple means. In order to optimize production, the work steps take place less on the assembly line and more at assembly stations, resulting in more extensive processes. This makes it possible to eliminate production lines that are less in demand and to expand existing production lines in order to improve the manufacturing process. The result is cost savings and a reduction in disruptions.

Interaction between people and technology
As a complex process, the material flow affects warehousing
as well as the entire production process. Without people, it would therefore not be possible to implement the lean concept in intralogistics. After all, only the employee on site can immediately recognize where there is waste or how processes can be further optimized. This is why companies should place particular emphasis on promoting the role of employees when introducing lean intralogistics. In the networked economy, cooperation between man and machine is therefore increasingly taking center stage - technology provides solutions that relieve both companies and employees. Logistics systems and processes are becoming more flexible, increasing production efficiency and securing workforce capacities.

For example, the matControl graphics graphical material flow computer from sysmat GmbH uses interfaces to more than 20 system manufacturers to connect different machines for better communication. It also shows the user the entire material flow, for example in automated warehouses. This enables the user to identify where errors occur or where there is still potential for optimization. The more well-coordinated the team, the better results can be achieved. People shine above all with their creativity, individuality and adaptability. Technology, on the other hand, is characterized by accuracy, speed and endurance. Where people use modern solutions for support, meaningful collaborations arise for companies.

About Systmat
As one of the market-leading providers, sysmat from Mainhausen develops graphical material flow computers for automated systems, automated warehouses and production lines. The material flow computer software matControl graphics enables companies to modernize systems independently of the manufacturer. Development and commissioning times are significantly reduced thanks to standard functions, in-house commissioning, directly effective changes and configurable interfaces to more than 20 system manufacturers. The graphical user interface matStudio graphics visualizes the material flow and simplifies fault detection and rectification. As part of the IT Innovation Award, matControl was awarded "Best of 2012" and "Best of 2015" by the Initiative Mittelstand. One of the company's core competencies is the replacement of outdated material flow computer software in existing automated logistics centers. The experience gained here forms the basis for the development of the software.