Dr. Gunnar Schomaker from the Software Innovation Campus Paderborn (SICP) emphasized how trend-setting the topic of sustainability is, and therefore every action must be considered under the aspects of efficiency, sufficiency and consistency. This ranges from the more efficient use of materials and/or energy, the reduction of production and consumption by using existing resources for longer, to the topics of environmental compatibility, recycling, waste avoidance, social fairness and more. In logistics, it is important to understand digital interactions between digital, physical and virtual logistics in order to realize a "digitally sustainable supply chain". He also appealed to the audience: "It's time to react. Integrate sustainability into everything you do and anchor it as a guiding principle."

Dr. Dirk Zantow, Managing Director at Bofrost and responsible for supply chain management, reported on the challenges in frozen food logistics. The topic of sustainability determines Bofrost's entire business activities - starting with the central distribution center in Straelen, the utilization of the trucks, the equipment and the sophisticated route planning of the delivery vehicles for the last mile through to driver training via app. Michael Virchow, SCM Projects Department Manager at Bofrost, provided insights into the warehouse management system (WMS) retrofit project at the Straelen DC. The changeover to the new WMS ProStore system, which Bofrost implemented together with TEAM, took place in a big bang around the turn of the year 2019/20. The pre-integration test alone comprised 1,500 process steps. "Thanks to TEAM's careful planning and professional support, there was not a single hour of system downtime or other scenarios that would have restricted our ability to deliver. The system really proved its worth in spring 2020 thanks to the enormous growth in business due to coronavirus," praised Virchow.

The fact that such complex projects go live so smoothly is only possible through virtual commissioning in advance. To this end, Team works together with the market-leading provider Simplan from Dortmund. By creating a digital twin in a simulation model, all processes in the WMS, in material flow computers and in subordinate control systems can be tested in advance and employee training can be carried out. But even in the case of expansions or the question of whether existing systems can process certain additional quantities, emulations can be used to carry out operational tests with the digital twin.

Tips for dealing wisely with attention

Volker Gaiser and Markus Posch from Knapp presented various automation concepts, in particular the networked "Pick-it-Easy Robot" for single-item picking. The robot cell is equipped with a camera system that works with machine learning tools to continuously improve object recognition and gripping point determination, for example, and to share this knowledge with the help of Cloud Robotics. "An intelligent robot station alone is not enough. Only through intelligent integration into the overall intralogistics system can the robot stations develop their full potential," explained Posch.

Manfred Schleicher from Element Logic demonstrated how companies have been able to generate competitive advantages through automation with AutoStore, particularly during the pandemic, using the example of various project implementations at well-known companies. The e-commerce outdoor specialist Bergfreunde has already expanded its system several times and is currently planning the next expansion stage. The system is characterized by a high level of sustainability. In addition to the robots' low power consumption of 100 W/h, the system scores points for its longevity. The AutoStore system installed at Elotec in Norway in 2005 is still in operation after more than 16 years. Element Logic integrated single-item picking by robot for the first time at Solar in 2018. However, carton erectors, conveyor systems and innovative multi-task and multi-order picking stations can also be easily connected to AutoStore systems.

At the end of the TEAM Logistics Forum, Prof. Dr. med. Volker Busch, a specialist in neurology, psychiatry and psychotherapy at the University Hospital in Regensburg, gave valuable tips on how to deal wisely with everyday digital stress. The author of the Spiegel bestseller "Kopf frei" explained in an exciting and humorous way how concentration and attention can be increased and stress reduced. With the help of focus times, but also breaks, our brain can regain clarity, concentration and creativity.

Interested parties can already make a note of the next date: The 22nd TEAM Logistics Forum will take place on November 22 in Paderborn.

The article appeared in materialfluss 1-2/22.