Innovation driver Industry 4.0 and e-commerce

In times of short product life cycles and rapid changes, it is important for Schulte Lagertechnik to constantly improve its products and think in a solution-oriented way. Christian Janhsen gives an example: "The special design of our Multiplus shelves and the combination of manufacturing processes used are an important basis for further developments for us." The focus here is on the existing product range, which the company aims to continuously improve and expand in 2018 through further collaborations.

"The defining issue in the industry is digitalization." "The defining topic in the industry is digitalization." Peter Beilenhoff, META Regalbau

META Regalbau is consistently working on improving its products in order to be able to offer customers optimum warehouse equipment in the future. "We are focusing on the further development of our system solutions and efficient accessories. This should further expand our competitive advantages in the project business," says Peter Beilenhoff. As an example, he cites the mesh back panels and shelves that match the META Multipal pallet racking, which the company presented for the first time at the last LogiMAT. The company wants to score points not only with its products, but also with its outstanding service. This is why the range of integrated logistics planning services is being expanded. META Regalbau is ideally positioned for this. Peter Beilenhoff: "In addition to our comprehensive warehouse planning, we can offer efficient order picking and LED lighting solutions in coordination with cooperation partners." For him, the expansion of on-site technical advice in order to be closer to the customer is also part of the expansion of service quality. The newly created Business Development International department is forward-looking. "For many years, we have been a competent partner in e-commerce when it comes to building large shelving systems. META has acquired many skills that can also be used for large-scale projects," says Peter Beilenhoff.

Very good project situation

"We rate the current project situation as very good." Stefan Pfeifer, voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik

Stefan Pfeifer points to the positive economic situation in the industry. The Managing Director of voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik GmbH rates the current project situation as very good. "There is obviously a lot of investment in logistics projects," he says. It is noticeable that planning times are becoming longer and longer. According to Pfeifer, several options for optimizing logistics processes are considered in the pre-project phase. As a result, the planning phase can take several months until the right solution is found. "Implementation, on the other hand, happens very quickly. We have to be able to promise the desired times with a clear conscience. We rely on optimized, digital processes," he explains. In his view, the market has become more fast-moving. "Every week that the warehouse goes into operation earlier is crucial for investors." In addition, many customers in conurbations are faced with a shortage of space. "Our expertise lies in the realization of high warehouses. This allows us to achieve maximum capacity in the smallest of spaces," says Pfeifer.

In the course of digitalization in intralogistics, Krems Finaltechnik is concentrating on customer benefits. "The focus is on 3D representations in the planning phase and optimizations in project planning," explains the Managing Director. In future, his company will rely on digital components in planning in order to be closer to the market and respond to customer needs in the best possible way. The high-bay warehouse itself and the associated components as core products of Krems Finaltechnik are already at a very high level. "Of course, optimizations are constantly being made to help us with implementation. Rapid project implementation will be a decisive factor in the future," says Pfeifer.

Intralogistics in constant change

"The German market is of strategic importance to us." Laura Garrido, AR Racking

From AR Racking's point of view, efficient storage solutions are far more than just rows of racks. "The right design and the right configuration determine the smooth running of a modern warehouse," says Laura Garrido, Regional Area Manager for Germany. Intralogistics is constantly changing. This applies to picking solutions as well as WMS systems or storage and retrieval machines, which are moving faster and higher. "In general, our products and services are geared towards the needs of our customers and their efforts to achieve a quick return on investment. Our expertise also includes the further development of existing warehouses over a period of five to fifteen years," explains Laura Garrido. AR Racking offers a comprehensive range of innovative and modular storage solutions for every type of company - with high technological standards derived from the work of its own research and development department. "AR Racking is therefore increasingly present on the demanding German market, also thanks to a dense distribution and sales network," says Laura Garrido. Her company stands for a wide range of solutions and services, from the planning of storage systems to commissioning. "All project phases are aimed at improving the competitiveness of operators through efficient solutions with high quality standards."

Our activities in the silo market are very strong. We have realized projects in many industrial sectors worldwide. Through our newly developed product portfolio, we offer competitive and excellent industrial designs for every logistics requirement. The German market is of strategic importance to us and we want to expand in order to adequately support the fast-growing intralogistics sector and its system integrators. Silos play an important role in our portfolio.

Klaus Hiemer