LogistikPlan industry sector: Logistics Services
A 24/7 circulatory system
With around 3 million employees, logistics is one of the three largest industries – after the automotive industry and retail. With quality, speed, and innovation, Germany has established itself as a global logistics leader – a strong claim for the future.
Between industry, retail, and consumers, the logistics sector operates around the clock like our cardiovascular system.
► Logistics service providers as enablers
Where logistics was previously seen as an enabler of warehousing, transport, and handling, it is increasingly becoming an enabler of new business models, service offerings, and sales channels. In response to growing digitalization and new customer requirements, the industry reacts
- with new business models,
- with expanded service offerings, and
- with innovative technologies.
► Logistics market with light and shadow
Despite its strong international market position, logistics service providers must complete their homework in a highly competitive environment – including some tough challenges:
- New players with smart business models and digital platforms are putting pressure on traditional logistics and transport providers.
- The logistics industry is under enormous cost pressure.
- Its dependence on labor costs can only be reduced in the long term through modern automation concepts.
- The use of low-wage labor is increasingly restricted by regulation.
- Relocation to low-wage countries is only of limited value, as logistics remains tied to regional producer and consumer markets.
- Staff shortages affect not only truck drivers, but increasingly also skilled and managerial personnel in warehousing and freight forwarding.
- Short contract terms (often well below five years) in contract logistics hinder investments and modernization, as well as the long-term development of qualified personnel.
- Transport infrastructure is currently – and in the medium term – unable to cope with increasing transport volumes. Although the federal government plans to invest nearly EUR 15 billion per year in roads, rail, and waterways, from the perspective of the BVL infrastructure remains underfunded at around EUR 5 billion per year.
To place logistics investments and warehouse growth on a solid footing, LogistikPlan supports its clients in selecting logistics locations through well-founded analyses and forecasts of infrastructure, personnel availability, and long-term site costs. Increasingly, the evaluation of automation approaches is also coming into focus for logistics service providers.
► Automation on the rise: four smart concepts
With both classic and innovative automation concepts, LogistikPlan pursues promising perspectives for “Intralogistics 4.0”. Large, centrally controlled systems are increasingly being replaced by compact, autonomous devices, for example:
- the Weasel AGV by Schäfer, which can be combined with conventional conveyor technology for transporting containers, cartons, or small parts
- the AutoStore system by AM Automation, a compact automated container storage system with robot-based background picking
- the Toru warehouse robot by Magazino, which supports automated picking in conventional shelving systems
- the durable GPS tracker by ECD, which enables tracking of goods and long-term recording of movement and environmental conditions without an
