Innovative storage system

Industry 4.0 stands for the digitalisation and networking of production and logistics processes. In the warehouse sector, this primarily involves the consistent automation and intelligent control of all material and information flows in real time. Modern warehouse technology therefore not only includes highly developed shelving systems, but also integrates AI-supported warehouse management systems Industry 4.0 into all processes.

• Real-time data analysis: Inventory, movements and status of goods are continuously monitored with the help of sensors and software.
• Networked systems: IoT-compatible devices communicate with each other, automatically adapt processes and control robots or automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
• Transparency: All relevant key figures can be called up at any time. This not only optimises warehouse processes, but also higher-level areas such as purchasing, sales and transport management.

With increased environmental awareness and legal requirements, the ecological component of warehouse logistics is also coming more into focus. Climate-neutral processes and material cycles are increasingly becoming standard requirements.

Sustainable storage containers and circular economy in logistics

Container management plays a central role when it comes to environmental protection. Sustainable storage containers Circular economy in logistics stands for a concept in which reusable containers are used, returned and recycled in a resource-saving manner.

• Robust reusable containers: Can be used for many years and therefore protect the environment.
• Recyclability: At the end of their life cycle, containers made of high-quality plastics are recycled and reused in new products.
• Optimisation of return processes: Modern track-and-trace systems record the whereabouts of containers in real time and efficiently plan return routes.

Practical example - recycling concepts for reusable containers

Companies that actively use reusable containers achieve significant savings in packaging material and thus reduce their carbon footprint. Standardised Euro containers are often used, for example, which can be stacked to save space and monitored via an IoT sensor to provide immediate information on fill levels.

Potential savings through recycling and reuse

Used plastics can always be reintroduced into the material cycle through reprocessing. This can save up to 70 % of raw materials. These high savings have a positive effect on the overall eco-balance and strengthen the sustainable brand image.

Energy-efficient technologies in intralogistics

The logistics sector can score points not only in the use of materials, but also in energy consumption. Examples include

• LED lighting with motion detectors to activate lighting only when required.
• Storage and retrieval machines with energy recovery, in which braking processes are converted into electricity.
• Photovoltaic systems on warehouses and logistics halls to cover electricity requirements.

Flexibility and scalability are crucial in the warehouse, especially when product lines, order quantities or the goods structure change quickly. Modular shelving systems with high load capacity for Industry 4.0 offer the following benefits:

• Adaptability: Shelves can be extended or customised at a later date.
• High load capacity: Load capacities of several tonnes per shelf enable heavy goods to be stored.
• Networked components: Load sensors warn of overloads in good time; AI systems control storage and retrieval in real time.

Flexibility and scalability for dynamic markets

Whether seasonal goods or a new product range: thanks to modular structures, storage areas can be quickly reorganised and capacities adapted. This allows companies to remain agile and react to market changes at short notice.

The next step in digitalisation will focus on 5G edge computing and real-time warehouse optimisation. The focus here is on processing data directly on site (edge) and not centrally in a cloud.

• Ultra-fast data transmission: 5G networks allow latency times in the millisecond range, which enables high-precision control of robots or driverless transport vehicles.
• Local intelligence: Warehouse optimisation algorithms run on edge devices directly in the warehouse. This speeds up decision-making and reduces dependency on stable internet connections.
• High data security: internal company information no longer leaves the local IT infrastructure.

Warehouse logistics is facing an exciting future: automated processes, IoT sensors, AI-supported warehouse management systems, 5G and edge computing are merging to form a holistic ecosystem. Sustainable storage containers and modular shelving systems complement these technology components and ensure that efficiency, speed and environmental protection go hand in hand. Those who invest in these innovative solutions at an early stage can secure decisive competitive advantages and make their logistics processes fit for the requirements of Industry 4.0.