Logistics 4.0 – solutions and trends

Logistics 4.0 means the application of Industry 4.0 in the logistics area. Therefore, many new practical and scientific solutions are created and published giving a huge amount of individual examples for realizing different logistics tasks. To find solutions in a systematic way, it is necessary to create and use meta-knowledge. The paper gives an overview about typical solution fields, the level of knowledge and application. It makes a difference between objects, processes, systems and the relevant infrastructure of logistics according the model “Smart Logistics Zone". The “Smart Logistics Zone” is defined as a scalable examination and action area for the analysis, evaluation, planning, control, regulation and (re-) configuration of logistics solutions. Basis of the research formed many years of scientific work and practical experiences in the area of logistics. This is connected with an evaluation of current scientific publications and own scientific projects on the area of Logistics 4.0. The starting points are changed requirements and conditions according to Logistics 4.0. Solutions of Logistics 4.0 are identified, systemized and described. One solution group are e.g. the possibilities of autonomously driving. They have the same idea to move, to handle and to transport without a driver or pilot realized by different means of transport. The majority of solutions of autonomous driving are on the level of prototypes and pilot projects. The new developed model “Smart Logistics Zone” is recommended to solve all tasks of logistics engineering according to Logistics 4.0 A new model is developed to systemize process knowledge. Logistics 4.0 is integrated. Important trends of Logistics 4.0 are characterized to sign the future. The theory of logistics must be further developed. Therefore, some new and improved systematics are presented in this paper: solutions of Logistics 4.0, strategies to improve logistical processes and trends of Logistics 4.0

Magdeburg Logistics Model – the smart logistics zone as a concept for enabling logistics 4.0 technologies

Intelligent linking in the context of Industry 4.0 alters the objectives and possibilities of designing logistics solutions in the production economy today and tomorrow [1]. There is a growing need for an expanded theory of logistics that helps to characterize existing solutions as well as systematically develop new solutions and bring them together effectively and efficiently. The objectives are the development of a model of thinking and a procedure model for current and future logistics solutions including Logistics 4.0. The article explains the newly developed "Smart Logistics Zone" (SLZ). The SLZ is defined as a scalable examination and action area for analysis, evaluation, planning, control, regulation and (re-) configuration of logistics solutions [2]. New to the thinking model are the generation of solutions from (logistic) objects, pro-cesses, systems and the relevant infrastructure as well as the scalability of the considered zone. The framework model provides a quantifiable target system. The process model in turn allows a systematic solution development using method and technology databases. Several possible views on logistics, which are considered as aspects in the SLZ, are being elaborated. Other aspects of the presented concept such as intelligence and spatial categories are discussed as well. In the outlook a sample factory serves as a scalable examination area for the SLZ. In its application, the SLZ demonstrates a new perspective on the analysis, planning and evaluation of logistics systems. The approach is designed as a scalable tool. It can be adaptively applicable to various intralogistic and extralogistic problems

Logistics concepts and logistics 4.0

The paper describes the terms Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 as two of the most important trends in production and logistics. Industrie 4.0 (Industry 4.0) is a German term and a synonym for the fourth industrial revolution. It is connected with the common trend of digitalization, virtualization and networking of data and information. The term Logistics 4.0 brands the specific application of Industry 4.0 in the area of logistics. Therefore a new research approach was developed the “Smart Logistics Zone” (SLZ) by Fraunhofer IFF and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. This is defined as a scalable examination and action area for the analysis, evaluation, planning, control, regulation and (re-) configuration of logistics solutions [1]. The Smart Logistics Zone differs into logistics objects, logistics processes, logistical systems and logistics infrastructure. Every logistics solution should be built by using all of these four aspects in a free combination by increasing dynamics and complexity. Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 create new business processes. The question is, how will they change the traditional logistics concepts and strategies? The paper answers the following research questions: What are solutions of Logistics 4.0? Are there any successful realized solutions, which optimize logistics at a whole? Which requirements on logistics management will exist according to the criteria of Industry 4.0/Logistics 4.0? Are the classic logistics strategies still valid according to the digital transformation process

Logistics 4.0: Goals, trends and solutions

Logistics 4.0 generates a high number of new solutions. The scientific task is to generate an overview knowledge in this field and to show opportunities for the targeted further development. Research questions are: (1) What are typical goals and potentials of Logistics 4.0? (2) What current trends in ICT, production and logistics are influencing Logistics 4.0 solutions? (3) What are typical solutions of logistics 4.0? (4) In which areas do new research questions arise? The research is based on an analysis of new scientific publications and of own scientific projects according Logistics 4.0. Furthermore, the basis are also many years of scientific work and practical experiences in the area of logistics. The approach is based on the evaluation of the impact of trends on logistics solutions

Resilience in Supply and Demand Networks

The present era is characterised by many events that have influences on supply chains and supply networks. This concerns, e.g., war, epidemics, natural disasters, accidents, strikes, political instability, and political sanctions. These are generally grouped under the term “disruption”. In order to avoid the risk of supply chain disruption, major disruption of supply networks, or loss of customers associated with disruptions, it is necessary to take preventive and proactive measures in supply chain management in terms of planning. This paper is intended to briefly summarise the current state of knowledge with the most important facts and derive a new definition from it. In addition, an analogy to maintenance is established for the first time. In doing so, a comparison of the concepts and a listing of the important proactive measures derived from them for increasing resilience are made. In the course of this, the field of action considered is extended from the exchange of suppliers through the entire supply chain network to the exchange of customers

Smart Cyber-Physical Manufacturing: Extended and Real-Time Optimization of Logistics Resources in Matrix Production

In the context of Industry 4.0, the matrix production concept represents revolutionary solutions from a technological and logistics point of view. In a matrix production system, flexible, configurable production and assembly cells are arranged in a grid layout, and the in-plant supply is based on autonomous vehicles. Adaptable and flexible material handling solutions are required to perform the dynamically changing supply-demands of standardized and categorized manufacturing and assembly cells. Within the frame of this paper, the authors describe the in-plant supply process of matrix production and the optimization potential in these processes. After a systematic literature review, this paper introduces the structure of matrix production as a cyber-physical system focusing on logistics aspects. A mathematical model of this in-plant supply process is described including extended and real-time optimization from routing, assignment, and scheduling points of view. The optimization problem described in the model is an NP-hard problem. There are no known efficient analytical methods to find the best solution for this kind of problem; therefore, we use heuristics to find a suitable solution for the above-described problem. Next, a sequential black hole–floral pollination heuristic algorithm is described. The scenario analysis, which focuses on the clustering and routing aspects of supply demands in a matrix production system, validates the model and evaluates its performance to increase cost-efficiency and warrants environmental awareness of the in-plant supply in matrix production