Production logistics 4.0

Four steps to fully connected production logistics

The complexity of production logistics is constantly increasing due to highly diverse variants and frequently changing processes. Intralogistics processes should always be prepared – because materials and goods must be transported to their destinations faster and faster. This can only happen successfully with fully connected production. Backed by the experience from our Bosch plants and warehouses as well as customer projects, we have developed a four-step concept that leads to fully connected production logistics:

1. Define the material flow
In the first step, material flows are basically defined and partially documented. Production is supplied accordingly, but standardized processes are not yet taken into account. Potential for improvement has not yet been realized.

2. Lean management
The next step is to standardize the material flows. In accordance with lean management, reproducible processes are identified and established – and successively optimized, leading to significantly increased efficiency.

3. Digitalization
The basis for the reliable use of digitalization solutions is now in place. These create transparency as to what material and transport requirements exist at any given time. In parallel, they form the data basis for the comprehensive connectivity of intralogistics.

4. Connectivity
Based on digitalization, intelligent software solutions can use algorithms to further optimize material flows and help increase efficiency. Based on the actual material requirements of production, they calculate the ideal routes. This results in self-organized material flows that ensure timely deliveries and the optimum utilization of transport vehicles. In addition, they establish transparency over all the entries and withdrawals in the supermarkets.