What is Intralogistics?

We can define logistics as the transportation of goods and services from the point of production to the point of consumption. Intralogistics is similar to logistical but refers to a much broader concept. Intralogistics is a concept that enables automation, optimizes and integrates the logistics flow of all materials and data within a distribution center or warehouse, and facilitates inventory management. In this article, we touched on the definition of intralogistics and its importance for companies.

Definition of Intralogistics

intralogistics system, also known as internal logistics is the management, control and optimization of the flow of goods and portables within a warehouse, distribution center or manufacturing facility. It is an integrated system of materials management and logistics processes used to optimize the flow of products, materials and information within the facility. The intralogistics solution is used for everything that a business may need in all internal supply chain processes (from the arrival of raw materials to the delivery of final products). 

Intralogistics aims to reduce inventory levels, deliver products to the market in a fast time, and reduce costs. It automates and facilitates control of goods and materials. At the same time, it provides visibility and traceability. This helps companies increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer service.

What are Intralogistics Categories?

Intralogistics processes consist of 3 different categories.

Internal Material Flow: Material flow can be organized both within a single production area and between different facilities of the company. For example, this flow is organized between the production line and warehouses or between different production facilities.

Management of Information Flow and Inventories: Every company needs to guarantee an efficient flow of information. For example, employees must have easy access to the information they need to fulfill their tasks correctly. In addition, stock levels must be precisely known and constantly updated. Thus, it can be clearly seen at any time where stocks are located, in what quantity, and when they need to be replenished. It also enables efficient management of invoicing, order fulfillment, and purchasing processes and monitoring the flow of all goods in the supply chain process. To facilitate this process, specially developed inventory management software plays an important role.

Warehouse Management: Warehouse management covers all logistics processes such as positioning of products, order preparation, receipt of incoming goods, and shipment. The most effective way to manage these processes is to use automation technologies. Automation tools such as AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) are used to automate warehouse processes. 

Importance of Intralogistics

Intralogistics is an essential part of the supply chain process and, if implemented correctly, is critical to the success of a business. It enables the efficient movement of products and materials within a business's production and storage facilities. In this way, businesses gain opportunities such as better use of the workforce, providing the right material flow, optimizing the information flow and keeping track of stock. In this way, productivity is maximized and the profitability of businesses increases.

The Role of Warehousing in Supply Chain Management

It helps in the correct storage and receipt of goods by ensuring that customer demand is met quickly and efficiently. In addition, it ensures that the deliveries are made correctly and on time, improving the quality of service offered to the customer and increasing customer satisfaction.

Intralogistics Tools

IT Warehouse Management Systems

Warehouse Management Software (WMS) is one of the tools used to make logistics processes carried out in warehouse operations efficient. It allows real-time tracking of goods. It enables a product to monitor the entire process such as raw materials, production line, warehouse records, supply chain process, and reaching the customer. In this way, all processes such as receiving materials, order identification, preparation, and dispatch are carried out more efficiently.

For WMS solutions to further increase the efficiency of intralogistics processes, IoT technology (Internet of Things) must be implemented. Thus, the flow of information is moved from the physical environment to a digital environment. All connected devices can be managed remotely.

Warehouse control system (WCS)

WCS is a warehouse control system that displays and manages activities in warehouses and distribution centers in real-time. Using WCS, the management of warehousing activities to operate material handling systems becomes easier. This is because WCS systems provide a user-friendly interface for material handling.

Synchronization of Production and Storage Processes

In order to optimize intralogistics processes and bring them in line with Industry 4.0 standards, the integration between production and warehousing activities needs to be strengthened. In line with lean manufacturing principles, combining Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) with production modules or integrating Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) fleets are important steps toward this goal. In this way, material flows can be made more efficient, flexibility in business processes can be increased and competitive advantage can be gained.

Automation of The in-house Material Flow

Automation in companies should not only remain in warehouses but should also be used in production. This speeds up internal transport, enables timely planning, and facilitates supervision.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

ASRS are various computer-controlled systems that enable the placement of loads at specified storage points with high accuracy and high speed. These systems are divided into three as shelf-based picking, bin-based picking and robotic picking.

Autonomous vehicles

Autonomous vehicles include automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs). AGVs work together with teams. They follow pre-established routes to move materials throughout the warehouse. AMRs, on the other hand, can navigate the warehouse floor independently. This makes it a much more flexible and intelligent solution.

Benefits of Intralogistics Solution

• Reduces Inventory and Storage Costs

Intralogistics solutions enable to streamline operations, reduce labor costs and increase the overall efficiency of a warehouse. It also offers real-time data as it focuses on data collection and automation. Thus, no matter how the market changes, warehouses remain agile and efficient.

• Increases Flexibility

Businesses applying intralogistics use data generated by high-tech machines. This data enables a much better supply chain management practice over time. It also allows businesses to adapt to changing demands by meeting their changing needs.

• Makes the Workplace Safer

One of the benefits to intralogistics companies is the reduction of human error as well as potential accidents. In other words, automated systems ensure that materials are used for safe handling, minimizing the possibility of manual handling accidents. At the same time, it helps employees to work more efficiently by eliminating unnecessary obstacles.

• Improves Warehouse Efficiency

It helps to streamline many of the processes involved in the supply chain. This reduces the amount of time required to move products from one location to another, for operational tasks such as picking and packing, and the amount of labor required to complete the task. It increases productivity by reducing the need for manual labor.

• Value-Added Customer Experience

In-store logistics automation has a very positive impact on customer experiences. These systems help to identify bottlenecks and streamline operations. Naturally, the value offered to the customer increases.

• Improved Inventory Accuracy

Automated inventory management systems minimize the risk of error by providing improved inventory accuracy. Thus, businesses can solve stock problems and maintain the optimum inventory level.

• Increases Visibility

Provides real-time information on the status of materials and shipping. In this way, it increases the visibility of the supply chain. At the same time, it ensures the improvement of customer service and timely delivery of products.

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