Intralogistiksysteme
Also: Intralogistik-Systeme, Intralogistiklösungen, Innerbetriebliche Logistiksysteme, Lager- und Fördertechniksysteme, Intralogistik
AI-generated
Intralogistics systems encompass all technical and software-based solutions that control, transport and store the flow of materials and goods within an operational site.
Key facts
- Intralogistics systems encompass all technical and software-based solutions for the internal flow of materials and goods – from storage technology to WMS.
- The interplay of conveyor technology, AGV/AMR, order picking systems and the IT level requires clearly defined interfaces and a coordinated system architecture.
- The right level of automation depends on individual order volume, product structure and available investment budget – there is no universal Solution.
- In multi-vendor setups, interface responsibilities and SLAs must be contractually defined with precision to prevent gaps in the event of a system failure.
- TCO assessments should include not only capital costs but also maintenance, spare parts supply and operating costs over the entire service life.
What are intralogistics systems?
Intralogistics systems comprise all components, installations and software solutions that organise the internal flow of materials and goods – from goods receipt through put-away, transport within the warehouse and order picking through to dispatch preparation. Unlike transport logistics, which moves goods between locations or to customers, intralogistics is confined to processes within a single operational facility or warehouse site.
Typical components of an intralogistics system include:
- Storage technology: racking systems, automated storage systems (e.g. AS/RS or AutoStore), block storage and high-bay warehouses
- Conveyor technology: roller conveyors, chain conveyors, sorters and overhead conveyor systems
- Automated guided vehicles (AGV/FTS) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR)
- Order picking systems: Pick-by-Voice, Pick-by-Light and batch picking
- Packing technology and dispatch preparation
- IT systems: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), material flow control (MFC) and higher-level control centres
How do intralogistics systems work in practice?
In practice, intralogistics systems are not a monolithic product but a coordinated interplay of various subsystems. The WMS handles inventory management and order control, while the material flow control coordinates conveyor technology and automated storage systems in real time. Control systems at the operational technology (OT) level communicate with the IT level via defined interfaces. This layered architecture is critical in determining how quickly changes in order mix or throughput requirements can be accommodated.
Many operations rely on a mix of manual, semi-automated and fully automated processes. Which areas are automated depends on factors such as order volume, product variety, seasonality and available investment budgets. There is no universally correct level of automation – this must be determined individually for each operation.
What matters when selecting a system?
Several criteria play a central role when planning and procuring intralogistics systems. First and foremost, interfaces and integration capability are decisive: new subsystems must be able to communicate with existing ERP, WMS and OT-level systems. Open APIs and standardised protocols facilitate connectivity, though these are not equally well developed across all vendors.
Scalability and retrofit capability are also important selection criteria, particularly when the system needs to grow over the years or be adapted to changing assortment structures. Total cost of ownership (TCO) – not just acquisition costs – should be compared, as maintenance, spare parts supply and system support can represent significant cost blocks. Finally, clarifying responsibilities and service level agreements (SLAs) in multi-vendor systems is particularly complex and should be addressed early in the tendering process.
Related terms
- AGV
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) refers to driverless transport vehicles that automatically move goods in warehouses and production environments. They follow predefined or sensor-controlled routes without a human driver.
- AKL
An Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully mechanized storage system for bins, trays, or cartons that automates the goods-to-person process using aisle-captive storage and retrieval machines or shuttles.
- AMR
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is a driverless, self-navigating transport robot that moves goods within a warehouse without any fixed installed infrastructure. It orientates itself independently using sensors and digital maps, and dynamically avoids obstacles.
- Akustische Kommissionierung
Acoustic order picking is a paperless picking method in which warehouse employees receive pick instructions via voice and confirm each step using spoken responses. Both hands remain free throughout the actual picking process.
- AutoStore
AutoStore is a cube-based automated storage system in which driverless robots traverse an aluminum grid to stack plastic bins and retrieve them on demand for delivery to picking ports. The system is considered one of the most space-efficient automated small-parts warehouses available for standardized bin-compatible goods.
- AutoStore-Lagersystem
The AutoStore storage system is a fully automated cube storage system in which robots stack, retrieve, and transport plastic bins across a three-dimensional grid structure to stationary picking stations.
- Automatisches Kleinteilelager (AKL)
The Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully automated storage system for totes, trays and small parts, in which storage and retrieval operations are performed without manual intervention by stacker cranes or shuttle systems.
- Batch-Kommissionierung
Batch picking is a method in which multiple customer orders are consolidated into a single pick run. This allows the picker to travel one route while simultaneously covering positions from different orders.
- Beleglose Kommissionierung
Paperless picking refers to the assembly of orders in the warehouse without paper pick lists, where all instructions are transmitted digitally via terminals, displays, voice, or optical signals.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Distributionslager
A distribution center is a type of warehouse that consolidates goods and prepares them for targeted delivery to customers, branches, or downstream locations.
- WMS
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software solution for the operational control and management of all warehouse processes – from putaway and picking to goods issue. It coordinates storage locations, inventory, resources, and staff deployment in real time.