Produktionslogistik
Also: Fertigungslogistik, Produktionsversorgung, Fertigungsversorgung, Produktions-Logistik
AI-generated
Production logistics refers to the planning, control, and execution of all material flows that supply manufacturing with raw materials, semi-finished goods, and operating supplies. It connects the warehouse and production, thereby ensuring a smooth manufacturing process.
Key facts
- Production logistics ensures the timely material supply of manufacturing and is therefore a direct influencing factor on equipment availability and throughput times.
- Typical tasks include sequencing, tugger train supply, intermediate storage, empty container management, and reporting of consumption data.
- System integration between WMS, MES, and ERP is critical to avoid parts shortages and phantom stocks.
- The appropriate level of automation – from manual transport to AMR and AGV – must always be determined on an application-specific basis.
- Metrics such as parts shortage rate, WIP inventory, and supply rate make the performance of production logistics measurable.
What is production logistics?
Production logistics encompasses all logistical processes directly aimed at supplying manufacturing operations. These include the delivery of materials to production lines, provision of the right quantities at the right time, internal transport between storage areas and workstations, management of intermediate storage, as well as the return of empty containers and disposal of production waste. Production logistics is therefore a sub-area of intralogistics that focuses on material flow in close proximity to manufacturing – as distinct from general warehouse logistics or distribution logistics, which is oriented toward outbound goods flows.
How does production logistics work in practice?
In practice, production logistics controls material flows based on production plans derived from PPS or MES systems. Typical operational tasks include:
- Sequencing and picking of components for assembly lines
- Supply of production cells via tugger trains or autonomous mobile robots (AMR/AGV)
- Buffering and intermediate storage of semi-finished goods (Work in Progress, WIP)
- Empty container management for bins, pallets, and small load carriers
- Reporting of consumption data back to warehouse and planning systems
System support is typically provided through the interaction of WMS, MES, and ERP. Synchronization between production planning and warehouse availability is critical: missing parts at the line immediately lead to equipment downtime and increased throughput times. Conversely, excessively large buffers result in high capital tie-up and loss of space in the production area.
What matters when selecting and designing a solution?
When planning a production logistics solution, three aspects take center stage: cycle reliability, flexibility, and transparency. The supply logistics must reliably keep pace with the production line while simultaneously being able to respond to fluctuating call-off quantities and product variety. Sequencing and just-in-sequence delivery are particularly demanding, especially in variant manufacturing or make-to-order production.
The choice of transport medium – whether manual tugger trains, AMR, or fully automated AGVs – depends on throughput requirements, layout constraints, and budget. There is no universal solution here; the appropriate level of automation must always be evaluated on an application-specific basis. In addition, IT-side integration is essential: without consistent inventory data and real-time feedback between WMS, MES, and ERP, phantom stocks and delays arise that jeopardize production success. Key metrics such as supply rate, parts shortage rate, WIP inventory, and internal transport performance help identify and address weaknesses at an early stage.
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.
- 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.
- Auftragsfertigung
Make-to-order refers to a production model in which the manufacture of a product does not begin until a specific customer order has been received. Unlike make-to-stock production, goods are produced individually for each customer and demand-driven.
- Automatisierung
Automation refers to the use of technologies and systems to execute processes fully or partially without human intervention. In intralogistics, the spectrum ranges from simple conveyor systems to fully automated high-bay warehouses with autonomous vehicles.
- BDE-System
A BDE system (operational data collection system) captures machine and manual process data in real time directly at the source – such as at machines, conveyor systems, or workstations.
- Bedarfsplanung
Demand planning refers to the systematic process by which a company determines what quantities of materials, goods, or resources are needed and when. It forms the foundation for inventory management, procurement, and warehouse planning.
- Beschaffungslogistik
Procurement logistics encompasses all logistical processes that manage the flow of materials from suppliers through to handover at the warehouse or production facility. It connects purchasing, transportation, and goods receipt into a seamless inbound process.
- Bestandsmanagement
Inventory management refers to the systematic planning, control, and monitoring of stock levels across the entire supply chain. The goal is to ensure delivery capability while keeping capital commitment and warehousing costs within economically viable limits.
- Disposition
Disposition refers to the operational planning and control of resources, quantities, and orders in logistics – for example in transport or materials disposition. It encompasses capacity assignment, scheduling, prioritization, and response to disruptions.
- Distributionslogistik
Distribution logistics encompasses all processes that move goods from the manufacturer or warehouse to the end customer – from network planning through storage and transportation to order fulfillment.