Intralogistics, also known as internal logistics, is a branch of logistics that deals with the management of information and material flows within a company. It covers all the in-house processes necessary for its efficient operation, from the receipt of raw materials to the release of the finished product. 

Main areas of intralogistics include: 

1. Internal material transport: refers both to the movement of materials within a single facility, e.g. a production hall, and between different facilities belonging to a company, e.g. between a production facility and a warehouse, between different warehouses or production facilities in a single production chain. 
2. Information flow and stock management: every company must ensure an efficient flow of information, providing employees with easy access to the necessary data. It is also important to monitor and update stock levels on an ongoing basis so that you always know where your stock is, how it is changing and when it needs replenishing. For this purpose, specialised stock management software is helpful, making it easier to handle purchasing processes, invoicing and tracking the flow of goods. 
3. Warehouse management: includes all logistics operations performed in the warehouse, such as product location management, order preparation, receipt and issue of goods. A simple way to optimise warehouse processes is to automate them.  

The warehouse systems integrator specialises in the design, implementation and optimisation of automated warehouse solutions, the main aim of which is to increase the operational efficiency and safety of logistics processes in warehouses.  

Competencies/tasks of the integrator include: 

1. System design: 
   • creation of concepts and designs for customised storage systems 
   • use of advanced technology and software to optimise intralogistics processes 
2. Implementing solutions: 
   • installation and integration of automated warehouse systems such as conveyors, AMR/AGV robots, sorting systems and automatic shelving systems 
   • ensure seamless integration with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and PLCs 
3. Process optimisation: 
   • analysis and optimisation of material flows in the warehouse to increase productivity and reduce operating costs 
   • detection and elimination of bottlenecks and testing of various operational scenarios
4. Technical support and service: 
   • providing technical and service support, including regular technical inspections, maintenance and rapid response to breakdowns 
   • upgrading and updating systems to meet changing business needs
5. Training for employees: 
   • providing training in the operation and maintenance of automated warehouse systems, thus increasing staff competence and improving occupational safety 

A storage systems integrator such as Europa Systems helps companies to achieve better operational efficiency by providing innovative and integrated intralogistics solutions. 

Warehouse automation is revolutionising the way logistics operations are managed. Key features:

1. Automatic storage and retrieval: these systems enable goods to be quickly and accurately stored and retrieved from the warehouse, increasing productivity and reducing the time taken to fulfil orders. 
2. Stock management: automation allows stock levels to be monitored in real time, helping to maintain optimum stock levels and avoiding problems associated with over- or under-stocked products. 
3. Real-time tracking of goods: thanks to automated systems, the movement of goods in the warehouse can be tracked in real time, increasing transparency and control over logistics processes. 
4. Reduction of errors: automation minimises the risk of human error, leading to greater accuracy in warehouse management and order fulfilment. 
5. Optimising storage space: automated systems can make better use of available space, allowing more goods to be stored in less space. 
6. Increased safety: automation can reduce the risk of accidents in the warehouse, as many tasks are performed by machines rather than humans. 
7. Faster order processing: automation makes warehouse processes faster, reducing lead times and increasing customer satisfaction. 
8. Data analysis: automated systems can collect and analyse data on warehouse operations, allowing for better decision-making and optimisation of internal warehouse processes. 

Warehouse automation brings many benefits that can significantly improve the efficiency and profitability of logistics operations. Some of the main reasons to invest in warehouse automation include: 

1. Increased operational efficiency: automation allows orders to be processed faster and more accurately, reducing lead times and increasing productivity. 
2. Reduction of human error: automated systems minimise the risk of mistakes that can occur during manual warehouse management, leading to greater accuracy and reliability. 
3. Cost reduction: automation can reduce operating costs by reducing the need for manual labour and optimising the use of storage space. 
4. Better stock management: automated monitoring systems keep track of stock levels, helping to avoid problems associated with over- or under-stocked products. 
5. Improved safety: automation can increase safety in the warehouse, reducing the risk of accidents related to manual labour. 
6. Scalability: automated warehouse systems are easier to scale as your business grows, allowing you to flexibly adapt to changing market needs. 
7. Increased competitiveness: companies that invest in modern technology can better compete in the market by offering faster and more reliable services. 

The products in the warehouse are only stored temporarily, which means that any goods that end up there will eventually be sent on. Depending on the specific characteristics of the company, goods flows can be more or less complex, varying in the number and type of operations carried out on loads within the warehouse. Optimising the flow of goods in the warehouse is key to increasing operational efficiency.  

Proven strategies: 

1. Analysis and reorganisation of the warehouse layout: 
   • positioning of frequently used products closer to the dispatch area to reduce order picking times 
   • application of the “goods to man” principle instead of “man to goods” to reduce unnecessary movements of workers 
2. Process automation: 
   • implementing warehouse management systems (WMS) that track the flow of goods in real time 
   • use of technologies such as automatic shelving, sorters and warehouse robots to increase the efficiency and accuracy of operations 
3. Optimising stock rotation: 
   • classification of products according to the rotation frequency (A, B, C) and their appropriate distribution in the warehouse 
   • regular reviews and updates of stock levels to avoid over- or shortages of goods 
4. Training for employees: 
   • regular training in the use of new technologies and warehouse procedures, increasing efficiency and safety at work 
5. Data monitoring and analysis: 
   • continuous monitoring of warehouse process performance and data analysis to identify areas for improvement 

Implementation of these strategies will improve the flow of goods in the warehouse, which will translate into faster order fulfilment, reduced operating costs and increased customer satisfaction.