LogiMAT 2016: Exploring the Future of Intralogistics and Process Management

From March 8 to 10, 2016, LogiMAT occupied the entire area of the Stuttgart exhibition grounds for the first time. With almost 43,500 visitors, the 14th International Trade Fair for Distribution, Material Handling and Information Flow recorded a 25% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year. The trade fair management sees this as confirmation of "the outstanding importance of LogiMAT for intralogistics and its prominent position in international competition". 1,280 international exhibitors presented product developments for intelligent, future-proof intralogistics and solutions to the current challenges facing the industry in eight halls covering an area of 95,400 square meters.

Half of all visitors expressed a specific need for investment

20% of the trade visitors, mainly decision-makers from small and medium-sized companies, came from abroad. These included numerous experts from overseas, Asia and the Middle East, who accounted for 14% of visitors. The majority of visitors came from the EU, accounting for a good 2/3 of the total, with the rest of Europe rounding out the visitor flow with a share of 17%. Around half of all visitors expressed a specific need for investment. The exhibitors used LogiMAT 2016 to present their new products and innovations, particularly in relation to the Industry 4.0, Internet of Things and e-commerce megatrends.

Integration of logistics with B2B and B2C retail and sales processes

The TradeWorld trade platform also returned to LogiMAT 2016 for the third time in a row. It focused on the interlinking of logistics with B2B and B2C retail and sales processes. This is because e-procurement, payment, marketing, store solutions, shipping management, fulfillment and returns handling and the associated logistics are all interlinked. In addition, all-day live events in the special areas in Halls 4, 6, 7 and 9 attracted many of the trade visitors with their practical presentations. The "Tracking & Tracing Theatre" by the industry association AIM, for example, highlighted the "Industry Scenario", while SALT Solutions made "Industry 4.0 tangible", with visitors taking on the role of objects in the production chain in an interactive scenario to illustrate this.

Special exhibition "Alternative vehicles for city logistics"

In Hall 6, a special exhibition entitled "Alternative vehicles for city logistics" attracted interest, while the "Logistics Innovation Forum" in Hall 7 showcased Android solutions, augmented and virtual reality data glasses and new options in the field of analytics. On the second day of the trade fair, the Stuttgart-based IFT organized the "Intralogistics - Future - Technology Day" at Forum E in Hall 9. 30 specialist forums and more than 100 speakers, three live events and numerous exhibitor events made up the extensive, top-class supporting program.

All in all, LogiMAT 2016 continued the best tradition of being an information platform, working trade fair and trend barometer. Clearly structured by segment, it offered a complete overview of all current developments for efficient intralogistics.

Trailer for LogiMAT 2016 at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Center

Technological developments for dynamic logistics processes

LogiMAT 2016 offered a comprehensive overview of new technologies that can be used to make logistics processes significantly more dynamic and efficient. The focus was on modular systems, intelligent interfaces and adaptive control concepts for material flow and warehousing.

• self-optimizing conveyor technology with integrated sensors
adaptive storage systems for changing article structures
• integrated software solutions for real-time control

Intermodal concepts for urban and regional logistics

Increasing traffic pressure in conurbations and changes in consumer behavior are leading to new demands on logistics. At LogiMAT 2016, numerous concepts were presented that are designed to make urban and regional distribution processes more efficient - not only for parcel shipping, but also for the distribution of goods in the retail sector.

• City logistics with alternative vehicle types and micro-depots
• Flexible handling systems for urban transport hubs
• Combining long-haul logistics with local delivery

Digitalization and transparency along the supply chain

A key topic at the trade fair was digital consistency along the entire value chain. The seamless connection of production planning, warehousing and distribution with the help of intelligent systems and data interfaces was presented as a decisive lever for future-proof intralogistics.

• System integration for real-time tracking and process monitoring
• digital platforms for networking suppliers and logistics partners
• automated decision-making processes based on live data