According to a definition by the "Intralogistics Forum" of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation), intralogistics aims at "the organization, control, execution and optimization of the internal flow of materials, the flow of information and the handling of goods in industry, commerce and public institutions". This formulation implies that an intralogistics system can only be developed and implemented on the basis of an interdisciplinary holistic approach.
As a result, the focus is not only on technical aspects, but also on the structural and procedural organization and systematic control of information flows. Functional areas to be covered include goods receipt, palletizing/depalletizing, in-plant transport, storage and buffering of goods, order picking, and goods issue.
The prerequisites for harmonized and efficient control of all system components used here at the level of storage, picking, conveying and distribution technology are state-of-the-art sensor technologies and a high-performance warehouse management system. This communicates with the merchandise management system, continuously optimizes the processes and issues precise transport commands to the subordinate material flow system.
