According to a definition by the "Forum Intralogistics" of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation), intralogistics is aimed at "the organization, control, implementation and optimization of internal material flows, information flows and goods handling in industry, trade 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 process organization as well as the systematic control of information flows. Functional areas to be covered include incoming goods, palletizing/depalletizing, internal transport, storage and buffering of goods, order picking and outgoing goods.
State-of-the-art sensor technology and a high-performance warehouse management system are essential for the harmonized and efficient control of all system components used here at the warehouse, picking, conveying and distribution technology level. This communicates with the merchandise management system, continuously optimizes the processes and issues precise transport commands to the downstream material flow system.
