Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
© Fraunhofer IML - Leonie Goral
Ansicht eines modernen Forschungsraums, in dem Wissenschaftler innovative Assistenzsysteme und Informationslogistiklösungen entwickeln, unterstützt von neuesten Technologien und digitalen Werkzeugen.

© Fraunhofer IML - Leonie Goral

Information Logistics and Decision Support Systems

The right information at the right time in the right place

This guiding principle of information logistics describes in particular the planning and control of logistic processes as a compelling basic requirement in a company.

However, as global markets are constantly changing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to guarantee these basic prerequisites. Thus, it becomes necessary for companies to have all important information available anytime and anywhere in order to remain efficient and responsive and to be able to make the right decisions.

The department »Information Logistics and Decision Support Systems« develops decision support systems (LAS) that support the management of increasingly complex tasks and decisions through intelligent information networking and efficient processes such as simulation and optimization.

Our experts in the three teams Digitalization, Compliance and Digital Assistenz support you with their comprehensive expertise in their respective fields and work with you to develop the right strategy for your company to optimize your information flow.

Join us in mastering the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

We look forward to working with you!

Digitalization

The team of digitization experts creates efficiency and progress. The consideration of a holistic digitization strategy and the useage of innovative technologies make efficient solutions tangible for your company.

Team Digitization
 

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Digital Assistance

Accelerated, autonomous decision-making processes for competitive advantage.

Team Digital Assistenz

Compliance

The Compliance expert team supports medium-sized companies in the organisation, planning and evaluation of risks in the form of management systems.

Compliance
 

© Adobe.Stock - Gorodenkoff

Digital Assistance

Accelerated, autonomous decision-making processes for competitive advantage.

Team Digital Assistenz

Digital Assistance

Accelerated, autonomous decision-making processes for competitive advantage.

Team Digital Assistenz
 

© Adobe.Stock - littlewolf1989

Digital Assistance

Accelerated, autonomous decision-making processes for competitive advantage.

Team Digital Assistenz

Publications

Here you can find our publications.

Publications

»Whoever controls the world's logistics chains controls the world's economy.«

»Wer die Logistikketten der Welt steuert, der steuert die Wirtschaft der Welt«

Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel

Trade fairs & events

We can be found at the following trade fairs and events

Trade fairs & events

FAQ of the Information Logistics and Decision Support Systems department

Here you will find a selection of questions that we are asked frequently in the context of our main focus areas.

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  • Information logistics

    What is information logistics?

    Companies are driven by flows of information. Essential for this is the need-based supply of information in the company, which, however, can be endangered by outdated and incorrect information. Information logistics was developed to minimize this risk. Its goal is to provide information to support all types of decisions in the company. The tasks of information logistics thus include the planning, management, and control of data flows. Relevant information can be made available by information logistics in suitable quality. You can find more information about the topic of information logistics on our department homepage.

  • Decision support systems

    What are decision support systems?

    Planners in logistics are often confronted with complex and dynamic problems in planning and controlling. So-called »decision support systems« (DSS) can be used to cope with these tasks. As the name suggests, the main goal of these information systems is to support decisions and decision-making activities in the company by showing which alternatives for a solution are appropriate and reasonable for the given problem. DSS are mainly computer-based systems.

    For more information on decision support systems in logistics as well as planning and decision support visit: https://s.fhg.de/2sK.

  • Compliance

    What does compliance mean? Why compliance is important?

    The term compliance stands for adherence to the law or conformity to rules. In terms of meaning, this is understood to stand for compliance with applicable laws and regulations by the company and its employees. The aim of compliance is to avoid and prevent violations, which are punishable by high fines and reputational damage. Compliance is therefore essential for reducing criminal and civil law risks. In addition, compliance can also be a competitive advantage, as many companies only award their contracts to companies with good compliance policies. A compliance management system, such as Queris, can support companies in complying with the specified regulations and guidelines. Want to ensure your legal and regulatory compliance? Find out more about the various aspects of compliance in a company: https://s.fhg.de/comp.

  • Digital planning support

    How can planning be supported digitally?

    Numerous planning processes can be found in logistics, ranging from order scheduling and machine allocation planning to personnel scheduling. There are various reasons why planning is important: For example, efficient planning allows free capacities to be used, error messages to be detected at an early stage, or the service life of the plant to be extended. In order to optimize company-specific planning processes and to relieve planners, planning should be digitally supported. Logistical decision support systems (DSS) are suitable for this purpose, as they use data and algorithms to create

    customized optimization solutions. For example, existing processes are analyzed, relevant data is collected, and decision-supporting planning systems are then developed. In addition to digital planning support, there is also digital planning automation.

  • Mixed reality

    What is mixed reality?

    Mixed reality - or XR for short - is the combination of reality and virtuality. There are different degrees of reality or virtuality within this »reality-virtuality continuum«: The term virtual reality (VR), for example, describes the entry into a virtual world with the aid of a real device (e.g., VR glasses). On the other hand, there is also the term Augmented Reality (AR), which means that reality is augmented by virtual elements (e.g. virtual image on a real wall). Thus, both VR and AR are XR technologies. XR technologies are also used in logistics, for example in the form of serious games that are used, for instance, to learn warehouse processes.