Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML

We supply production with logistics

Innovative. Intelligent. Inspiring.

Production Logistics

Logistics in Production – Intelligent Production Optimization

Increasing customer demands present manufacturing firms the challenge to accomplish their jobs faster and more flexible than ever in due time. Companies often fail on a lack of standards, optimal production concepts and the deficient interaction between their technologies as well as suboptimal structures.

Therefore, task of the production logistics department within the range of business logistics is the development of innovative solutions in the field of production logistics. The guiding principle of the division is »intelligent production optimization«. This requires a company-wide understanding of production management processes and the integration of different fields of knowledge such as logistics, computer science, business administration and mechanical engineering to a comprehensive understanding of logistics.

We proceed process-oriented and system-oriented and consider your production logistics in the necessary depth, analyze your entire system of processes, employees and technologies to tailor these for your customers.

According to the Fraunhofer philosophy we work as a neutral and independent consultant. Common project teams compile a lasting improvement of your production processes, borne by employees of your company.

 

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Business Intelligence & Analytics

Our passion is to help companies realise their full potential through data analysis, data science and AI approaches. Thanks to our experience in industrial engineering, we specialise in identifying and quantifying potential in the production and logistics environment.

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Matrix Production

The matrix production represents a flow production system that is not dependent on cycle times. It combines the economic advantages of a traditional flow production system with the flexibility of a job-shop production. Therefore, it is suited for fluctuating demand and high numbers of variants while being robust when disturbances occur. On the other hand, the increased degrees of freedom lead to an increase in complexity of the overall system.

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Information system and technology selection

Fraunhofer IML has extensive expertise in the design and integration of optimising APS, PPS and MES systems for planning and controlling production.

Find a customised solution for your company's needs with our IT system selection - individual and manufacturer-independent.

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Factory Structure Planning

There is a steadily increasing importance of adaptability of production. At the same time competitive pressure demands a high degree of efficiency and performance. As a partner, we support you in the conceptual and structural realignment of your production.

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Data economics

An enormous amount of data emerges during the product life cycle of machines whose integration into networks of added value is extremely relevant. The International Data Space (IDS) offers a reference architecture that allows the exchange of data while maintaining the sovereignty of the data. With the continuation of the project the IDS is tested regarding the application in a maintenance-free production among other things.

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Smart Factory

High flexibility and self control are essential elements of the intelligent factory, the Smart Factory. In order to realize this kind of factory, the production and maintenance are equally required. Products and production plants communicate with each other independently in a Smart Production. It is always transparent which product has to pass through which production step at which plant. Small batch sizes and short-term changes can thus be achieved with minimum effort.

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Shopfloor Management

Effective process and resource management that adapts flexibly to market requirements and the customisation of production strategies and concepts are crucial to success. 

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Modular Production Logistics in Process Industry

Many segments of the process industry are currently exposed to a growing uncertainty and increasing demands for product differentiation and shorter product life cycles. Modular production logistics represents a paradigm shift in the planning and operation of production facilities in the process industry. It enables an efficient and flexible design of the production process and qualifies companies to quickly adapt their production to the current demand situation. 

Many segments of the process industry are currently exposed to a growing uncertainty and increasing demands for product differentiation and shorter product life cycles. Modular production logistics represents a paradigm shift in the planning and operation of production facilities in the process industry. It enables an efficient and flexible design of the production process and qualifies companies to quickly adapt their production to the current demand situation.
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E²-Design

The project »E²-Design« focuses on the integration of energy efficiency as a planning target in the design of production and logistics networks. This is the first time that energy efficiency has been consistently taken into account within the framework of supply chain design.

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Production Controlling

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) enable a comprehensive understanding of interdependencies in the production environment. Successful production controlling is therefore essential for the successful management and monitoring of production. However, the meaning, necessity and correct use of the individual KPIs is often unclear. We support and guide you in the step-by-step selection and development of new KPIs.

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The way to the »New Normal«

The Corona pandemic is having a lasting impact on supply chain networks and collaboration between companies as well as suppliers and service providers. What challenges did your company face? What internal changes did it trigger in your company? Read the white paper to find out how other companies have fared and what recommendations for action can be derived from this.

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Economic Valuation Approach for Industry 4.0 Solutions

The guideline for the economic evaluation of industry 4.0 applications developed at Fraunhofer IML enables for the first time a differentiated consideration of various starting points and the structured definition of a specific target state in order to derive concrete needs for action. Starting from a predefined target state, a goal-oriented evaluation is pursued. Based on the relevant target variables, valid cause-effect-relationships with the corresponding control variables are shown.

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Innovationlab

The innovation laboratory »Hybrid Services in Logistics« is a research project in which technologies are developed for a social networked industry. The focus is on human-technology interaction. Innovative industry 4.0 solutions are developed and tested - also in cooperation with companies.

In addition to the production logistics showcase, four further application scenarios will be developed.
 

 

In addition to the production logistics showcase, four further application scenarios will be developed.
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Quick Scan Production

A »Quick Scan Production« is a fast and reliable analysis to evaluate the production efficiency of your company. This analysis is based on proven methods for the holistic evaluation of production systems and shows the most important starting points for improvements and gives prioritized and rated recommendations for action.

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