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

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Industrial Projects & References

Abstract of our industrial projects & references

Recommendations for action to strengthen the Emscher-Lippe region

WiN (WirtschaftsfördererNetzwerk) Emscher-Lippe Gesellschaft zur Strukturverbesserung mbH is an institution organized as a public-private partnership between the district of Recklinghausen and the cities of Bottrop and Gelsenkirchen for joint regional economic development. For strengthening the economic structure through the use of innovative digital technologies, agiplan GmbH and Fraunhofer IML have created a set of recommendations for action. 

Contact person: Dr. Markus Witthaut
Phone: +49 231 9743-450
E-Mail: markus.witthaut@iml.fraunhofer.de

AI-based inventory optimization for Ferro Umformtechnik

The goal of the collaboration was to reduce the inventory of steel sheets by combining similar sheet variants. A software tool for the quantitative evaluation of different scenarios was developed for this consolidation, balancing cutting cost with reduced effort of handling sheets. Ferro Umformtechnik has been using this tool since the end of 2021 to simulate the effects of inventory optimization for customers and/or suppliers.

Contact person: Dr. Markus Witthaut
Phone: +49 231 9743-450
E-Mail: markus.witthaut@iml.fraunhofer.de

Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH: Transformation management towards a Smart Factory

The goal of the project was to accompany transformation management towards the development of a Smart Factory. Based on the corporate vision and the associated strategic goals, a large number of digitization measures were collected, analyzed and transferred to a roadmap by using detailed sequence planning including project profiles. Significant savings potential was identified in the areas of production, logistics, quality and IT.

Contact person: Dr.-Ing. Anke Ebrecht
Phone: +49 231 9743-686
E-Mail: anke.wiezorrek@iml.fraunhofer.de

META & YOU: Strategy development for the innovation team

The aim of the project was to strategically align the innovation team of the start-in of META-Regalbau GmbH & Co. KG in order to reduce the volatility in the selection of thematic focal points. For this purpose, the core elements of a strategy such as the mission, the values and the vision were elaborated and strategic goals and packages of measures were formulated. These were finally bundled in a roadmap for improving the internal organization.

Contact person: Dipl.-Ing. Josef Kamphues
Phone: +49 231 9743-146
Email: josef.kamphues@iml.fraunhofer.de

Würth Industrie Service: Establishing innovation management

The aim of the project was to establish a structured innovation management system to support the implementation of internal projects. To this end, a strategy for an innovation team was first developed, the interests of all relevant stakeholders were identified, and organizational framework conditions were defined. Based on this, a roadmap for the introduction of innovation management was then designed.

Contact person: Dipl.-Ing. Josef Kamphues
Phone: +49 231 9743-146
Email: josef.kamphues@iml.fraunhofer.de

DENSO TEN: Analysis of supply chain processes

The aim of the project is to identify weaknesses and derive areas of action for improving the IT-supported supply chain processes of the international automotive supplier. To this end, the current order processing processes and the IT system landscape were first mapped in order to achieve transparency regarding current weak points. Based on this, a roadmap was derived to define the next improvement measures.

Contact person: Dr. Jörg Egli
Phone: +49 231 9743-442
Email: joerg.egli@iml.fraunhofer.de

Automotive spare parts business: Increasing supplier delivery reliability

The aim of the project is to increase supplier delivery reliability in order to achieve the management target of 95% delivery reliability with a delivery corridor of +/- 0 days. To this end, internal and external interfaces were first examined for inefficiencies and disturbance variables were recorded and categorized in order to develop a comprehensive catalog of measures and an implementation roadmap with detailed project descriptions.

Contact person: Dr. Markus Witthaut
Phone: +49 231 9743-450
E-Mail: markus.witthaut@iml.fraunhofer.de

 

Hilti AG: Selection and Evaluation of SC Collaboration Tools

The aim of the project is to analyze the status quo of the procurement situation and to develop a qualitative and quantitative model for evaluating an implementation of SCC concepts with the top 500 suppliers. Based on calculated business cases, the further steps for the implementation of an SCC were determined. Through the implementation, a significant annual cost reduction as well as a one-time reduction of the net working capital can be achieved.

Contact person: Dr. Markus Witthaut
Phone: +49 231 9743-450
E-Mail: markus.witthaut@iml.fraunhofer.de

ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe: Development of an integrated logistics strategy

The aim of the project was to develop a holistic planning and control framework involving all logistics areas in order to tap unused potential and create consistent, coordinated structures and processes along the TKSE supply chain. To this end, around 60 cross-functional workshops were held with the involvement of management and operational staff.

Contact person: Dr. Markus Witthaut
Phone: +49 231 9743-450
E-Mail: markus.witthaut@iml.fraunhofer.de

 

Gebrüder Jaeger: Determining maturity with the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index

The aim of the project is to develop a company-specific digitalization roadmap based on the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index. The digital maturity level was determined by a plant tour and conducting interviews with the process owners. As a result of the project, a roadmap and measures for continuous and uniform further development in all functional areas were defined.

Contact person: Nazanin Budeus
Phone: +49 231 9743-446
E-Mail: nazanin.budeus@iml.fraunhofer.de

GTP Schäfer: Potential analysis for increasing process and resource efficiency

The aim of the project is to integrate a new continuous furnace into an improved layout and to optimize and digitize processes. In order to identify the fields of action for the target concept, a site and process analysis was first carried out. The layout was then developed with the aim of reducing throughput times, inventories and overproduction quantities and increasing transparency and employee satisfaction.

Contact person: Dr.-Ing. Anke Ebrecht

Phone: +49 231 9743-686

Email: anke.wiezorrek@iml.fraunhofer.de