Automotive
Intralogistics automation for automotive production supply, sequencing (JIT/JIS) and spare parts logistics
To remain competitive, automotive manufacturers and suppliers require transparent, reliable and high-performance intralogistics processes. Short product life cycles, strict regulatory requirements and continuous cost pressure demand systems that are stable, scalable and precisely timed.
Automotive intralogistics automation supports production supply, as well as just-in-time and just-in-sequence workflows, and complex spare parts logistics. From incoming goods to production supply and distribution, automated systems help ensure consistent performance, full process transparency and efficient use of space and resources.
Essential Technologies for Automotive Intralogistics Automation
Automation solutions in the automotive industry must support both production logistics and spare parts distribution. With tailored system design, these technologies can be adapted to manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centres.
Conveyor Systems
High-performance conveyor systems form the backbone of automotive intralogistics. They connect incoming goods, storage areas, production supply and shipping zones, ensuring reliable and predictable material flow.
Conveyor technology, such as transfer units, vertical conveyors, turntables and stackers, enables the efficient transport of containers, trays, cartons and pallets, supporting tightly synchronised production processes.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), including shuttle, miniload and pallet solutions, enable high-density storage and fast access to components. These systems optimise space utilisation, prioritise fast-moving items and support accurate inventory management.
AS/RS solutions are particularly suited for spare parts logistics, buffer storage and production supply, where availability, speed and reliability are critical.
Workstations and Picking Robots
Goods-to-Person systems workstations and picking robots play a central role in automotive spare parts logistics and kitting processes. Components are automatically delivered to the picking station, reducing walking distances, manual handling and error rates.
Picking robots and automated workstations support consistent quality and stable throughput, even with high SKU diversity and fluctuating demand. At the same time, they improve ergonomics and help address labour shortages in automotive intralogistics environments.
Warehouse Management Systems
Warehouse management and control software ensures transparency across automotive intralogistics processes. Real-time data enables the tracking of material flow, inventory levels and order status across production, supply and distribution operations.
Software solutions also provide the foundation for KPI monitoring, continuous improvement and integration with higher-level systems such as ERP and production planning tools.
Efficient Spare Parts Storage and Highly Dynamic Spare Parts Shipping
Spare parts distribution is characterised by seasonal fluctuation and extensive customer order structures. To service customer needs, the highest demands are placed on order processing speed and quality. To facilitate the safe storage of a considerable variety of components with a reduced warehouse footprint and higher performance, you can rely on our proven expertise in the automotive sector. We support you from the automation of manual shelving systems to automated fulfilment centres with our highly dynamic Storebiter OLS shuttle warehouses and high-performance Goods-to-Person workstations. This allows you to achieve increased output with reduced floor space while also lowering your total cost of ownership.
Cost Reduction Due to Optimisation of Operation Sequences
At Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, the task was to optimise parts distribution processes and reduce transport costs. A quantity-efficient order picking system was designed to connect the upstream and downstream functional areas via 2,350 m of high-performance conveyor technology. Through the successful project, the goals of process optimisation and transport cost reduction were optimally achieved. Additionally, we significantly improved the workplace conditions for the team members.
Automated Production Logistics from Incoming Goods to Outgoing Goods
As a company in the automotive sector, you demand high reliability and performance from your production logistics. It must be highly efficient to process a high number of orders in a short time and, if necessary, to supply your production in just-in-time or just-in-sequence concepts. On the other hand, you need a flexible system that can respond to changing market conditions at any time. To meet these requirements, GEBHARDT offers automatic miniload and pallet warehouses to collect goods quickly and keep them available for production in a highly dynamic manner. Your production processes can be supplied with the required components effectively and efficiently using the standardised GEBHARDT System 300 or System 500 conveyor technology. Should you require a more flexible solution, our mobile robots offer you additional design options, particularly with classic conveyor technology. Incoming goods and ergonomic order picking workstations ensure that your employees have a safe working environment and help reduce downtime.
GEBHARDT Creates an Innovative Logistics Centre at KW Automotive
At the chassis manufacturer KW automotive in Fichtenberg, Swabia, the task was to implement the entire intralogistics solution including automated warehouses and modern conveyor technology as well as a Pick-to-Light system (PTL) in the Built-to-Order production and to integrate it into a flexible production structure with network capabilities.
How to Get Started with Automotive Automation
Getting started with automotive intralogistics automation follows a structured, consultative approach:
Initial consultation
We discuss your production requirements, logistics processes and short- and long-term objectives across manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.
Requirements analysis
Your existing systems, processes and constraints are analysed to develop an intralogistics automation concept tailored to your automotive environment.
Implementation and scaling
Following solution selection, we support implementation and ensure the system integrates smoothly and can scale with changing production volumes and market demands.
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