Contract Logistics
Intralogistics automation for 3PLs and logistics service providers operating multi-client facilities
Contract logistics providers operate in highly dynamic environments, managing warehousing, order fulfilment and distribution for multiple customers with changing requirements. Fluctuating volumes, short onboarding cycles and increasing delivery expectations place high demands on flexibility, scalability and operational reliability.
Intralogistics automation enables contract logistics providers to standardise processes while remaining adaptable. From incoming goods and storage to picking, consolidation and shipping, automated systems support stable performance across multiple customer contracts, even as order structures, product ranges and throughput requirements change.
Essential Technologies for Contract Logistics Automation
Automation solutions in contract logistics must be reusable, scalable and capable of supporting multiple customers within shared infrastructure. With modular system design, these technologies can be adapted to warehouses and distribution centres handling diverse product profiles.
Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems form the backbone of automated contract logistics operations. They enable reliable internal transport between storage, picking, consolidation and shipping areas, ensuring predictable material flow across multi-client facilities.
With components such as accumulation sections, transfer units and sortation interfaces, conveyor technology supports a wide range of load carriers and order profiles while maintaining consistent throughput during peak periods.
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), including shuttle, miniload and pallet solutions, provide high-density storage and fast access to goods across multiple customer inventories.
These systems enable shared use of storage infrastructure, improve space utilisation and support rapid adaptation to new customer contracts without structural changes to the facility.
Warehouse Management Systems
Warehouse management and control software provides transparency across complex, multi-client contract logistics operations. Real-time data enables tracking of inventory by customer, monitoring of material flow and control of system performance.
Software solutions also support Track & Trace requirements, reporting, KPI monitoring and integration with customer IT systems, creating a reliable digital interface between logistics service provider and client.
Contract Logistics Automation for Pallets and Large Load Carriers
In contract logistics, pallets and other large load carriers must be handled in a standardised, reliable and scalable way across multiple customers and fluctuating volumes. Automated intralogistics systems enable contract logistics providers to meet short delivery lead times, maintain consistent throughput during peak periods and operate shared infrastructure efficiently.
Automation extends digital customer processes directly into the warehouse. By automating the storage and transport of standard load carriers such as Euro pallets or wire crates, contract logistics operations gain flexibility and reusability across different customer contracts. This allows pallet-based storage and conveyor systems to be used for multiple clients while supporting predictable performance, reduced manual handling and improved operational stability.
Case Study: Automated Logistics Centre at karldischinger
In this case study, discover how karldischinger GmbH optimised its pharmaceutical logistics operations by implementing a highly automated intralogistics solution from GEBHARDT.
The project required a system capable of meeting strict pharmaceutical logistics standards while increasing storage capacity and streamlining material flow. GEBHARDT delivered a purpose-built automated solution featuring a high-bay warehouse with 15,384 storage locations, 136.5 metres of conveyor technology, and six storage and retrieval machines. The entire installation was certified and audited to meet the specific requirements of pharmaceutical logistics environments.
Watch the video to see the system in action, or read on to learn how GEBHARDT supported karldischinger in creating a modern and compliant logistics centre.
Contract Logistics for Small Parts in Cardboard Boxes and Containers or on Trays
The pressure on margins from rising labour costs, for example in e-commerce contract logistics, can be countered by investing in automation. At the same time, you tackle the problem of a shortage of labour. Take advantage of the high stock density that automation solutions bring and enjoy the benefit of being able to control and adjust your stocks even at times of uncertainty. Our solutions can start small and can then expand as you grow. By using standard load carriers such as Euro containers or cardboard boxes, these storage and conveyor systems can also be used flexibly in the future.
GEBHARDT Conveying and Warehouse Technology at C-Log in France
For many years, the logistics service provider C-Log Solutions, based in Saint Malo, France, has been supporting the fashion and textile retail business of the Beaumanoir Group as well as external partners at home and abroad. Having decided to go with the GEBHARDT product portfolio, the company sees itself ideally equipped for the changing shopping behaviour of consumers and the high demands of the textile mail order business in terms of achieving a continuous increase in performance.
How to Get Started with Contract Logistics Automation
Getting started with contract logistics automation follows a structured, consultative approach:
Initial consultation
We discuss your service portfolio, customer requirements and operational objectives across warehouses and distribution centres.
Requirements analysis
Your existing systems, processes and constraints are analysed to develop an intralogistics automation concept tailored to multi-client operations.
Implementation and scaling
Following solution selection, we support implementation and ensure the automation system integrates smoothly and can scale as customer volumes and contracts evolve.
View More Case Studies
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