Transportation & Logistics - Supply Chain Optimization
The basis to manage our future progress
Seamless traceability, flexibility and efficiency are key capabilities for future logistics, transportation, and the entire supply chain. Delivery bottlenecks caused by global increase in goods flows and production downtime due to global incidents require even better plannability of the supply chain. Only data-based, digitized solutions and innovative mobility concepts enable smooth operations. Automated processes, the optimized software solution and networked, intelligent machines play a decisive role.
At Rutronik, we build on these developments to offer both innovative, unique solutions and optimizations of existing processes and applications. Together with our partners, Rutronik not only provides the components, but also is a knowledge pool to open a new chapter in transportation and logistics.
Digitalize Transportation, Logistics and the Supply Chain
In the future, the market will digitalize fast along the whole supply chain to continuously automate systems and interactive processes. All is about ensuring a more efficient, cost-effective, sustainable process, and the relief of employees and facilities. One of the key capabilities will be the systematic collection and targeted use of big data. Digitalization of logistics generates an enormous amount of data for evaluating, analyzing and monitoring processes. Devices in intralogistics, for example, are connected via campus networks, and transport logistics data must be transmitted over long distances and yet in real-time. A functioning communication standard such as 5G or in the future 6G in combination with powerful components guarantee reliable data transmission.
Omlox as a technology standard integrates already existing technologies such as Ultra Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), 5G or Global Positioning System (GPS) into an industry standard. This enables fast, easy and cost-effective access to real-time location data. At the same time, Omlox reduces the technical complexity of location systems.
Fields of application:
- Automation of the supply chain
- Intralogistics
- Connection outside the company area
- Future-oriented mobility for transportation and logistics
- Advanced cold chain management
- Sustainable solutions for supply chain and logistics
Electrification of transportation
Sustainable logistics or green logistics is not only beneficial for the climate. A more environmentally friendly conversion of the supply chain also holds economic benefits. Ressource-efficient use of raw materials, energy and transport, combined with increased productivity and a more efficient supply chain, reduce logistics and delivery costs. Increased electrification of transportation systems offers numerous benefits. This includes reducing the dependence on the fossil fuel market as well as cutting down local emissions.
Smart logistics: More intelligent supply chains
Intelligent supply chains built on IIoT systems which submit real-time data. Artificial intelligence based on machine learning, deep learning or other approaches deliver reliable predictive models. Powerful data collection combined with smart processing and analysis enables early detection of problems and error avoidance to gain valuable time and decision-making freedom.
Building autonomous systems
Implementing a comprehensively automated supply chain is the result of automating all inbound and outbound logistics processes. That includes automated warehouses that use machine learning-based data analytics, sensor systems, and autonomous and mobile transport robots (AGVs). For intralogistics, AGVs, cobots with human-to-machine (H2M) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication capabilities, and real-time electronic data exchange are a real game changer. This speeds up processes between interfaces, raises planning reliability and allows 24/7 availability.
Software-based route optimization
Routes are optimized using methods such as LEAN management and smart technologies. A particularly cost-intensive part of the supply chain is the "last mile". The additional use of alternative mobility concepts like drones, robot swarms, AGVs, platooning and the integration of new transport routes, including by water and air, opens up further optimization potential.
Optimal protection of goods thanks to innovative cold chain
Especially for perishable goods, cloud-based wireless sensor systems enable seamless real-time monitoring of the cold chain. This allows taking preventive measures to avoid temperature-sensitive damage.
To successfully master the current revolution in the transport industry towards more sustainability, efficiency and automation, Rutronik is your partner with suitable and customized solutions for your challenges.
Our value proposition:
- Expertise regarding a wide range of products and components
- Knowledge of the latest innovations on the market
- Deep insight into manufacturers’ product portfolios and technical capabilities
- Experienced staff in all product divisions, such as Embedded & Wireless, Sensors, Power and Telematics, etc.
- One-stop shopping for corresponding products and alternatives from various providers
- Solution provider for all components (individual consulting on best-fit systems and manufacturer products)
- In-house reference designs and proof of concepts to reduce your development time-to-market
Automation of the Supply Chain
Tracking and tracing will advance global supply and logistics network. With existing technologies focusing only on a single channel supply chain, the opportunities for an efficient multi-channel supply network remain untouched. Here, the challenge is that only intracompany changes are insufficient to achieve overall process optimization and sustainable effects. The entire supply chain management of suppliers and carriers is a factor to be weighted equally. In this context, intra- and intercompany networking is crucial for optimal performance and installing an autonomous system.
The supply chain management software used in your company must be able to communicate and exchange data via interface with corresponding software from other manufacturers. That requires a flexible solution that can be adapted quickly to changing requirements and processes but also maps logistics processes correctly.
Our expertise lies in many years of experience
Thanks to decades of experience as a reliable supply chain partner, our experts at Rutronik know the requirements and needs of the industry very well. As a result, our interdisciplinary experts detect the most crucial requirements for your logistics challenges in a consultation meeting together with you. They will then advise and co-develop the most suitable solutions and identify the required components.
Advantages and applications
- Drastic acceleration of (transport) processes based on real time mapping and AGVs
- Reduction of manpower requirements, e.g. with autonomous pallet lifters
- Avoidance of inappropriate stock levels and deliveries
- Enormous savings through automated systems, direct goods recognition, decentralized storage
- Faster transport of goods
- Competitive advantage over competitors through early changeover
- Sustainable relief for retail companies, increased customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty
Intralogistics: Automation is Key
Strategic intralogistics planning involves the coordination of production and warehouse operations and the information flow via advanced collaborative software solutions. The goal is to maximize warehouse capacity through optimum layout and storage system design, and to automate the handling and in-plant transportation of goods and repetitive processes. Robotics and IIoT applications are automating the supply chain even further.
Cobots to lighten the workload of employees
Collaborative robotics (cobots) solutions ensure process optimization and support warehouse employees during loading and unloading. They are well suited to perform unsafe, repetitive or monotonous tasks and thus reduce error rates. The division of tasks between employees and machines opens up new ways of planning personnel deployment. Rutronik's experts provide advice on safe human-robot-interaction solutions with interdisciplinary know-how and a comprehensive component portfolio.
IIoT optimizes warehouse control
The starting point is the implementation of a warehouse management system to control and record all goods movements. Advanced planning and scheduling systems (APS) are cloud-based planning solutions for supply chain management and ensure seamless traceability of individual goods.
In addition, all relevant operators are connected to each other and to the system. This requires a customized real-time network. Whether a private 5G networks, TSN or Industrial Ethernet is optimal for you depends on various factors. Rutronik's experts analyze the specific conditions and advise which option is best suited in your case.
When integrating cyber-physical systems, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and communication devices into logistics processes, the key is to enable easy and clear interactions. It is then about integrating voice and gesture control, smart and mobile devices, and handhelds.
Advantages and applications
- Detailed monitoring (e.g. with RFID tags)
- Optimized warehouse management (self-monitoring and analysis of systems)
- Increased transparency via central control software
- Improved route planning through higher information content and GPS
- Enhanced data usage and precision for ERP systems
- Large industrial sites, plants with high operating volumes
- Internal material handling: Transport of goods within warehouse facilities and production sites
- Inventory management and internal information flows
- Warehouse management
Be Connected Outside the Company Premises
The digitization of transport logistics is a must. 5G integration and, prospectively, the implementation of 6G will built the network architecture of the future to connect individual players such as freight forwarders and transport companies with each other.
Data analytics for more transparency
Important for modern transport logistics is the combination of technology, application-based data analytics and overarching networking. Sensors and modules transmit relevant data to the system in the company via a fleet management interface. There, the data collected on the road, such as vehicle speed, brake and clutch actuation as well as fuel consumption, is analyzed and processed for further optimization. This real-time information on live status and delivery location provides reliable transparency of transport management.
Autonomous driving as a long-term goal
Autonomous follow-me or platooning truck fleets are already being tested and will be a component of modern transport routes in the future. This involves an automated truck convoy driving at a close distance behind a lead vehicle. A sensitive interplay of wireless connectivity and cognition, sensing and imaging is important here. The prerequisite for this is the widespread implementation of 5G and, in the long term, 6G.
Our colleagues at the Rutronik Wireless Unit advise on technologies from innovative manufacturers in order to implent optimal networking as well as tracking, tracing and positioning solutions using GPS, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or real-time kinematic (RTK). In addition, many components from Rutronik's diverse portfolio are already 5G-capable and thus ready for the future.
Advantages and applications
- Cost reduction via optimized fleet management
- Simplification and improvement of workflows in the fleet
- Better vehicle coordination and location
- Truck telematics
- Fleet management
- Robot swarms
- AGVs
Future-Oriented Mobility for Transport and Logistics
New mobility concepts that integrate platooning, AGVs, robot swarms, drones and air cabs face very different challenges compared than conventional approaches involving trucks, air cargo and container ships.
Security and safety of autonomous vehicles on the road and in the air
Intelligent safety systems are necessary if transport vehicles operate autonomously, i.e., without the direct influence of a driver. Multidimensional sensor systems with LiDAR, radar, ultrasound and camera vision monitor the environment and thus prevent accidents, analyze the optimal route and adjust it if necessary. Rutronik's Optoelectronics experts know which technology best suits individual requirements and draw on a portfolio of experienced, solution-oriented as well as innovative manufacturers.
When integrating drones or air cabs into an innovative mobility concept, special attention is required when selecting components for these applications. Compliance with clearly defined norms and standards is a prerequisite for approval in the airspace.
No chance for (cyber)crime
To protect deliveries of goods from unauthorized access, additional measures must be taken for automated and, above all, autonomous transport concepts. These include tracking options to determine the exact position of the delivery. Intelligent tracking can use RFID tags, GPS, GNSS, RTK, machine vision and sensor technologies to draw an accurate picture of a delivery's actual position. This makes tracking much easier and faster in the event of a possible theft. It is also crucial that self-driving cars and aircrafts have enough decision-making freedom to choose an alternative route in the event of unforeseen traffic obstructions. It is therefore a matter of allowing short-term route adjustments while protecting the system from outside manipulation.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) via pre-authorized mobile devices or camera-based Face ID offer smart solutions for the authorization of goods. Rutronik works with display manufacturers and thereby offers complete solutions for secure access control.
Encryption and decryption within M2M communication, the exchange of data with a cloud server or the protection of intranet and internet as well as the provision of corresponding backup solutions require extensive, but situation-dependent and individual security measures on hardware and software level. Blockchain represents a key technology here.
Our interdisciplinary team at Rutronik will suggest which of these are actually effective for your challenges in securing supply chain and transport ways and which options are currently available, based on an individual analysis tailored to your company's needs.
Intelligent battery systems
Autonomous, electrified mobility in the supply chain requires new solution approaches in the charging infrastructure, such as inductive and fast charging, intelligent battery management systems, power transmission to the powertrain and high-voltage applications in the board net.
Here, Rutronik offers a unique combination of experience, components and innovations, which are available to you in the form of self-realized reference designs and partially patented systems. Our hybrid energy storage system (HESS) provides you with a real head start in development to significantly accelerate the time-to-market of your project.
Advantages and applications
- Efficiency increase
- Cost reduction
- Unrestricted control over goods
- Fewer losses due to accident or theft
- Container, parcel and shipment tracking
- Roadside surveillance
- Collision avoidance
- Anti-theft systems
- Telematic systems
- Power supply for vehicles
Advanced Cold Chain Management
The strict requirements for maintaining the cold chain for food and medicines follow the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) concept. The assessment and avoidance of potential hazards during processing or delivery is simplified. This involves an analysis of possible risk factors and the development of prevention strategies.
IIoT keeps goods cool
Comprehensive sensing combined with tracking solutions, IR camera monitoring and analytics at the edge or cloud-based solutions enable virtually error-free monitoring of refrigerated shipments. The ability to send, and receive data in real-time combined with its evaluation to initiate corrective action is necessary.
To ensure the error-free functionality of the components used, their selection requires great care. They must be able to withstand extreme temperature differences and operate in an energy-efficient manner. High robustness and durability are important for reliability. Rutronik's product managers therefore take a close look at all sensors, batteries, power supplies, connectors, etc. that are to be used.
Advantages and applications
- Fast response to malfunctions or gaps in the cold chain
- Easier temperature recording and reduced workload for employees
- Safer and more accurate cold chain
- More cost-effective due to easy implementation and more efficient use of time
- Cost reduction due to less downtime
- Sustainable handling of goods to be cooled
- Fresh food delivery
- Shipping of pharmaceuticals and medical goods
Sustainable Solutions for Supply Chain and Logistics
In addition to strategic planning and optimization through management software, innovative technologies that specifically target sustainable and energy-efficient supply chains and transport routes reduce the environmental footprint even further. For example, energy consumption can be optimized through load monitoring in the means of transport or stand-by operation of the warehouse environment. The use of modern cooling and heating technology also reduces energy requirements. Rutronik's product managers show which solutions are suitable for industrial and mobile use based on an individual needs analysis. They also advise on additional options for a more sustainable supply chain.
Green mobility concepts
The traditional diesel truck often appears as an option without alternative for overland transport. However, advances in hydrogen research and e-mobility are bringing this drive option within reach. The employees of Rutronik's Automotive Business Unit and Power Unit are experts on all the special requirements that the integration of new drives has on battery management systems, batteries, 48 V power supply, high voltage applications, charging systems and other components.
Use of innovative materials for packaging
New materials make it possible to reduce packaging waste and weight or create a reusable form of packaging that noticeably reduces the waste that inevitably arises in logistics.
Sharing is caring
Efficient and sustainable approaches include fleet sharing and Mobility as a Service. Investing in their own sustainable fleet is not a viable option for all producers, so sharing the logistics capacities of several companies is only logical.
This can also open up an additional business area if a company's own fleet offers Mobility as a Service: Empty runs or downtime can be avoided, and at the same time fewer transport vehicles are on the road.
Our experts across all product areas, such as Automotive Business, Embedded & Wireless, Sensors, Power, etc. provide reliable advice on future mobility concepts. Our expertise is based on our daily business with logistic-relevant data including a vast variety of parameters and a multitude of warehouse management software interfaces. We bundle all our know-how to find the optimal solution for you and, if required, identify cooperation opportunities in terms of sustainable transport management.
Advantages and applications
- Reduction of costs for packaging and disposal
- Optimization of the ecological footprint
- Energy consumption decrease
- Creation of innovative business models
- Entire, circular value chain
Any Questions? Get in Contact With Our Product Specialists