Keeping the entire supply chain in view: Strategically achieving more quality and efficiency.
Careful logistics planning forms the foundation for successful logistics projects. Based on a logistics concept that includes selecting an economically suitable solution tailored to specific requirements, the groundwork is laid for targeted project implementation. In the conceptual phase, both established and new technologies are evaluated in terms of their application and usability to identify suitable solution approaches. Current strategic developments—such as principles from Logistics 4.0—also flow into the analysis.
Planning ideally takes place independently of manufacturers and with a neutral perspective on the most economically viable design of the logistics system. This ensures transparency in evaluating individual system components, including material flow, warehouse technology and degree of automation.
Transparent decision-making through data-based analyses
Better utilization of warehouse space and resources
Increased process reliability through clearly defined material flows
Higher flexibility during seasonal or market-related fluctuations
Optimized interfaces between warehouse, production and transport
Improved risk management across the entire supply chain
Numerous influencing factors play a role in logistics planning. It is essential to understand these factors comprehensively and consider them within the overall context. This enables the creation of efficient logistics management that contributes to a company’s long-term economic performance. Strategic logistics planning typically includes several consecutive steps—from defining overarching logistics goals to designing an appropriate warehouse layout.
Based on supplier and customer structures and considering internal conditions—such as the number of existing warehouses or production sites—the logistically optimal location can be determined using software-supported methods and algorithmic models. The so-called Center-of-Gravity analysis is frequently used for this purpose. Additional factors such as transport infrastructure and energy or fuel consumption are also included in the evaluation to identify the most cost-efficient location overall.
At the beginning of the strategic logistics planning phase, the requirements for the future logistics system are defined. This includes determining the items to be stored, describing material flows, and considering external conditions and internal restrictions.
A central step in warehouse planning is the definition of volume structures (Mengengerüste), which form the basis for subsequent tactical planning. For this purpose, product structures are analyzed in detail, and stock and movement data are determined. This phase ends with a preliminary planning stage and initial layout sketches of the warehouse.
Operational logistics planning begins with detailed planning, followed by the preparation of tender documents and requirements catalogs for warehouse, transport and IT systems.
As a result of the study, it can be determined in advance that the potential of Logistics 4.0 is far from being fully utilized. The EPG survey reveals the field of tension in which companies are currently operating.
Professional logistics planning helps uncover unused potential within logistics. It includes strategic, tactical and operational planning phases and ensures that long-term framework conditions are defined, processes are designed in a goal-oriented manner and all components in daily operations are aligned.
If required, coordination and negotiation with suppliers can also be handled. Manufacturer-independent and neutral evaluation ensures objective results. The goal is to maintain the competitiveness of corporate logistics—while paying particular attention to logistics costs and long-term investment planning.
Convincing results.
Task: Space and capacity planning for a finished goods warehouse for paints and coatings in Germany
Result: Reduction of warehouse and logistics space by 40% compared with the original plan and creation of 15% additional storage capacity. Total construction cost savings: EUR 2 million.
Task: Planning a distribution center to supply 50 stores and integrate online retail
Result: 7-year (calculated) payback period and 15% ROI
Task: Planning a fully automated high-bay warehouse with automated production supply and removal using driverless transport vehicles
Result: approx. EUR 850,000 in annual savings in operational logistics costs
Still have questions? We are happy to answer the most common ones briefly. If you need detailed information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Long-term successful logistics planning should begin with a holistic consideration of the existing conditions. The basis is a concept that develops an individual solution starting from the current status. All potential applications of established and new technologies are also taken into account to exploit full potential. All current trends are also incorporated into the concept. In the planning phase, experts use state-of-the-art tools to consider all optimization aspects before realizing, for example, a new logistics center. These include methods such as material flow simulation—e.g., in the HOLODECK—and predictive analytics for forward-looking warehouse planning.
The goal is to use optimization measures to get the maximum out of logistics, significantly increasing productivity and efficiency. Whether planning a new logistics center or evaluating your existing infrastructure—sometimes even small adjustments in intralogistics generate significant savings. Experts also support you in needs-based logistics planning, such as planning new logistics properties.
Only with a defined strategy does logistics planning make sense in achieving goals and economic success. This strategic approach forms the basis for all future steps. Experts guide you through the strategic, tactical and operational planning phases.
Companies that have planned their logistics with expert support achieve significant savings after a short time. A reduction of warehouse and logistics space by 40%, the creation of 15% higher storage capacity and total savings of EUR 2 million in construction costs are just one example.
Experts who deal with the demands of efficient logistics planning every day are the ideal partners when starting a project. They have many years of experience and have successfully completed numerous projects. Together, an individualized concept for professional warehouse planning is developed.
Do you have any questions? We are happy to assist you! If you would like to learn more about our holistic and manufacturer-independent warehouse planning, feel free to reach out to us! Our logistics experts are here to help you.
EPG Consulting is officially one of Germany’s top logistics consulting firms.