Integrated Logistics: Flexible Support for the Changing Needs of the Industry Sector

Customer service in the industry sector involves specialised warehousing and logistics solutions that ensure continuity and security of supply chains. Different aspects of this domain vary in terms of automation, technological requirements, and the pace of regulatory developments. This diversity means that industry logistics significantly differs from standard services. Indeed, it requires precise planning, flexible operations management, a thorough understanding of the particularities of production processes, and the ability to integrate multiple activities into a single operating environment. Thus, industry logistics is all about providing comprehensive support for production continuity, optimising workflows, and adjusting with flexibility to the changing needs of the business sector.

It is not only a question of available storage space when it comes to adapting warehouse infrastructure to specific client needs and the nature of the goods stored. It is vital to adjust the facility to specific storage regimes, such as appropriate temperature or safety requirements related to storing hazardous goods, for example, chemicals or electrochemical products such as batteries or accumulators.

Solutions that rely on warehouse automation are also of key importance. They speed up order picking and maximise the use of warehouse space. With solutions such as AutoStore, storage density can be multiplied by up to four times within the same floor area. Just as important is the ability to quickly adjust internal processes so that the warehouse can effectively respond to changing operational needs.

Within sectors with high demand volatility and complex production processes, services that allow businesses to limit their own operational resources and focus on key competencies are gaining ground. Accordingly, logistics companies expand their operations to include specialised processes supporting production and servicing, taking on tasks that require precision and strict quality control. This renders them a viable partner for promoting efficiency, speed and competitiveness of businesses.

“Indeed, co-manufacturing is among the most frequently outsourced services provided by logistics operators, which streamlines the packaging processes. In the furniture-making industry, it entails putting together complete sets by adding all the necessary accessories and small assembly components so that the end customer receives a product that is ready for proper assembly. Performing this step at a logistics centre relieves the manufacturer of a considerable workload and reduces the time needed to bring products to market,” adds Dariusz Rurka.

Logistics operators can also take over after-sales processes, such as order picking for servicing centres. They prepare sets of spare parts based on orders, for example from power tool servicing centres, and ensure their prompt delivery. This helps to maintain the continuity of servicing centres’ operations and, consequently, a high level of customer satisfaction.

Logistics services used by industry sectors can be provided in one place thanks to the concept called One Roof. It’s an excellent way to optimise product flows and improve the efficiency of industrial supply chains. “Our logistics centres apply a resource consolidation model, bringing together teams, specialist equipment, and services for multiple customers under one roof. With such an approach, we can manage both our personnel and infrastructure dynamically and flexibly, and thus respond quickly to changing operational needs. Advanced synchronisation of processes carried out in parallel for different customers considerably increases overall efficiency. This also allows us to consolidate all operations for a single client in one location, which limits product movements and streamlines the management of the entire process,” emphasises Dariusz Rurka, FM Logistic.

This concept works particularly well for projects with critical delivery deadlines, such as limited-edition products. It is often the case that the components necessary for final production arrive at the warehouse at different times and from different suppliers. The role of the operator is to efficiently accept and register these items in such a way as to enable piecemeal production or prefabrication operations to get started as early as possible. By taking this approach, part of the production process can be completed earlier, and the entire process can be finalised as soon as the remaining components arrive. This way, the client receives the final product on time and with optimal cost efficiency.