WELCOME TO INSPIRATION TOMORROW

SWISSLOG WAREHOUSE & DISTRIBUTION SOLUTIONS GLOBAL MAGAZINE ISSUE TWO

PLUS: E-COMMERCE // EMERGING NATIONS // SELF DRIVE // HISTORY OF INNOVATION INSPIRATION

// PAGE 3 WELCOME // PAGE 4 IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGE // PAGE 6 A HISTORY OF INNOVATION // PAGE 8 E-COMMERCE & BEST PRACTICE // PAGE 10 NATURAL SELECTION // PAGE 12 BEST PRACTICE: SULSER GROUP // PAGE 14 EMERGING NATIONS // PAGE 16 SELF DRIVE // PAGE 18 UNDERGROUND CARGO // PAGE 20 FINANCE // PAGE 22 SEASONAL LOGISTICS

DESIGN DEVELOP DELIVER

02 WELCOME

WELCOME

Welcome to our second issue of Inspiration magazine. We were delighted with the response to our first issue on the ‘Future of E-commerce’, and this time we look to the past, present and the future.

We examine the history of automation and past trends, as well as current issues in different markets and where we might be heading in the near future. From under- ground transportation to driverless cars, Christmas shopping to cash handling, it’s all here!

It is amazing to consider how far we have come in the last few years, let alone in the 20 years since the Swisslog name first appeared. It has been 30 years since our precursors Sprecher & Schuh Automation AG came into being and our first fully auto- mated project took place, back in 1967.

We hope you enjoy this issue and as always welcome your inspirational feedback! Contact us via Twitter @swisslogInspire or via email: [email protected]

Joe Doering Division President Warehouse and Distribution Solutions

03 INSPIRATION IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGE WHAT FACTORS ARE DRIVING THE WAREHOUSE OF TOMORROW? WE SPOKE TO OUR REGIONAL MDRs TO FIND OUT. ANDREW MANSHIP: EMEA

How well known is on the retail, food & beverage and pharma- What support is most appreciated? automation in your ceutical industries, although we experi- Service agreements with guarantees or territory? ence interest throughout a wide range of several Key Performance Indicators are Europe has had a significant adaption rate markets including banking, manufacturing, becoming more prevalent; these KPI agree- of automation, far ahead of that in the automotive and paper and print. ments provide the customer with peace of Middle East, but we see signs that this too, mind as the service provider will also ‘feel is set to change. E-commerce appears to be the fastest the pain’ should critical equipment not growing sector in the market and many perform as expected. Having spoken recently with a number of organizations are still coming to terms with professionals at the Materials Handling the challenges presented by multichannel Many companies are also reviewing the Middle East exhibition, it is clear that there logistics; here we find a great deal of inter- life expectancy of existing equipment; we is a lot of interest, excitement and enthu- est in Swisslog’s solutions. typically find that companies are looking siasm surrounding the increased take-up to extend the operational effectiveness of of automation within the region. However, How important are legal, environmental, their current equipment by three to five this is expected to be at a fairly basic ‘semi- safety considerations? years beyond their original plans, ‘sweating automated’ level as confidence builds. Benefits related to health and safety are a their assets’ to the maximum level. top priority for our customers. Automation How quickly is the market developing? reduces the number of personnel in the What are the next challenges for businesses In Europe we see steady growth. It is a rel- warehouse and allows those operators utilizing automation? atively mature market. Here, a continuous remaining to work within an ergonomic Top pressures which drive automation are: improvement culture focuses on developing environment. Energy efficiency is high on companies running out of space, needing operations in order to tighten efficiency the agenda for most companies due to both to fulfill orders faster and having to tackle and evolve with the changes brought about economic and Corporate Social Responsi- the high cost and/or low availability of by factors such as multichannel operations bility (CSR) factors. labor. and more stringent customer expectations. Customers are asking up front about ener- We see the quickest change currently gy usage and it is an important criterion taking place in the Middle East where the for evaluating systems and business majority of warehouses have manual ma- cases. terials handling operations. This market has experienced an on-going period of prosper- Automated warehousing systems ity and demand with significant levels of also support companies in the phar- investment in the fast track development of maceutical and food & beverage its warehousing facilities. industries to adhere to stringent regulatory requirements thanks Which businesses are showing interest? to its ability to perform continu- Swisslog’s solutions and services are tar- ous quality control and distribute geted at storage, picking and replenishment products efficiently, accurately and for all industries. We tend to focus primarily securely.

04 IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGE MARKUS SCHMIDT: USA

How well known is Which type of businesses are showing potential issues before they can impact op- automation in your interest? erations. Customers also want to be able to territory? This depends on the solution. Pallet ASRS adapt and upgrade their aging systems in The largest part of the market is case con- types mostly in food & beverage applica- line with their business. Support in enabling veyor based with solutions that are often tions, while goods-to-person very much in this change is the second most important less complex than ASRS type applications. retail and e-commerce applications. stream. Those conveyor / sortation solutions are well known and accepted. The automation How important are legal, environmental, What are the next challenges for businesses level we promote with ASRS and goods- safety considerations? utilizing automation? to-person picking is less common in the Legal and safety considerations are must- The challenge for customers is clearly market. However the trend is toward more haves, while environmental aspects can financial justification for automation. With advanced solutions, providing end users give Swisslog an edge in some cases. labor rates still relatively low and land with higher-performance systems which almost free, the justification is not quite as deliver lower overall life time costs. What factor is land availability playing in easy as in Europe. the take-up of automation? There is a clear drive towards better control How quickly is the market developing? Land in the US is generally still available. and tracking of inventory and automation The North American materials handling However, when investment in automation helps with this tremendously. market is growing by around 6% a year at helps avoid expansion, value is generated. At the same time we see an increase in present. The trend is for more sophisticated orders with a decrease in order size. This solutions and the market we serve is likely What support is most appreciated? makes the control and tracking topic even to outgrow the wider market developments. Customers demand that operations be more pressing. supported on a 24x7 basis. In addition, our support team now proactively monitors our customers’ installations to anticipate RUDOLF HAUSLADEN: APAC

How well known is Which type of businesses are showing for example, is very important, environ- automation in your interest? mental and energy saving concerns are territory? There is interest across all industries and important everywhere, while safety issues Generally, it is well accepted around the hence good opportunities for automated are particularly important in Australia. Asia-Pacific region. Pallet technology is solutions in areas where land is scarce, common, the light goods sector is appear- labor costs high or growing rapidly, What support is most appreciated? ing slowly. and throughput challenges require automa- Delivering turnkey solutions and providing tion to solve complexity. after-sales service are very much appre- How quickly is the market developing? ciated. It means the customers can focus China, Korea and Singapore have embraced If we talk about scarcity of land, for exam- on their own business without delaying automation and are showing good poten- ple, mega-cities such as Singapore, Hong progress. tial for growth. Thailand and Indonesia Kong, Shanghai, Beijing or Seoul come to are emerging countries, which are devel- mind. On top of that, land prices are grow- What are the next challenges for businesses oping fast, and growth in automation will ing fast, hence companies want to make the utilizing automation? increase mid-term. most effective use of a given plot of land. Highly flexible automation, that is, being able to scale up or down your automated Australia is a quite mature market where How important are legal, environmental system as you go. As e-commerce, m-com- automation has been used for some time. and safety considerations? merce and other types of retail become Given the smaller population there, demand All are important, but the magnitude de- more prevalent, the ability to respond to is growing slower. pends on the circumstances. Working time changes in SKU ranges, throughput, peak restrictions in deep-freeze environments, days, etc. becomes even more important.

05 INSPIRATION

A HISTORY OF INNOVATION SWISSLOG TRACES ITS ROOTS BACK TO THREE DIFFERENT COMPANIES, MERGED TOGETHER OVER THE YEARS INTO THE BUSINESS WE KNOW TODAY.

The Next Level

Swisslog has always been faced with adapting to fulfill customer require- ments in the best way.

As a result we have learned to become the expert in integration, and that it is important to have our own key technology.

As a dynamic company we aim to keep the balance between our own key proven technology and 3rd party inte- gration, as well as the balance between standardization & customization. In 1902, Specher & Schuh What followed was a number of Ultimately, we look to keep the good produced the first electrome- acquisitions (including Buchs-based technology and practices, while adding innovation and new ideas. chanical switch-gear for low business, OWL AG), joint ventures and and high level voltage. technological developments that helped make Swisslog a global leader in the In doing so, we are able to understand provision of integrated logistics solutions complex requirements and bring auto- By the 1950s, it had begun production of mation to the next level. electronic switches and controls, including for warehouses, distribution centers and hospitals. complete cabinets. As technology Our key challenges today are to: progressed and Specher & Schuh’s division, ƒ Focus on market trends, providing Indumation AG, introduced the first Headquartered in Switzerland, Swisslog today has over 2 100 employees in more inspired solutions to meet the market computer-controlled system, the automa- demands tion business side became more and more than 20 countries on four continents. ƒ Invest further in full automation and important to the parent company. Our comprehensive portfolio ranges from establish the best strategic partner- ships In 1986, the middle and high voltage switch building complex warehouses and distribution centers, including the ƒ Enhance our offering for our valued gear business was sold off to Alstrom (then customers called Sprecher Energie AG). The funds implementation of Swisslog’s own software. were then used to invest in Digitron AG and Translift AG, bringing together three Swisslog also delivers in-house logistics pioneers in the materials flow sector. solutions for hospitals and pharmacies.

Seven years later, with the spin-off of the Benefiting from its comprehensive logistics low voltage equipment department to know-how and broad project experience, Rockwell, the organization’s involvement in Swisslog is focusing on the industry seg- electrical switch gear came to an end, and ments of food & beverage, retail, including the company Swisslog was born. e-commerce and multichannel, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. 06 A HISTORY OF INNOVATION

ROCK OF AGES SWISSLOG’S ‘PREHISTORIC ROCK,’ WERNER WOODTLI HAS TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN LOGISTICS AUTOMATION. AS FAR AS INNOVATION IS CONCERNED, IF IT’S HAPPENED, HE’S SEEN IT DEVELOP AND WAS PART OF IT.

What is the origin of Logistics? Additionally, we introduced a new way of What will the future hold? You can argue logistics was always part of communicating with these PLCs, not by The industry has matured greatly since my human activities; good examples are trad- digital signals but by readable telegrams first days in 1980. When I started in logis- ers of cities such as Venice controlling the (that later lead us to LAN technology). By tics automation the focus changed from Mediterranean Sea, or later Hamburg with introducing Beckhoff IPCs in the last two developing base technology to solutions. the Hanseatic league. years, we closed a big circle from the early 1980s to 2010. We increased our order Today we have access to immense comput- How did you join the industry? volume from 5 million CHF in 1980 to close ing power and excellent control systems I started my career at Sprecher+Schuh Con- to 400 million CHF today, a 30-year journey that was unimaginable only a few years trols in Suhr, near Aarau. My main projects that I am still proud to have been part of. ago. We can achieve automation levels to- were the cooling water treatment for the day that we couldn’t imagine were possible. Goesgen nuclear power plant close to Which ideas made the biggest impact? Aarau, and the complete controls equip- Computer Integrating Manufacturing and We’ve achieved the automated order ment for a cement factory in Nigeria. Just-In-Time (JIT) were two streams of assembly for crates; cartons of different thinking that accompanied me during my sizes on pallets or rollcages are the next It was a good learning experience. One career. When JIT was coming along, we saw challenge. Vision technology, indoor posi- example was the machine producing starch flour from potatoes. The machine’s inner section stopped, but not the potato feeding part, completely stuffing up the machine with potatoes and making it hard to clean. We never forgot the basic “potato princi- ple” of material flow, stopping conveyors backwards in response to the flow!

How did automation break through? Sprecher+Schuh was already active in material flow controls as far back as 1967 for the Brunegg warehouse close by (still in operation today). many challenges ahead; we really feared tioning systems, robotics, communication The real break-through was the introduc- that warehouses could become obsolete! technology - all have been, or are about to tion of the “Tandem NonStop” computer Now, just the opposite seems to be correct. be, integrated into our solutions. in 1980, a fail-safe computer with no Logistics has developed constantly, with Customers are aware of these options, and single point of failure. At the same time we warehouses taking over the role of buffers their expectations have increased too. Chal- introduced the Sprecher+Schuh PLC, we between Far East production and Western lenges remain as in the first days, perhaps used the PLC as a micro-computer and it consumption, and companies have out- on a higher level. But after all, the “potato was based on one of Intel’s first 8080-CPU sourced their own logistics needs. principal” is still valid! chips.

07 INSPIRATION

THE CHALLENGES OF E-COMMERCE ONLINE SHOPPING IS DRIVING MANY OF THE INNOVATIONS EXPECTED IN THE WAREHOUSE OF TOMORROW. ADRIAN ILIESCU ASSESSES THE CHALLENGES FOR RETAILERS. Adrian Iliescu

To what extent is e-commerce affecting retail logistics? For the retailer, the same term is used for Ensuring accurate order fulfillment in the E-commerce is changing the traditional the ability to fulfill orders made via those first place can reduce returns, but free pallet and case replenishment processes different channels. These orders may be postage returns is a balancing act between in existing supply chains, to an item based for delivery direct to the consumer, driving promoting sales and encouraging custom- pick system. This is requiring additional the need for the ability to pick single or a ers to buy multiple items for comparison space as it is often undertaken alongside smaller number of stock items, or it could at home. Seasonal promotions, such as store replenishment. Some retailers are mean delivery to stores and collection free postage on returns, drive online sales, picking in shops then delivering to home, points, hence the combination of palletized yet the cost of this to e-retailers and the but have much higher distribution costs and smaller packages. disruption it can cause to the supply chain than those who pick from the warehouse can quickly become crippling without the to homes. How important is multichannel? right tools and processes in place. If recent reports are to be believed, Who are the winners and how do you avoid multichannel shoppers spend over 80% How are customer expectations shaping becoming a loser? more in each transaction than those who future e-commerce? The success of the big boys perhaps only shop in-store. Researchers for the A change in customer lifestyles and Internet distracts us from the fact that many accounting firm Deloitte found that advances meant expectations were high, but established players have either disappeared multichannel customers buying in the delivery poor. Now we are approaching the entirely, or are in severe trouble. The win- clothing, home and electrical categories tipping point as customers attitudes align ners have had to change from a big-build, spend on average £116 per transaction with the capabilities of grocery retailers fixed-cost mentality to one which is able of compared to £64 for those who only buy such as Ocado, Peapod, Mathem, even responding swiftly to trends in the market in-store. Amazon. and new opportunities. What about reverse logistics? Will there be any e-commerce surprises? Crucial to this success is picking speed. Often returns represent 20% - 30% of eBay may present a new challenge. The Being able to respond to individual orders shipped items, which all need to be checked online retailer is currently trialing same-day with the same efficiency (if not greater) and reintroduced as stock. Besides tying delivery in the US, via the mobile eBay Now as bulk or palletized orders is key for the up cash, and causing cash flow problems app. The move has led some commentators winners. It stands to reason that having to many starters, this creates an enormous to suggest: “What Walmart and Target flexible, efficient and fast picking, is the burden on warehouse operations. Both started, Amazon and eBay will finish.” And best way to avoid having to increase staff manpower and equipment need to be sized if you still remain unconvinced about the numbers and extend delivery times, in order to cater for the additional capacity that way things are heading, this final statistic to meet an increasing number of orders. returns require. A good returns solution may give you pause for thought. enables the items to be returned to How do you define multichannel? inventory at the earliest opportunity. Did you know: According to the news Researchers define multichannel as Swisslog’s AutoStore and SmartCarrier agency www.xinhuanet.com there were consumers who use more than one technologies offer automated return 242 million people shopping online in channel, such as a store, online platform, solutions that shorten the time between China in 2012. And the Chinese are just catalog or contact center before making a returned items being received and once getting started. purchase. again being available as stock.

08 E-COMMERCEWELCOME

RISING TO THE CHALLENGES: HOW SWISSLOG IS HELPING ONE LEADING ONLINE BUSINESS. “Two factors were particularly important “The AutoStore system provides the highest for Competec,” said Rolf Gutjahr, Swisslog density of cubic space utilization of all Project Manager. “How expandable is the automated storage and picking systems.” concept, and how easy would it be to The system allows up to 24 small parts bins integrate into the existing space? to be stacked on top of each other, per AutoStore could fulfill both of these expec- column. tations.” Each bin has a maximum load of 30 kg. “Maximizing efficiency in e-commerce Robots, whose quantity can be increased or fulfillment centers is accelerated by an reduced as and when required, travel along efficient use of space, both in footprint to this grid with a speed of up to 3.1 m per Competec is a leading Swiss minimize travel, and going vertically 3D, to second. electronics retailer. maximize cube storage,” explained Gutjahr.

Did you know... In France, 33% of consumers who have never bought groceries online say they would “probably” or “certainly” begin to do so within the next six months if the service were available in their area. In Spain, that figure is even higher, at 49%.

09 INSPIRATION

NATURAL SELECTION ALNATURA STAY TRUE TO THEIR ROOTS WITH AN IMPRESSIVE FUTURE-ORIENTED ORGANIC FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

Few high-bay facilities are as impressive as the new distribution center operated by Alnatura Produktions- und Handels GmbH in Lorsch, Germany. It rises 17.5 meters into the sky and, this is the most extraordinary part, it is entirely made of wood.

The high-capacity high-bay warehouse is the only one of its kind anywhere in the world, Alnatura points out with some pride, and an external façade that is also made of wood will soon be added to the ecologi- through trade partners in Germany and cal concept. The goal of the construction abroad. Lorsch has been one of Alnatura’s project is to build a cutting-edge extension key logistics centers for many years, but it onto an existing organic food distribution is now outgrowing its capacity, due to the center. retailer’s strong growth.

“What’s extraordinary is that the project Because of the great need to expand, is in line with Alnatura’s principles, which Alnatura decided to construct a new are based on systematic sustainability and building in 2012. Swisslog is now building a environmental protection,” comments new distribution center for dry goods on a Dr. Volker Jungbluth, Managing Director footprint of 9 000 m² as general contractor of Swisslog Germany. “The organic food for Alnatura. retailer can still rely on modern technolo- We want to set an example, gy,” he adds, “since the warehouse will soon The new structure will be a fully automat- combining ecology and be automated.” ed high-bay warehouse connected to an economy with attractive adjacent building, which will provide the design Handling dry goods interface to the existing logistics space. Headquartered in Bickenbach, Alnatura has Mr Link, Head of Finance Alnatura been distributing organic foods since the A sophisticated concept mid-1980s, including dry cereals and other “The order from Alnatura not only covers sophisticated energy concept.“ In keeping grains, sandwich spreads, dairy products, the storage systems and conveyors, control with Alnatura’s motto, “Sensible products fruit and vegetables, to name but a few. technology and warehouse management,” for people and the planet,” the new logis- says Heinz Ennen, Swisslog’s Head of Sales, tics center will cut CO2 emissions wherever The company maintains 80 stores in describing the work specifications “the possible: by saving energy, using renewable Germany and also distributes its goods milestones also include construction and a resources and building with wood.

10 THE FUTURE

Understanding customer needs: Swisslog helps Alnatura achieve their ambitions for an eco-friendly DC. (Distribution Center).

“We deliberately chose to use one of the both the roof of the high-bay warehouse most sustainable building materials,” says and all yard areas, preventing rainwater Prof. Dr. Götz E. Rehn, Alnatura’s Founder from contaminating the public drainage and CEO. “Wood is a renewable resource.” ditch. Extensive landscaping of the property Alnatura wants to set an example by rounds out the ecological concept. combining ecology and economic feasibility with attractive design. The new 137 m x 67 m x 20 m warehouse and distribution center will have a func- Ecology and Technology tionality and dynamics shaped largely by The high-bay facility is made of PEFC automation technology: 9 Swisslog Vectura certified spruce and therefore comes stacker cranes will serve up to 31 000 pallet from sustainably managed forests. It is an locations. eight-story, 18 m load-bearing structure with 65 570 m3 of shelf supports. Pallet conveyors, picking robots, extensive peripheral and safety components as well The facade features PEFC-certified larch as modern software control systems make wood. Thanks to good insulation and the Alnatura warehouse an extremely safe natural cooling, the logistics center requires and high-performance environment. neither heating nor artificial refrigeration. An unrivaled solution To do this, the building was sunk 2.5 meters “We are delighted to give our customer into the ground, which allows it to use the a solution that is beyond compare,” says natural cooling effect of the surrounding Volker Jungbluth, and adds that any com- earth. A photovoltaic system will be in- plex logistics system can rightly claim to be stalled on the roof, so that the building will unique if it actually attempts to meet the be operated with additional green electrici- user’s personal needs. ty once it is completed.

A total of 3 800 m2 of open storm water infiltration basins collect rainwater from

11 INSPIRATION

A VISION TO SUCCEED SULSER GROUP IS A SUCCESS STORY THAT’S CLOSE TO SWISSLOG’S HEART. HAVING TAKEN ON THE DC OWNED BY A PREVIOUS CUSTOMER OF SWISSLOG IN 2000, SULSER GROUP SET ABOUT ADAPTING IT INTO A NEW LOGISTICS OP- ERATION. THE SEAMLESS TRANSITION, AND SWISSLOG’S ABILITY TO UNDER- STAND THEIR NEEDS, MEANT WE BECAME A FIRM FAVORITE.

Oliver Lindenberger, Managing Director providers that, in addition to classic ship- know-how across diverse sectors of indus- Sulser Logistics Solutions AG, explains ping, transhipment and warehousing, also try and commerce. Today our core business how Swisslog became a valued partner, offer value added services, thus evolving encompasses holistic logistics and transport helping them to succeed and realize into an established third party between solutions: from procurement logistics to their vision. customer and supplier. production-related value added logistics services delivery. What was your early business model? Depending on the customer’s requirements, When the Sulser company was founded in we select the most appropriate measures 1954 by the father of our owner, Jürg Suls- to put together a package out of it for the We were there in the first er, we were a pure transport business. Man- customer. The entire supply chain, includ- hour when automation ufacturers would still maintain warehouses ing consulting, is reproduced: to achieve started and we support Sulsers on their own and need transport services this, we identify potentials across the Group’s success by helping mostly in order to move their goods and whole value chain and develop concepts of them realize their logistics carry out trade. continuous improvement together with our vision. customers. For us business changed in the early 1980s, Daniel Hauser Managing Director when lean management appeared. Toyota What were the early issues that led you CH, AT, ME still serves here as the benchmark for this to consider changing your business? organizational structure worldwide. Mean- An increasingly significant role is played while, lean management, along with its by value added services and IT has become core idea of creating value without waste, more and more important. In globally What has been the greatest impact of has been put into practice across many networked logistics, nothing can work automation on your business overall? sectors. without IT. Data accompanying goods on It is the complexity of our business, and the their way through the world, allowing their related, constantly growing requirements Our company experienced a substantial unambiguous assignment and permanent for our workers. On the one hand, they have change at that time: from a classic hauler tracking. We realized this very early on, a logistics task that is quite easily definable: to a shipping company with its own ware- and were one of the first providers to map handling of goods, transport of merchan- housing and transhipment facilities. our logistics services to ERP systems. We dise from A to B. On the other hand, we possess specialized infrastructure and have to be capable of understanding and Customers are confronted time and again with the challenge of providing their services faster and more cost-effectively, downsizing, closing their warehouses, or outsourcing.

Ever shorter product lifecycles and a greater diversity of variants require industry and company-specific solutions. This has resulted in the emergence of logistics

12 BEST PRACTICE SULSERWELCOMEGROUP

WORKING WITH SWISSLOG “The pace of technological developments in logistics is very fast. ‘Stoppage is a step backwards’ is an old saying, but considering the qualifications of people who work in logistics today, it is more relevant than ever. With Swisslog, we have a long-term part- ner that understands our strategy and delivers proven technology and modernization. It’s a partnership that has worked for many years, from our early years as a transport company, right up to the efficient logistics operation we have today.” operating complex IT systems. We find ƒ The demographic developments will cause MILESTONES highly qualified personnel to be a prerequi- the potential pool of highly qualified site for the efficient and customer-oriented personnel to shrink in the future. 1968 - Founding of TOURA market, provision of high-end logistics services. Secondly, the growing efficiency of ƒ one of the biggest and established automation. The complexity of today’s distribution centers in Switzerland. What do customized solutions mean to processes and the related need for the your business? service orientation of market players are 1971 - The first automated distri- One of these approaches is Vendor Man- other drivers of automation technology. bution center completed by Swisslog aged Inventory, a concept where we take Thirdly, the challenge for the future is ƒ forerunner, Sprecher & Schuh. charge of our customers’ warehouses. In system integration. Processes will be addition, stock and demand data are shown even more interlocked. The diversity of 1986 - Modernization of the control and maximum and minimum stock levels processes keeps growing, whereas quality system from Sprecher & Schuh. are agreed for each item. requirements are increasingly higher. 1993 - New warehouse expansion, Based on this data we manage our cus- So long as we consumers want to have with an elevator over 3 floors and a tomers’ stocks on our own. Data is fed into fresh roses from Kenya, Chardonnay from transfer car, implementation of new the inventory monitor directly from our Chile or fresh scallops served in a moun- control software for the conveyor ERP system and updated on a daily basis tain hotel, the world’s trade volume will system and more than 2 000 different so that dispatchers on both sides can plan continue to grow thanks to globalization. modifications / optimizations. using the same information. Our customers At present, the annual growth rates range have powerful tools at their disposal which from 6.5% to 8%. Logistics provides a sort 2000 - Sulser Logistics AG buys distri- enable them to quickly address on-going of ‘backbone’ for that, and demand for such bution center. situations: which and how many parts have systems will keep growing. to be delivered can be established in no 2013 - Huge modernization project time. Consumers still want roses delivered to meet Sulser’s immediate and future needs. Where do you see the future of from Kenya and wine from intralogistics going? Chile. In recent times we have been attracting more customers that outsource large por- tions of their business to us. We see three factors at play:

13 INSPIRATION

EMERGING INTO THE LIGHT EMERGING MARKETS ARE SOME OF THE FASTEST GROWING WHEN IT COMES TO THE TAKE-UP OF AUTOMATION. BUT HOW DO YOU DEFINE EMERGING MARKETS AND WHY ARE THEY MOVING SO FAST?

Emerging markets were defined variety of industries, needing improvements competitive pressures will intensify as by their greater potential for in their infrastructure, and having the efficiencies spread in new markets, perhaps profit, as well as risk. By the resources to do something about it. causing the center of economic gravity to end of the 20th century, some Investments in roads, water and waste shift to new regions. of those former ‘less developed’ water facilities, airport facilities, and power countries were emerging into plants will undoubtedly drive the direct use Of course, the great advantage of being the light - the BRIC grouping of of automation equipment in these indus- later into the market is the benefit of seeing Brazil, Russia, India, and China tries as well as others supporting them. what works. For emerging economies, the chief among them. ability to see the greater results brought The rapidly expanding middle class in Asia, about by investment in automation, makes Eastern Europe and Latin America is also these ventures much more attractive in Today, the more positive term ‘Emerging creating tremendous demand for new the future. As analysts from the market Economies’ defines not only a group of products. This new middle class is research firm Frost & Sullivan found, regu- rapidly expanding countries (Mexico, South purchasing goods across all segments, but lations are a key factor. Africa, Peru, Poland, Estonia, Bulgaria, many of these will no doubt be unexpect- Turkey and Indonesia, that is, countries edly popular. The growth in consumption “The need to boost safety through auto- appearing on an attempted definitive list will benefit industry overall, increasing mation, meet industrial standards and reg- by the International Monetary Fund), but demands on logistics and, it is thought, for ulations, and ease workflow operation has also refers to countries generally seen as more automation. aided market development,” states Senior vital to the global economy’s turnaround, Research Analyst Vandhana Venkatesan. following the great recession of 2009. With global growth, comes global “In addition, globalization has compelled pressures. Already we have seen how emerging sectors in the region to catch up The truth is that no one knows exactly who Western brands are put under the spotlight with already developed end-user seg- to include in the emerging nations bracket by Asian production practices. Likewise, ments, forcing them to turn to automation (Thailand? Taiwan? Poland?) but the per- ceived wisdom is that the main developing economies are still the primary markets for the spread of automation. Countries such as China and India are investing heavily in a

14 EMERGING NATIONS

Brazil is hosting the World Cup in and control solutions.” It is perhaps 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 and an over-simplification to consider a is a key emerging nation. growth of cheap, low-cost Chinese goods as the template for future markets. Certainly, ‘low-quality / low- price’ has a market, but it is the added competition that drives costs down.

Just as automation businesses educate end-users on the benefits of quality solutions that reduce machinery downtime, so too will customers be willing to pay for quality products produced in ‘exotic locations’, so long as it proves good value. In truth, this is already happening.

It’s just that at the moment, Apple, Microsoft, Lexus, Samsung, et al, use a veil of Western design sophistication to obscure it. But maybe the end of that too will soon emerge from the growth of a new world order.

15 INSPIRATION

CRUISE CONTROL AUTONOMOUS CARS MIGHT SOUND LIKE SOMETHING FROM THE REALM OF SCIENCE FICTION AND YET, THEY’VE ACTUALLY BEEN AROUND FOR ALMOST A DECADE. AS LONG-TIME SUPPORTER OF THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, SWISSLOG INVESTIGATES THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY.

Leading the way in the future Nissan already works with top universities in Uber, a popular ride-sharing software of car design is a company not including MIT, Stanford and Oxford, and be- used to connect passengers with drivers of known for its automotive tech- lieves the safety benefits will be immense. vehicles for hire. Many saw the investment nology. Google’s driverless car, The statistics are certainly staggering: six as a $258 million bet that the future of developed by the co-inventor million crashes in the US alone every year, driving is renting, rather than ownership. of street view, won a prize for costing $160 billion, the biggest killers of innovation as far back as 2005. 4- to 34-year-olds, 93% of which are due That may indeed prove the case, but some to human error. see a different motivation. Forbes magazine believes that Google likes the concept of Google’s robotic test cars have about Laser scanners, Around View Monitor cam- repurposing Uber to work with its $150 000 in equipment including a $70 000 eras, advanced artificial intelligence and own same day laser radar system. The system drives at the actuators allow Nissan’s test car to drive speed limit it has stored on its maps and autonomously on a highway, sticking to maintains its distance from other vehicles or changing lanes and avoiding collisions, using its system of sensors. An override without a map. allows a driver to take control of the car by stepping on the brake or turning the wheel, The Japanese car giant may have similar to cruise control. Recently, the com- been spurred on by Google’s pany has suggested a fleet of autonomous largest-ever investment ‘RoboTaxis’.

Meanwhile a number of US states have already passed laws enabling the testing of autonomous cars on public roads. Perhaps the biggest signpost of the way ahead came from Nissan, which announced in August that it “will be ready with revolutionary commercially-viable Autonomous Drive in multiple vehicles by the year 2020.”

16 SELF DRIVE/AMAG

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE AMAG Automobil is the main Swiss importer for the VW, Seat, Skoda and Audi brands, and a Swisslog customer.

e-commerce delivery service. The idea of Since 1957 the company has operat- industry-standard pallet or one base-sup- Google’s Shopping Express is to create a ed the largest automobile spare parts port pallet with a skid. During store input near-seamless way to go from a one-click warehouse in Switzerland, at Buchs near and output, the pallets pass through air purchase to the knock of a delivery driver at Zurich. locks. your front door. The number of spare parts kept available In the pre-store area of the high-bay ware- Google may in fact be counting on Uber’s in Buchs has increased enormously over house there are four circulatory picking sta- app, technology, and engineering exper- the years, now totaling around 150 000 tions based on a ‘goods to-man’ principle, tise to give it the edge on the information different articles. and three goods receiving stations. superhighway, as well as on the road. Every day, up to 14 000 lines, up to 50 tons In addition, using a shuttle trolley, fast in weight, leave the warehouse in more movers are put onto 25 presentation tracks than 100 delivery vehicles. for picking.

With growth on the horizon, AMAG wanted to expand the capabilities of the existing site and process an increased volume of orders without the need for additional staff.

New automatic conveyor systems were in- stalled to link together the individual areas of the site and to speed up the internal flow of goods. The second phase of the project covered the building of a new automated small parts store and the introduction of a new warehouse management system. In the third phase, stocks were built up within the existing building and a fully-automated high-bay warehouse installed.

Did you know... As a result of the expansion project, AMAG Electric cars are equipped has doubled its warehousing capacity while with computers, sensors, and further optimizing its internal logistics. The wireless connections that allow new high-bay warehouse provides space drivers to voluntarily share infor- for 25 200 pallet locations. mation on their driving and charging habits. Each of the six stacker cranes with their dual load acceptance mechanisms can transport either two Euro pallets, one

17 INSPIRATION

GOING UNDERGROUND IT’S NOT JUST THE WAREHOUSE THAT’S CHANGING. HOW THE CARGO ARRIVES IS ALSO CHANGING, Robert Vogel, BOTH ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND. Senior Partner, CargoTube AG

At least 20 million containers are currently crossing the world on a fleet of ships that we, for the most part, rarely think twice about.

The Danish shipping company, Maersk, by itself is said to own enough containers for 60 miles worth of trucks.

With so much traffic to contend with, it’s little wonder that capsule pipelines are now being re-visited. A deceptively simple system, up to three pallets can be placed in Small transport containers take up to a small container and propelled along an three pallet loads at a time and propel underground pipeline. them along the pipeline.

The first implementation of the technology was in Victorian telegram conveyors. These messages between important locations automatically receive and deliver the freight used small diameter pipelines to move within cities. Such systems formed an and autonomously lead to the destination. important part of communications The concept combines important logistics networks until the mid-20th century. The and underground shopping centers In England, the Victorians started to Victorians also built a number of larger together and requires no additional land introduce tube transfer systems into diameter pneumatic dispatch systems. use. shops in around 1840. Such systems These were designed to move freight (and remain in common use in shops, in some cases passengers) around cities Freight is clearly a priority, as CargoTube AG offices and hospitals. They are used to but were less successful than telegram are convinced underground cargo is the transport cash and other small items conveyors. answer to the worsening capacity overload within large buildings. in transportation infrastructure. In addition, But the idea is once again taking off, with transport costs can be saved, emissions can New technologies designed to make the idea of subterranean roads relieving the be reduced and the quality of life of those large diameter pneumatic systems a world’s congested roads. CargoTube AG are above ground can be increased. viable mode of freight transport. Air at the forefront of what they call low-tech is not the only means of propelling approaches to provide an efficient, “Users get the possibility to individually capsules. Various types of alternative subsurface network for goods transport their freight on standardized propulsion have been developed, transportation, as well as for media and and automated tunnel vehicles,” says the including water and magnetic induc- energy. company. “Alternatively, logistics service tion. providers take over the transport with a The fully automated system utilizes fleet of vehicles and integrate the needs of driverless transport vehicles, which several customers.”

18 UNDERGROUND CARGO

Tunnel Vision

During WWII, Rembrandt’s ‘The London is the mother of them Night Watch’ was hidden in all: the first underground railway tunnels beneath Maastricht. opened there in 1863.

Guanajuato city in Gibraltar has a longer Mexico was built length of road under- over old silver ground than it does mines, some of on the surface. which are used as roads. Montreal’s Underground City The oldest has the Hyperloop or subway system largest under- in South Amer- ground city net- Hyperbole? ica is in Buenos work in the world. Aires. Until this The US’s first dedicated high-speed rail year, it used Bel- line has struggled to get off the drawing board. Despite first being approved in gian-made rolling stock 2009, the $70bn California high-speed rail built in the early 1900s. initiative is still not scheduled for com- pletion until 2028. South Korea, Taiwan and Uzbekistan have all added high-speed infrastructure, and the UK plans to open its second line in 2026.

An unusual spin-off from California’s delay was to inspire a new ‘fifth form of transport’ from the American business magnate and inventor Elon Musk.

The 42-year-old co-founder of PayPal is the CEO of electric powertrain and car company, Tesla Motors, and the head of the private space transport agent, SpaceX.

His vision is a self-powering tube, called The company is now advocating an overall traffic situation of densely populat- the Hyperloop, which could transport underground route in Switzerland, where ed areas. travelers and even cars at speeds of a magnetic levitation rail network is also 800 mph. under consideration. The first leg of the The possibility to influence the system CargoTube project has the potential for an design, has already been offered to Musk has said that the Hyperloop design expansion into an underground businesses, who are naturally interested in is a “cross between a Concorde, a railgun transportation system. how the system may benefit Swiss retailers, and an air hockey table.” He told Busi- as well as logistics, academics, nessweek that the design looks like “a This system will relieve pressure from the infrastructure and construction industries. shotgun with the tubes running side by congested East-West Axis and from there in Swisslog is proud to be involved in ongoing side for most of the journey and closing the direction to Basel and Lucerne. Further- conceptual work concerning all aspects of the loop at either end.” The $6bn price tag more, city logistics aspects are worked on: automation. Our know-how and decades for the LA to San Francisco line may put goods could be delivered from distribution of experience in design, planning and im- off investors and make Hyperloop look centers with underground connection via plementation gives us unique insight into like an impossible fantasy, but then the electric vehicles into the city centers. This complex logistics solutions, as we assess same might once have been said about would have a very positive influence on the the feasibility of future technology. high-speed rail... 19 INSPIRATION

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE AS AN EIGHT YEAR OLD ON HOLIDAY IN THE 1960s, BRIAN WHALE ENJOYED MANY VISITS TO THE AMUSEMENT ARCADES PUTTING SPARE PENNIES IN THE SLOT MACHINES.

CASH HANDLING WITH SWISSLOG

Today, cash handling is much easier to take care of. Swisslog offers a cash handling solution for retail, supermar- kets, airport parking and other applica- tions. The application of fast, efficient and secure transport for customers and staff.

Swisslog systems efficiently transport carriers at high speeds with proven reliability. Tube systems provide air cushioned transport with soft delivery.

Obviously destined to be an engineer, it was for your home and finally a credit card to Swisslog offers total system design, essential to discover how these machines buy everything else. Today you are able to manufacturing, installation and cus- worked by “investing” all of my holiday buy anything you need, or want, on credit. tomer support - providing you with a money to the cause. In short, day 2 of 14 complete supply chain management and I’m broke... and still don’t understand I have now joined the young generation approach to your logistics challenges. how they work. and find myself buying online, on credit. The system offers maximum secu- To maintain a constant It started with the occa- rity for customers and staff, faster supply of ice cream, sional book, electronic reconciliation of cash receipts, prevents sweets and other treats gadgets, then groceries criminal access and optimizes internal for the remaining 12 and now I find that cash logistics. days a new strategy is one of my friends has required. Negotiating recently purchased a system. Who would have thought that credit with the “Bank of Land Rover on eBay... logistics engineers and bankers would have Mum & Dad” is the only quite how the postman so much in common, let alone have to talk available next step, my will get that through the with each other. sister having already letter box is a mystery! written me off as a bad credit risk! I’m now looking forward to buying my The logistics of delivering such a large next car, where I shall offer the salesman Having access to cash and credit has been range of items to home has resulted in the my credit card, accompanied by the phrase necessary to work your way through life, a development of the automated distribution “Stick it on that mate”! …and by the way 40 bank loan to buy your first car, a mortgage center and its integration with the banking years on, I’m still broke.

20 WELCOMEFINANCE

PREDICTING

FUTURE TRENDS Bill Leber Mike Hatrick WILL THE MAJOR INFLUENCES OF TODAY’S WAREHOUSE OPERATION BE THE SAME TOMORROW? OUR EXPERTS MAKE AN EDUCATED GUESS.

Swisslog US’s Director of Business Develop- ment, Bill Leber, believes the availability of space is still a key driver in the development of future warehousing. “There are not a lot of alternatives available to a business that is landlocked and facing high land or relocation costs,” says Leber. Even where land is available, the additional costs can be exponentially high, and few want to take those kind of risks when the potential for a dip in sales or seasonal variations come into play.

“Typically,” adds Leber, “the first types of Ergonomics, land prices, legal issues, Clearly, the growing acceptance of au- businesses to recognize the benefits of political agendas, employee availability, tomation and its encroachment into new automation are already operating on a technology, economics – all have a role to areas of our lives can only help its devel- 24/7 basis, at least in their peak seasons. play in shaping the future of logistics and opment. Competition is also increasing as The initial price of automated systems, automation. more countries make a claim to be more initially higher compared to conventional than just manufacturers of products, but warehousing, compares favorably over the “It may be stating the obvious, but the big- also brand builders on a par with traditional operational horizon of most installations.“ gest factor is what the market demands,” powers. Perhaps the safest prediction is to says Swisslog’s Innovation Manager, Mike say an organisation’s ability to remain “Lower rates for capital and ever increasing Hatrick. “If history tells us anything, it is flexible, super-efficient and responsive, can personnel and facility related costs mean that commerce has a way of getting around only get more important as time goes on.” that returns on investment for the fixed the obstacles laid before it if the desire is cost of automation continue to rise. Max- there.” imizing the utilization of assets will begin to be the driving force to minimize unit Today’s issues, will therefore maintain to in- handling costs, while providing ever better fluence the way we develop our systems for service levels demanded by consumers.” tomorrow, believes Mike, although new and exciting developments are always around “In the past, advanced automation was the corner. “Very few would have predict- seen as attractive only in niche applications ed the way e-commerce has influenced where labor and/or land was in limited logistics further down the line. We are still supply. Now, integrated automation will to see the real impact of mobile technology Did you know... In June 2010, a study become more and more the standard to on personalization, return logistics and found 73% of smartphone owners in the insure sustainable success, in an ever more customer expectations. UK who bought items in store were going competitive operating environment.” into shops every week. By April 2013, that figure stood at 47%. 21 INSPIRATION

SEASONAL CHANGES CHRISTMAS CARDS, HALLOWEEN CANDY, COFFEE AND ICE CREAM ARE ALL AFFECTED BY SEASONALITY. EVEN SO, SOME REMAIN UNCONVINCED OF THE BENEFITS OF CHRISTMAS.

Joel Waldfogel, Professor of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, is the leading proponent of ‘Scroogenomics’.

Of an estimated $70 billion Americans spend on holiday gift-giving, Waldfogel argues $14 billion is wasted. That’s because the gift recipient values the item on aver- age 20 per cent less than what the stressed shopper paid. Lawn and garden care products The idea is that people shop sensibly when show strong seasonality, with it comes to choosing items for themselves, demand varying based on differing but less so when picking out gifts. Retailers temperature and weather patterns. have created a whole industry of novelty gifts and useless gadgets to take advantage of this phenomenon. Increased volume, holiday deals and ship- ping promotions frequently require retailers And yet, many believe as much as 10 % to be able to fulfill fluctuating volumes of of jobs in many communities are tied to online orders for delivery on a real-time the retail industry alone, making Christmas basis. In addition to scheduled store de- essential to the future success of many liveries of pallets and cases, retailers must businesses. factor split-case picking, item-level touches and multi-line item sortation into their At no time of year is retail order fulfillment fulfillment processes to accommodate for more important than the holiday season. It demand fluctuations. is no secret that e-commerce shoppers ex- pect to receive items quickly. Since retailers Food & beverage sectors clearly have frequently offer comparable products at seasonal demands, with some foods being similar prices, speed of delivery is becoming almost Christmas-only. Trees, cards, and, of an increasingly important factor for many course, presents, all get that festive boost, holiday online shoppers. year-on-year. Retailers, clearly have to take Christmas into account, with the larger During the holidays, distribution centers e-tailers, such as Amazon, adding as many serve as the primary connection between as 50,000 members to its staff roster. While company and customer, adding additional the company said it expects thousands of strain on already busy facilities. seasonal workers to be hired to full-time

22 SEASONAL LOGISTICS

positions after the holidays are over, there is no guarantee and few statistics available on these hiring methods from past years.

Order fulfillment involves physically taxing, repetitive movements including lifting, car- rying and bending. Workers are responsible for large volumes of orders each day, and in larger warehouse facilities with traditional operations, automated sortation and/or intra-DC transport, pickers may walk more than 15 miles each day.

In smaller distribution centers, operators may walk up to five miles over the course of a shift. As workers age, excessive bend- ing and stretching can lead to higher rates of injury and associated workman’s com- pensation expense. In addition, fatigued Opinion is divided but e-commerce workers are less efficient and more prone is surely a new Christmas tradition. to error. Monday, December 2nd was said to be the biggest online shopping day New technological and ergonomic advances of 2013. can help retailers improve the worker environment while meeting e-commerce demand. Automation has become more compared to the arbitrary nature of such away and storage are designed to work in affordable and productive than ever, and warehouse equipment as the forklift, jack confines that are limited or even completely companies around the globe are leverag- truck and other manually guided power off-limits to workers. ing such technology in their warehouses equipment. to improve the distribution center work With the latest automated storage and environment. Human interface with mod- Typical fixed aisle ASRS technology and retrieval technologies such as AutoStore in ern robotic systems present very little risk systems with high-speed robots for put place, operators merely insert bins into the storage cube via one or more receiving sta- tions. Robots bring inventory to pickers for SELLING CHRISTMAS PAST order fulfillment selection and then replace any remaining material back into storage. 1960s: In the US, the term “Black Friday” the company’s Pac-Man game sold This saves time, increases productivity and was coined in the 1960s to mark the 7 million copies. eliminates thousands of miles of walking kickoff to the Christmas shopping season, for pickers in a typical fulfillment center. when stores moved from being ‘in the red’, 1985: Sales of He-Man dolls take off, Automated fulfillment systems leverage to the black. generating $400m in sales. faster robotic technology, data inventory systems and a re-examined strategy of how 1961: Mattel introduces the Ken Doll to 2011: Lego produced 381 million tires, warehouse space is utilized. its best-selling Barbie range. He’s named more than twice as much as any of in honor of the son of legendary company the other tire companies, including They also rethink the sometimes harsh labor president, Ruth Handler. Bridgestone, Michelin, and Goodyear. conditions that e-commerce has caused, Enough Lego bricks have been produced and can save workers time and energy. 1964: Hasbro introduced a hard plastic since 1949 to give 62 to every person on body for Mr. Potato Head. For the preced- the planet. As e-commerce demand grows, companies ing 21 years parents had to supply real need to consider automated storage and potatoes for the body. 2012: A third of shoppers planned to retrieval technologies especially to accom- make Christmas purchases after the event modate holiday fulfillment and simultane- 1972: The first video arcade game, Pong in order to make the most of the sales. ously improve workers’ quality of life. was introduced by Atari. A decade later,

23 INSPIRATION

agement. There are significant differences, too, however. We have a lean, decentralized approach, while NSN, a company with almost 60,000 employees, has a centralized approach with more horizontal, global governance applied.

What does the head of WDS spend most of his time doing? Aside from answering questions, you mean? Naturally we have many meetings to discuss strategies and the practical running of the division. With a global company like ours, there are many logistical issues to face simply to make sure people are well in- formed and in the loop. I’m also lucky to be able to meet with suppliers and customers ONE YEAR LATER... and get a sense of where the whole focus IT’S ALMOST A YEAR SINCE JOE DOERING BECAME is heading. PRESIDENT OF OUR WAREHOUSE & DISTRIBUTION What are Swisslog’s key strengths? SOLUTIONS DIVISION. WE GOT HIS TAKE ON A We have some fantastic, knowledgeable people. Our experience in the sector is sec- BUSY YEAR. ond to none, while we are a driven, highly entrepreneurial organization. Our sales, Mechanical engineer, father, biker... How would you describe yourself to marketing, manufacturing, realization, however you describe our WDS head, those that haven’t met you yet? customer service and support processes the 43-year-old can’t be accused of Focused, passionate and hopefully capable. are highly tuned. This helps in cost matters standing still. Joe lives in Zurich with I take great satisfaction in discovering, and global rollouts, but challenges local his wife Rola and 9-year-old daughter developing and winning opportunities accountability and drive. Leonie, loves to read, go on bike rides within a team. I like the satisfaction of with the family or hit the highways on breaking down obstacles and have always Are there any areas where automation is his motorbike. taken on fresh challenges in various parts taking off? of the world. Privately, I enjoy my free time We’ve had great successes in the US and As well as his engineering degree from with my family, the outdoors and talking to UK. Our business in Asia Pacific is contrib- Berlin University, Joe also studied Busi- friends from around the world. uting close to 20% of our sales. We want to ness Administration there and at the grow the business further in the retail and prestigious Haas School of Business at What are the main challenges? e-commerce segment plus food & beverage. the University of California, Berkeley. We have ambitious targets for the WDS China offers us a large market potential, He was previously Head of the Eurasia division for the coming years. We are build- as well as the tobacco industry. Additional business for Nokia Siemens Networks. ing a strong base for our future, looking business opportunities have arisen from at new developments and changes in the our development work in South Korea, and Hi Joe, how was 2013 for you? environment. In parallel we are focusing on we have strong momentum in Singapore The first thing that comes to mind is - selected market segments and investing in and Malaysia, as well as signs of growth in ‘Wow! That year went by in a flash!’ technology and adding value. The challenge Australia. is to deliver profit and economic value You joined Swisslog on January 1. What while investing in our future portfolio. How would you explain ‘Inspired were your first impressions? Solutions’? Meeting Swisslog colleagues from all over Do you see any parallels with your previ- Inspired solutions let our customers feel the globe it was immediately obvious how ous employer, Nokia Siemens? the knowledge, experience and spirit of all much they take pride in their work and Some. Swisslog and Nokia Siemens Swisslog employees and partner companies achievements. Everyone helped me to get Networks both have project business that who make these solutions a reality. up to speed fast and learn about the man- combines hardware and software with 3rd agement teams, which was great. party elements via design and project man-

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