10. 10. 2023
How to plan and prepare for the automation of logistics operations? How do the members of the SKLAD industry association see the future of technology in logistics? What threats and challenges are lurking in the coming years? This was not the only topic discussed by leading logistics experts at the October workshop of the SKLAD association at the Zebra Solution Center in Brno.
On 3 October, the Society of Competent Logistics and Suppliers (SKLAD) organised a workshop entitled Trends in Czech Logistics, which took place at the modern Zebra Solution Center in Brno. Invited guests had the opportunity to listen to lectures on current developments in the areas of automation, operational safety, security of facilities and infrastructure of industrial buildings.
Current trends in logistics
The programme was opened by Marian Šramko from Zebra Technologies Europe, who mentioned in his contribution the fact that many companies on the market are facing a long-term shortage of manpower. This is why, according to the Warehouse Vision Study, 66% of managers plan to introduce and use automation in logistics within one to three years, and 87% of them realise that they need new technologies to stay competitive. Martin Nenička from 108 AGENCY presented the trends in industrial building infrastructure to the participants. He focused on the issue of green technologies. He also mentioned the current trend that logistics parks are now being built as a place to live, not just to work. Jan Peroutka from SECURITAS ČR and Ondřej Sobička from HAPPY END explained how to ensure efficient warehouse operation from the perspective of safety and security. According to them, anti-collision systems with artificial intelligence are a novelty.
What not to forget when automating operations
The highlight of the programme was a panel discussion on automation, which was attended by Rostislav Schwob from Aimtec, one of our founders Libor Mihalka (LogTech), Josef Murgaš from STILL ČR and Karel Šprojcar from JK Logistika. They discussed the thorny questions of how a customer should decide and choose one technology when there are a huge number of them on the market and new ones are constantly emerging, or how to proceed and what key questions to ask internally when a company wants to automate. Thus, under the guidance of Libor Mihalka, the Automation Questionnaire was created, which contains a series of questions and input requirements for a quality decision-making process on whether and which way to go in the process of automating logistics. The document, as well as the lectures, can be found on the SKLAD website.
Interactive technology demonstrations and smiles at the end
It would be a great shame not to take advantage of the full facilities of Zebra Technologies. So during the event, there was also a tour of the innovative centre with AMR robot and machine vision technologies. There was also a comprehensive portfolio of mobile computers, scanners and printers for logistics operations.
The entire programme was hosted by comedian and presenter Karel Hynek, who rounded off the programme with a stand-up performance on the topic of family relationships.
