Key points at a glance:
Problem: Fragile logistics networks, unutilized data, inflexible processes, and a lack of technical and IT support generate rising logistics costs and unresponsiveness.
Solution: Analytics-based, tailored logistics planning that ensures an agile and flexible logistics structure – from supply chain strategy to selecting specific warehouse systems and appropriate processes.
Result: Resilient, delivery-capable logistics networks based on automation driven by productivity and ROI and a digitalization roadmap.
Benefit: As your Lead Consultant, we not only design the supply chain and logistics but also ensure that buildings, technical infrastructure, logistics processes, and their control systems are planned as a unified whole.
What does logistics planning at io entail?
Logistics encompasses all functions related to planning, controlling, and optimizing goods and information flows along the supply chain. Our logistics planning and consulting services are the result of over 65 years of experience since we were founded in 1958. There may be several different logistics challenges – strategic decisions for locations or networks within the supply chain, the methodical and manufacturer-independent selection of a logistics system within the context of an automation and digitalization roadmap, or successful implementation of tendered service packages. Whatever the challenge, our solutions are always based on analytics, best-in-class references, and expertise.
Comprehensive logistics analytics form the basis for every decision
Making supply chain networks resilient by design
Manufacturer-independent comparison and selection of warehousing and order-picking technologies
Tendering and contract award support for individual trades or general contractor packages
Cost/investment calculation derived from comprehensive cost databases
High-bay warehouse pre-zone conveyor system.
View of a high-bay warehouse with state-of-the-art grid box technology.
View of the spare parts center that io planned for a premium automobile manufacturer.
Conveyor technology in the logistics hall.
Storage area for glass products.
View inside a warehouse.
A new logistics center under construction.
Strategy
We develop your supply chain: data-driven, efficient, and future-oriented. We design for transparency and measurable improvements.
Logistics site selection and network optimization
Selection and implementation of the optimal operating model (make-or-buy)
Supply chain resilience assessment
Simulation-based optimization of product ranges and inventory
Supply chain sustainability
Concept planning
In-depth data analyses and projections, as well as your logistical requirements, inform our design of your warehousing and order-picking systems, definition of cost-effective transportation solutions, and development of efficient layouts and processes. The result: robust and documented decision-making taking account of investment, costs, and personnel, including 3D visualizations.
Detailed planning
The detailed planning phase is where the invitations to tender are prepared: We detail process flows, technical and equipment elements, optimize the detailed layout, validate material flows via simulation, and plan the subsequent project phases – including the move – in a timely and efficient way.
Tendering and contracting
We ensure transparency and reliability in the bidding process: structured bid documents, systematic supplier selection, and well-founded technical evaluation of bids. We support you right through the award decision. Continuous budget and cost monitoring ensures cost-effectiveness at all times.
Implementation
We ensure safe and on-time implementation: reviewing construction documents and specifications, actively managing setup and installation, and conducting rigorous quality controls. The commissioning script, coordinated with suppliers, provides a structured and transparent guide through testing, commissioning, and acceptance procedures. At the same time, we ensure a smooth transition to operational status through professional relocation support and simulation.
Why logistics with io?
Independent
Completely
manufacturer-independent
We plan based on functionality or performance, with no ties to specific system providers. This means we promote technological diversity, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.
ROI focus
Smart automation
We will never advise opting for a fully automatic model as a matter of course. Instead, we use simulations to calculate exactly where genuine economic benefit (ROI) is generated (e.g., pick-by-robot).
FAQ
What specifically does “manufacturer-independent” logistics planning mean for us? ×
Many logistics planning projects are carried out directly by system providers (e.g., large shelving or AGV manufacturers), who naturally promote their own hardware. On the other hand, we are independent logistics consultants and can plan with complete neutrality. We design the best process for you and then put it out to tender on the open market. The result is that you get the best technical solution for your needs at the most competitive price.
When is it truly worthwhile to move to automation (e.g., shuttle warehouses, AutoStore)? ×
Generally, when labor is scarce and expensive, when the variety of items (SKUs) increases drastically, or when you need to handle an extremely high throughput on a limited floor space. We always calculate in advance whether an automation solution is economically viable as demonstrated by a positive ROI, or whether a manual/semi-automated process is more robust in the long term.
What sets io apart from other pure logistics consultancies? ×
The major advantage io brings is our role as Lead Consultant. Pure logistics consultants often have to hand over their finished intralogistics design to a separate architectural firm, which then builds a shell around it. This leads to enormous interface problems. However, logistics engineering and building planning (architecture & MEP) mesh seamlessly at io. We plan the whole facility from the inside out.
Do you also support us during construction and commissioning? ×
Absolutely! The “implementation” phase is not a side issue for us, but an absolute core competency. We handle contract management, oversee the professional installation of the intralogistics systems, conduct complex IT and system tests (integration tests), and manage the ramp-up until your logistics center achieves full operational capacity.
How do you support us when there are fragile, crisis-prone supply chains? ×
We analyze your entire global network design (footprint) through our Supply Chain Management (SCM). We assess cluster risks, simulate outages using “what-if” scenarios, and design a strategic target state. This way, we increase your resilience (nearshoring, redundancies) while simultaneously optimizing transportation and inventory costs.
