Following the success of the Logistics & Automation and Empack trade fairs, organizer Kristina Nadjarian sees good prospects for the industry platforms, which will again take place in Bern in 2024. "Thanks to its proximity to the event will to the French-speaking part of the country more strongly appeal."
Jörg Mathis, CEO of GS1 Switzerland, was delighted with the numerous highlights. "Our GS1 booth shone with fresh, new branding and offered attractions such as the new '4D VR Chair,' where realistic movements allow you to experience everything from high-bay warehouses to retail stores. People lined up for this show and were thrilled. The journey of a virtual pineapple demonstrates the seamlessness of the supply chain and how efficiency and productivity in logistics can be increased.".
As is well known, GS1 Switzerland recently revised and modernized its training portfolio, merging the courses for Supply Chain Manager and Logistics Manager. Knowledge transfer is based on the principles of blended learning. The response to the adapted training concept has been very positive. Thomas Bögli, Head of Education at GS1 Switzerland, demonstrated how theory and practice can be successfully and future-orientedly linked.
Photos: Sara Barth
the samepurpose, with numerous experts addressing key logistics and supply chain topics in their presentations and panel discussions. The logistics market study, which GS1 conducts annually in collaboration with the University of St. Gallen (HSG), was also widely praised. An interactive trend radar maps short-, medium-, and long-term trends in logistics and supply chain management. Mathis commented: “Networking and exchange were crucial. We all had some stimulating conversations. (…) All in all, a very successful trade fair – for us as well.”
SVBL President Beat Michael Duerler describes the trade fair as "an ideal opportunity to inform the entire industry about our training programs. It's not just logistics professionals who are present, but also, for example, the road transport specialists from Astag at the neighboring booth. For me personally, this is very important because I can see many people again whom I wouldn't otherwise easily meet. The synergy with Empack, the packaging industry, is also very important and beneficial for us. For me, it's a highlight to have the opportunity once a year to showcase the capabilities of the logistics sector at this trade fair. Logistics is such a broad field that it's naturally exciting to bring together people from warehousing, packaging, transport, education, and other sectors in one place.".
There were more people this year. "There also seems to be a certain sense of optimism in the logistics industry, because a trade fair not only incurs costs, but is also very important for networking and the industry itself."
Stefano Ghilardi, Head of Sales at Linde Material Handling Switzerland, sees the trend toward automation as a clear focus and emphasizes the progress made compared to last year's trade fair. "The visitor numbers are surprisingly good compared to last time, and we're surprised by how many people were here this year. (...) We've definitely achieved our goal. We'd like to see a consistently successful trade fair with more exhibitors in our sector – and more space for products. Customers need to be able to visualize automation concretely with live demonstrations. Others have small booths, which is an advantage for us. Bern is the better location for Switzerland, as Zurich is too far away for the French-speaking part of the country. From Zurich, we can reach Bern in an hour. That's ideal, and that's why we're already looking forward to Logistics & Automation in 2024."
Michael Trommer, Head of Logistics at Gebrüder Weiss, points to the growing importance of alternative drive systems. "Many suppliers and manufacturers have a strong interest in making their products more environmentally friendly and sustainable for the 'mobility of tomorrow.' In Switzerland, for example, we've had very positive experiences with our hydrogen truck. Internationally, we're also focusing on e-mobility for local transport and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for long-distance transport." However, conventional drive systems will likely remain relevant. "We're trying to use them as efficiently as possible. Discussions with interested parties, customers, and partners at the trade fair have shown that we're on the right track with these topics. Sustainable logistics is a high priority for many visitors."
A major attraction was the golf-playing, collaborative robot from Imperia Systems. CEO Calogero Lillo Imperia explained: “It demonstrated that efficient collaboration between humans and machines is possible in various ways. Integrating robots into a system is one of our specialties. Using robots allows for extremely flexible applications and, compared to conventional systems, contributes significantly to faster project implementation. We also offer the integration of image processing systems into industrial logistics and automation applications.”
He found the interplay between the two trade fairs very successful. “Perhaps we should even consider a third trade fair, possibly from the printing sector or another technical field. Many areas overlap or are inherently intertwined. This could benefit visitors and attract even more customers.” The second day was somewhat quieter, “which we were able to use to our advantage.” Fewer people meant more time for the customer and more in-depth discussions about upcoming projects. "This is our second time participating in this trade fair, and we are very satisfied. Now we will get to work and see if exciting and promising projects emerge from the many meeting minutes."
Rhenus board member Hans-Rudolf Werner: “We presented our broad portfolio of logistics solutions to all interested parties here, be it in overseas transport, land transport, contract logistics, or customs clearance. We discussed topics in the road transport sector, where we have taken delivery of our first electric trucks, and inland waterway transport, where we have ordered our first four hydrogen-powered ships for the Rhine. The market situation in the logistics sector in Switzerland is rather tight; most warehouses are full or nearly full, and we are no exception.” The Rhenus Group has very ambitious goals worldwide regarding sustainability, as well as organic and inorganic growth. “We are implementing these goals and corresponding standards worldwide in a timely manner – at the pace that is permitted and that is feasible for us.”
What also seems to be well-received is the new, standardized booth concept, where the images are supplied in advance and the display panels are then printed accordingly. Werner explains: "We don't have to do that ourselves, which is obviously both ecologically and economically sound, because we don't have to order a trade fair booth from headquarters every year, which then has to be transported here, cleared through customs, and then shipped back again. The organizer handles it well." After all, in 2018 Easyfairs was named Belgian "Entrepreneur of the Year" and received the "Best Managed Company" and "Great Place to Work" awards from Deloitte.
