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Another 42 eActros for Lidl OE
In addition to the 14 battery-electric eActros 600 trucks already delivered, Lidl Austria has signed a further framework agreement for 42 electric units, which are scheduled to go into operation by mid-2027. At the same time, Austria's most powerful dedicated truck charging network for the retail sector is being built.
Lightning fast in the high-bay
The AirRob, an automated robotic container system, is designed to climb the shelving wall at lightning speed along two rails The system, developed by Libiao Robotics, was initially installed as a "proof of concept" at the logistics provider Geis in Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
Staffing needs almost halved
The US cooperative Associated Wholesale Grocers keeps 54,600 dry goods, fresh produce, and frozen food items in stock for its 1,100 members using a highly automated, full-range logistics center . The facility is designed for a daily picking capacity of more than 460,000 retail units.
Knowledge transfer in the Seychelles
Natural hazards are increasingly occurring worldwide in the form of floods, landslides, forest fires, storms, earthquakes, and rockfalls. Acute crisis management is required, but so are long-term strategies for transportation routes, where Gasser Felstechnik provides assistance in the Seychelles.
German Design Award for Traigo-i
Following the Red Dot Design Award 2025, Toyota Material Handling's new 48-volt counterbalance forklift, Traigo_i, has now also received the German Design Award 2026 in the Excellent Product Design – Industry category. The focus: the complete integration of lithium-ion technology.
Long-term contracts at SBB Cargo
Numerous SBB Cargo Switzerland transport customers, such as Migros, have signed new single wagonload (EWLV) contracts with terms of up to ten years. New contracts have also reportedly been concluded with fenaco, Stahl Gerlafingen, and the Swiss saltworks.
Cooperation with Capra Robotics
Frei Fördertechnik announces its future collaboration with the Danish robotics specialist Capra. "This expands our portfolio to include mobile robot platforms that bring even greater flexibility and efficiency to production and logistics," says Michael Schüpbach, Head of Automation & Robotics. The AMRs are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications.
SSI subsidiary continues to consistently rely on SAP
Since 2021, the software specialists at SWAN have been part of the SSI Schäfer Group, responsible for the SAP projects of the globally active intralogistics experts and supporting companies in implementing future-proof solutions – from highly automated distribution centers to integrated production logistics. The course is right.
Arne Sturm will be the new CEO in Hirschthal
Jungheinrich Switzerland will have a new managing director as of January 1, 2026. Arne Sturm will succeed Martin Weber, who is leaving the company after 18 years – eleven of them as managing director – at his own request to pursue new topics and challenges.
Another 50 million for new TGW headquarters
TGW Logistics is currently investing €100 million in expanding its production capacity at its headquarters in Austria. Now, with an expansion of the existing office building at the site, a five-story office building with 14,000 m² of usable space is being constructed for around €50 million, with completion expected by the second half of 2028.
Identcode in transition
Identcode in transition
Fig.: GS1 Switzerland
Despite the storm in a teacup surrounding the alleged "abolition" of the EAN barcode (which will continue to be available), GS1 Switzerland is touting the important qualities of the 2D code for future supply chains, which is scheduled to be widely available starting in 2027. Coop recently signed a letter of intent.
GS1-supported 2D codes, such as the GS1 DataMatrix, can contain information such as expiration dates, batch numbers, or serial numbers in addition to the GS1 item number (GTIN), while users can only encode the GTIN in an EAN/UPC barcode. Thanks to GS1 Digital Link, it's also possible to provide consumers with internet links to ingredients and allergens, product images and videos, and other information that was previously often difficult to find only in the small print.
New 2D code
Another advantage: The 2D data carriers require only a third of the space occupied by the barcode. Emmi also already supplies selected products to Coop that only have the GS1 DataMatrix printed on them. The GS1 DataMatrix encodes the GS1 item number (GTIN), net weight, price, best-before date, and batch number. The EAN-13 barcode contains only the GS1 item number.
According to GS1 Switzerland, Emmi, Feldschlösschen, Migros, Ospelt, Spar, Volg, and Wander have so far committed to using the new possibilities. GS1 Switzerland estimates that the currently approved and proven symbologies EAN/UPC and GS1 DataBar are likely to remain in use in the market for a long time to come. For the use of additional data at the point of sale, the GS1 DataMatrix code is the obvious choice, as it supports the Application Identifier Standard (AI Standard) and thus enables, for example, the encryption of traceability data on a consumer unit.
Previously common EAN barcode
Thanks to the migration from the EAN-13 barcode to the GS1 DataMatrix, the internal GS1 article numbers (Restricted Circulation Numbers, RCNs) could be replaced by GTINs in the future. In practice, the RCN would continue to be used in the EAN-13 barcode, but the newly assigned GTIN would already be used in the GS1 DataMatrix.
The general approval of GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code as primary GS1 data carriers for consumer retail units, in addition to the already approved symbologies EAN/UPC and GS1 DataBar, is said to be "probably years away."
GS1 Global has adopted and published a position paper on the processing of symbologies such as GS1 2D data carriers at the point of sale. The question is not whether GS1 2D data carriers will be released without restrictions for retail POS, but when.
Comparison of the systems. All images: GS1 Switzerland
The GS1 Digital Link standard will enable additional applications in the future that go beyond the traditional use of GS1 barcodes in the supply chain. Its structure follows valid and generally available web standards and should then be interpretable directly by web browsers without conversion.
Inevitable: To ensure that the implementation runs as smoothly as possible, various adjustments and bilateral agreements within the supply chain are necessary.
This article uses explanations and details from the application recommendation of GS1 Switzerland and a freely accessible GS1 webinar on
clk.
www.gs1.ch
