that the main factor, but also the biggest source of error in logistics, is still the human being, cyber extortion is already the third largest item in the global economy, and that cooling technology is not controlled by “AI”, but should only be an assistant .

  Industry meeting in the Schützenkeller

In the presence of numerous participants and new members such as «Nordfrost» and «Cooling Vans», the Swiss Association for Temperature-Controlled Logistics dedicated itself to current developments and practical applications of modern technologies from intelligent route planning to automation and cybersecurity.

The opening presentation by Marcel Hangartner of Descartes STEPcom AG also focused on how knowledge about the necessity of digital transformation and automation opportunities is conveyed. Hangartner, part of the global logistics software consulting group "Descartes Systems," which operates with around 2,000 partners, used two protagonists, presented in a fairytale-like manner, to bridge the gap between practical, non-academic logistics and more sophisticated solutions for route planning and fleet management.

Those who do not transform...

“Those who don’t transform will lose customers,” says Hangartner. Moreover, statistically speaking, acquiring new customers is “seven times more difficult” than retaining existing customers with meaningful suggestions and further developments. Electronic data interchange (EDI) is one of the key options.

 M. Hangartner in conversation (right)

Stefan Mahler, Managing Director of Swisslog Switzerland, reports on the "Tri-Temperature Management" system, with which Swisslog, in a joint project with the food distributor "La Réserve des Saveurs," even won a "Kings of the Supply Chain" award in Paris in 2024. It is one of the world's first systems to process goods at three different temperatures.

Two systems connected

According to Swisslog, two systems are arranged side by side and connected by a conveyor belt controlled by the SynQ WMS/WCS – one for ambient temperature, the other for fresh products with two deep-freeze modules. Order picking and replenishment take place at a central interface. Pre-prepared orders can be temporarily stored in the system and retrieved later – similar to a supermarket drive-through.

Swisslog CEO Stefan Mahler

The automated system has enabled La Réserve des Saveurs to increase its retrieval rate from 55 to 290 items per hour, resulting in a 400% increase in productivity. A highly intelligent system, about which Stefan Mahler also notes: "Of our approximately 3,000 employees worldwide, one in three is now involved with AI in some way. (...) However, we don't want AI to control the core of our warehouse system." That will still be done with the use of artificial intelligence to optimize picking points for robotic arms during order picking

“A true revolution”

Thanks to the multi-temperature solution, La Réserve des Saveurs has been able to improve its operations, optimize its storage capacity, reduce order delivery times to less than half a day, and simultaneously lower its carbon footprint. "A true revolution for our company. It not only significantly improves our efficiency but also reduces our carbon footprint," says Alexandre Grandjean, CEO of La Réserve des Saveurs. (The video interview is available here .)

SmartAssist: Inspired by emergency services. Image: Efaflex

Also promising is the Smart Assist system, a modern solution for real-time digital support in customer service and technical support, which Günter Huhle, founder and owner of a company called Corevas, explains together with gate manufacturer Efaflex. Via a secure live video connection using a mobile phone, the system enables direct, visual communication between customers, service technicians, and technical experts – entirely without on-site visits and, above all, without significant technical effort.

Originally, the system was an emergency technology for blue-light organizations. Now it also provides valuable services for critical infrastructure, power plants, construction monitoring, and the management of assembly work.

Immediate support

Efaflex, in collaboration with Huhle's Corevas, has further developed the system to provide virtually immediate support from a central location , reducing travel costs and downtime. The live chat even offers synchronous translation in 24 languages, and, while adhering to GDPR-compliant data protection measures, additional experts and third- and fourth-party opinions can be brought in via conference call at any time.

Thomas Schlienger, CEO of TreeSolution Consulting GmbH, draws attention to what remains the biggest weakness in all efforts toward transformation and digitalization: people. with NotPetya in 2017, is estimated at 10.5 trillion euros

Cyber ​​expert Th. Schlienger. Photos:klk.

Mafia-like methods, including encryption by third parties and ransom demands , are now generating revenues comparable to those of the world's largest economies. Ever-evolving, automated defense systems and antivirus programs alone are insufficient. A "human firewall" is also desperately needed to mitigate such risks by training employees in security awareness—the perception of potential threats.

A "human firewall"

45 percent of all Swiss logistics and freight forwarding companies have been affected by hacker attacks at least once. However, there are still many who don't take cybersecurity very seriously. CEOs and employees have often already grasped the urgency of increased vigilance. "Where it's often lacking," says Schlienger, "is usually middle management."

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