LogiMAT 2025: "Zero-Touch" Intralogistics with Schönenberger Overhead Conveyor Technology “Zero-Touch” represents the optimal state in intralogistics. However, achieving this vision requires compromises. What is already possible today, and where do manual processes still have an advantage? Discover the current possibilities live at LogiMAT 2025 in Hall 3, Booth 3D51.
Choosing the right intralogistics system is critical for smooth operational processes. Innovative overhead conveyor technologies play a key role in ensuring efficient workflows and gaining a competitive edge. The goal of “Zero Touch” has been a challenge for intralogistics processes for some time, shaping the future of the industry. In practice, achieving “Zero Touch” means minimizing manual steps throughout the intralogistics chain rather than eliminating them entirely. At LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart (Hall 3, Booth D51), Schönenberger Systems will demonstrate how overhead conveyor technology can be part of the “Zero Touch” journey from goods receipt to goods dispatch.
Zero Touch with Overhead Conveyor Technology for GOH and Flat Goods
Schönenberger Systems‘ fully automated overhead conveyor technology revolutionizes intralogistics with a touch-free intake of incoming goods through automated integration into the system. Additionally, processes such as item separation, picking, sorting, sequencing, and package insertion are already fully automated.
However, there are still processes that, given today’s technological capabilities, are better handled manually. The point of sale has shifted: what used to be the smile of a salesperson at the checkout is now the experience of opening an online-ordered package. It is crucial that customers are presented with neatly packed goods, optionally wrapped in tissue paper or accompanied by a personalized message. Current automated solutions tend to let items drop untidily into the package, resulting in crumpled products. Achieving high packing densities is also difficult. Goods must be packed flat to ensure sustainable shipping. In this context, “Zero-Touch” remains underdeveloped and, when feasible, is often too technologically complex and costly to provide a viable economic benefit for shipping companies.
Nevertheless, Schönenberger Systems‘ overhead conveyor solutions eliminate many manual steps by replacing them with “Zero-Touch” solutions. This is already possible: fully automated intake of incoming hanging and flat goods into the system, item separation, sorting, sequencing, and just-in-time or just-in-sequence delivery to workstations or shipping stations. Schönenberger Systems’ overhead conveyor systems have proven to be versatile all-rounders in the intralogistics processes of e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment. For processing flat goods, self-opening pouch systems are employed. These pouch sorters serve as the foundation for further logistical processes, including buffering and returns handling.
Additionally, equipping carriers (GOH or flat goods) with RFID technology ensures reliable tracking and identification of each item, providing full transparency in intralogistics.
Combating the Labor Shortage with Zero Touch
The labor shortage requires a shift in logistics strategies. Schönenberger Systems focuses on new processes, workflows, and technologies to ensure smooth product handling despite the shortage of skilled workers. The growth of online retail and rising expectations for faster deliveries add further challenges to intralogistics alongside the existing labor shortage. Innovative conveyor technologies are essential to overcome these challenges. “Zero Touch” offers numerous advantages: reducing employee workloads and creating more ergonomic workspaces, speeding up processes, lowering staffing needs, improving quality, reducing errors, and providing complete inventory transparency. Staff can focus on more critical tasks such as quality control and final inspections, ideally supported by intelligently deployed technologies. The “goods-to-person” principle is already widespread today.
Zero Touch with Overhead Conveyors: Utopia or Near-Future Reality?
Schönenberger Systems’ overhead conveyor technology is a reliable transportation method, especially for delicate goods. It protects products from damage and contamination. By integrating the “Zero Touch” concept, logistics, warehousing, and distribution can gain a significant competitive edge.
Schönenberger Systems warmly invites all interested parties to experience the latest intralogistics innovations live at LogiMAT 2025. At Booth 3D51 in Hall 3, experts will share insights on the latest industry trends. Demonstrations will include the automatic unloading of the pocket sorter, exemplified by a conveyor belt, as well as the automatic loading of the pouch sorter. Visitors can also observe the automatic separation of GOH items and their transfer to workstations, as well as the loading process.
By focusing on overhead conveyor technology, Schönenberger Systems presents new ideas and solutions for various intralogistics areas. Experience firsthand the efficiency and precision of overhead conveyor systems that require no human intervention. The future of logistics is “Zero-Touch,” and we’ll show you how to benefit from it and where it makes the most sense to implement it.
For more information about the company, visit: https://www.schoenenberger-systems.com/...
About Schönenberger Systems: “Ideas that move”: For 45 years, the family-owned company based in Landsberg has been designing, planning, and installing overhead conveyor solutions. Schönenberger Systeme initially focused on the garment production industry. Today, its client base spans various sectors, including automotive, garment logistics, e-commerce, and laundries.
Schönenberger hanging transport systems are used for production, warehousing, and just-in-time or just-in-sequence supply. The company’s core competencies also include customized solutions with specially developed load carriers and system controls integrated into clients’ IT systems.