Most recent articles
The Zebra KC50: A Flexible and Powerful Helper for Smart Manufacturing
Digitalisation is key in today’s swiftly changing industrial environment. In order for companies to remain competitive, they need devices that are powerful, flexible and easy to integrate into existing systems. Precisely these requirements are met by the Zebra KC50, the latest kiosk computer from Zebra. This Android-driven device combines modern design with robust performance and represents the ideal solution not just for retail, but also for manufacturing and logistics processes.
E‑invoicing in B2B: How to Get Ready for Mandatory Digitalisation
A new mandatory requirement is taking effect in Germany in 2025: companies must accept digital invoices. Also, from 2027 they will have to both receive and send them digitally. Other countries will also have to comply with similar legislative requirements by then. The European Union directive involved is part of a broader trend of digitalisation of public and company processes throughout Europe with the goal of making business more transparent and efficient. For companies doing business with German partners, this change is a key milestone for which they will have to prepare thoroughly.
Zebra WT6400 and RS2100: Transform Your Warehouse with This Dynamic Duo
Zebra Technologies has introduced two hot new products that can work together to maximally improve work processes for all your operators. The combo of the Zebra WT6400 wearable hands-free terminal and the RS2100 scanner represents a unique union of comfort, ergonomics and productivity. What’s the potential of wearable devices, and what do the new products from Zebra Technologies bring to the market?
Petr Kraus, SPORTISIMO: Automation technologies can work miracles. But not on their own – these miracles take effort.
Petr Kraus has been in IT for over two decades. He’s full of insights into retail, logistics and manufacturing. The interconnectedness of these areas is what lets him view things with the needed distance. One recent project that he’s just completed is for the Ostrava central distribution centre of the sporting goods distributor SPORTISIMO, s.r.o. What questions did he consider? What challenges did he face? Did everything always turn out smoothly when he knew exactly what he wanted? How did he select suppliers and technologies, and what could he recommend, based on his rich experience, to other companies seeking to automate? We asked Petr about all this and more.
Simulation Tools: The key to efficient process planning in manufacturing and logistics
How can you ensure effective evaluation during the planning processes in a project’s opening phases? Can advanced add-ons like virtual reality and artificial intelligence tools make simulation models more effective? And how necessary are comprehensive simulations of production and logistics systems for proper estimation, process planning and better awareness? Tomáš Sauer, Global Competence Field Leader at FORVIA HELLA, answered all this for us at the Trens in Automotive Logistics (TAL) 2024 conference.
An interview with Otakar Horák: Data as the foundation for successful digitalisation
Data was the star player at this year’s Trends in Automotive Logistics conference. It’s no wonder, because high-quality clean data is essential for making the most of the potential new technologies, digitalisation and automation can offer. We spoke with Otakar Horák about how to use these to the fullest. He deals with data, and work with data, every day as the head of a division specialising in advanced planning systems.
Rostislav Schwob: The Latest Aimtec DCIx Version Makes Connected Manufacturing and AI/ML a Reality
The world around us is constantly accelerating and globalising. That means growing competition, and companies are pushed into ever greater and more frequent changes. New technologies are rushing at them from all sides. It seems like just about everything can be automated now, and everything can control itself with help from digitalisation and artificial intelligence. How can the Aimtec DCIx digitalisation platform help companies with this? And what will our October seminar for customers be showing them? We came with these questions to the person best placed to answer them: Aimtec’s Supply Chain Solutions Director Rostislav Schwob.
Aimtec Integration Platform: An Effective Solution for EDI, WebEDI and System Integration
In the globalised, interconnected world of industry today, flexibility and effectiveness are crucial for staying competitive. And tools that go beyond just handling ordinary operations and further streamline your processes are essential. Aimtec Integration Platform is a comprehensive solution for managing and optimising electronic data interchange and integrating internal systems.
We must not forget the values that support our foundations
For the first time in Aimtec’s history, neither of its founders is serving as its CEO. Jaroslav Follprecht and Roman Žák have placed the company in the hands of Pavel Boháč, an experienced manager previously in charge of the division that handles planning and data processing.
“People and data are worth their weight in gold.” The best quotes from the Trends in Automotive Logistics Conference 2024
People, data and sustainability: these are the topics that resounded at the Trends in Automotive Logistics Conference 2024, subtitled Driving the Digital Fast Lane. How can you drive safely in digitalisation’s fast lane while still transforming quickly enough? Nearly 400 experts in logistics, manufacturing and IT from the European automotive sector came to the conference to explore this question. Ten inspiring speakers rotated on the stage throughout the day. What were the most interesting quotes at this conference? Read our picks below.
3 tips for strengthening automotive supply chains
The last few years have been full of upheavals that have exposed the hidden weaknesses of international supply chains. These developments urgently remind us that we will all need to focus on improving our resilience from here forward. What specific steps can automotive industry suppliers take to protect themselves against production stoppages, delivery interruptions and cost overruns?
Efficient in the Dark: The Five Phases on the Way to a Dark Warehouse
Fully automated warehouses – dark warehouses – aren’t just science fiction anymore. They’re coming to the forefront in the real world. They operate without human intervention and in the dark, because their robots and machines can work without light, and their processes run based on system commands. What are the ideal steps and paths on the way to a dark warehouse? Can digital twins help with deploying these warehouses?
What does it mean to be a key OEM supplier?
New car models are coming onto the market every day. And each new model is accompanied by a number of variants that we as customers can choose from. The effects are obvious. The number of Just in Sequence (JIS) suppliers – those delivering parts in sequence straight to the assembly lines of automotive manufacturers (OEMs) – is on the rise. “In sequence” means that products come prepared in the same sequence as will be used for assembly on the line. Why is this done, and what does a supplier need to do to satisfy customers in the tough automotive environment while also keeping full control over the fulfilment of the contracts?
Migrating to SAP S/4HANA: Harness the potential of EDI for supply chain optimisation
SAP is one of the world’s most widely used ERP systems today, and its first version dates all the way back to the 1970s. The business world has changed dynamically since that era, and these changes have made it essential for companies to have an ever more complex and robust information infrastructure to support their digitalisation and automation. In 2015, this led SAP to come forward with a breakthrough solution: SAP S/4HANA. It represents a technological leap towards greater speed and stability and a modern user interface. But, above all, it’s ready to support companies as they go about transforming their business, integrating new technologies, plugging in AI, working with data and more.
Focus on your business and let professionals manage your IT systems
One thing is certain: cyberattacks are here to stay, so we have no choice but to be prepared and mitigate the risk. As Aimtec’s Chief Information Officer Michal Kárník explains, it’s best to adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, define an overall plan, and stick to it. We interviewed Kárník and asked which approaches he thought could guarantee that information systems would run smoothly, ideally without requiring any action from the customer.
The Trends in Automotive Logistics Conference 2024: In the fast lane of the digitalisation highway
Digital transformation is like a road that enterprises drive down to adapt to changing conditions and gain a competitive advantage. What do the “drivers” – CEOs, logisticians and IT experts – need so they can enter the fast lane of the digitalisation highway? What abilities, platforms and technologies are necessary to ensure they and their teams are confidently pointed towards their goals? We spoke with Roman Žák, co- founder of the conference organiser Aimtec, on the topics for the next TAL conference, which will take place in Pilsen on 18 June.
Efficient in the Dark: The Dark Warehouse as the Future of Warehouse Logistics
Warehouse logistics is always a challenge for manufacturers. The movements of a large quantity of products offer significant optimisation potential, but they also mean many potential points of failure. Fully automated warehouses, also known as ’dark warehouses’, are often seen as the ideal solution to every problem. What makes them better than regular warehouses, and what makes them different?
The topic of our autumn SAP User Group: the latest trends in SAP
At the end of last year, users of SAP – one of the world’s most widespread ERP solutions – met up in Pilsen yet again to gain new information, share their experiences, discuss the latest developments and more. During the event’s morning programme, they could enjoy several introductory presentations, which were followed by case studies and a showing of a new video from LASSELSBERGER. For the afternoon, they could choose from among several hands-on workshops.
Global Flexibility with B2G E‑Invoicing
Business is constantly evolving in our digitalised age. The transition to electronic Invoicing (e-Invoicing) within B2G (Business-to-Government) is a key element for ensuring transparency and compliance.
Warehouse and Shop floor Electronics’ Worst Foes
Manufacturing and storage spaces are often demanding environments, presenting a challenge not only for the people moving in them, but also for their electronic assistants. Barcode scanners, vehicle-mounted computers or printers are everywhere. What dangers await these devices? Let’s take a look at their three greatest enemies.
The Zebra Technologies MC9400: A Brand‑new Scanner and Other New Features
Almost five million MC9000 terminals are helping worldwide to simplify and improve processes in even the toughest conditions every day. Now a new generation is here. Get to know the leader on the mobile terminals market: the Zebra MC9400. What does it have to offer? More performance, a brand-new barcode scanner and the fastest connection options for wireless networks.
Interview with Jan Kratochvil: About new features in SAP system, migration to SAP S/4HANA and cloud solutions
SAP is one of the world’s most widespread ERP systems. And this solution’s user community is preparing for a change that its producer announced back in 2015 – the migration to SAP’s new S/4HANA generation. How are companies preparing for this transition, what new things is it bringing, and what possibilities are opening up for users? We spoke about all of this with Aimtec’s SAP Solutions Director Jan Kratochvil.
Cyberattacks are stronger and smarter every day. Protect yourself with the cloud.
Cyberattacks today are not just a matter for major multinationals; they’re hitting small and medium enterprises more and more often. So the question is not whether a company and its IT systems will be attacked, but more when they can expect an attack. How can you best prepare for this reality so you won’t be paralysed? Here is some inspiration along with recommendations from our customers’ real-world cases.
Three tips for EDI migration in the automotive industry without a hitch
Electronic Data Interchange systems are the lifeline of communications in the automotive industry. Companies have a vested interest in keeping the systems robust and up-to-date. Migrating from legacy systems to the cloud early on can streamline processes and save money. Despite all the advantages, EDI migration comes with some risks. Aimtec, an automotive industry digitalisation partner with more than twenty-six years of experience working with suppliers and manufacturers throughout the entire automotive value chain, provides three tips for successfully migrating your EDI system.
Scherdel ‑ Flexibility as a key goal of automation
Inhouse logistics starts to be a difficult issue from companies of medium size. One such company is SCHERDEL, whose Czech division has embarked on a project to automate and digitalize logistics, specifically by implementing a fully automated warehouse full of self-driving robots. During the work, the entire concept changed several times, because one of the key conditions of the whole solution was flexibility, which is not easy to provide through automation. The experience of building an automated warehouse was submitted by the company's managers in a presentation at the TAL 2023 conference.
Market pressure is the greatest catalyst for change
Zebra Technologies, a global leader and innovator in automatic identification, conducted a Warehousing Vision Study among thousands of industry decision makers around the world, which yielded interesting industry perspectives and preferences. Marian Šramko, Vice President Sales, Eastern Europe & Middle East at Zebra Technologies, spoke about some of them.
Driving manufacturing change with Tom Bianculli, CTO of Zebra Technologies
Thomas Bianculli, CTO of Zebra Technologies, shared his insights at the TAL2023 Conference organized by Aimtec. He delivered a presentation titled “Driving Manufacturing Change: Disrupt or Be Disrupted” (more about his presentation here ), but there’s more – an exclusive video interview with Petr Stejskal, our CTO in Aimtec, which we would like to share with you.
An interview with LASSELSBERGER's Head of Logistics on a successful introduction of changes
RAKO is a brand with over 140 years of tradition. It’s also a member of the LASSELSBERGER group – one of the world’s largest producers of ceramic tiles. I visited the RAKO distribution centre in Chlumčany and spoke with Pavel Vokáč, Head of Logistics at the Czech branch, about how these products’ logistics has some surprising specifics.
TAL 2023: The future belongs to the flexible and resilient, says Zebra CTO Tom Bianculli
By the end of this decade, a number of technological phenomena, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, will influence many already mature markets. Of the greatest importance, however, will be the ability to deliver the right product in the right quantity to the right place at the right time, said Tom Bianculli, Chief Technology Officer at Zebra Technologies, in his presentation at the TAL 2023 conference.
Brano ‑ the path to 21st century logistics
From complete locking mechanisms, other mechanical parts, door handles to fuel tank caps for Skoda Auto and other car companies. This is the business of Brano, which has recently committed to a change in logistics and invested in digitizing its warehouse to minimize the role of humans. At the TAL 2023 conference, Denis Kittrich, a technologist from Brano, together with Jiří Žižka, project manager at Aimtec, explained how the project was carried out.
Klaus Straub: Key factors of digital transformation at TAL2023 Conference
Klaus Straub, Co-CEO of xelerate.tech and former CIO & SVP at BMW Group, shared insights at the TAL2023 conference organized by AIMTEC. He delivered an engaging lecture titled "Digital Transformation in a Changing World" and also discussed his experiences with Tereza Čechová, Communication specialist in Aimtec, in a video interview which we would like to share with you.
TAL 2023: What Safran's digital transformation looks like
The purpose of any change in company operation should be to improve, whether in terms of efficiency, cost or workflow. Ideally this is an upgrade that brings positive benefits in all areas. This may not be easy for large companies operating in different industries. At technology company Safran, they have done just that, relying on four key pillars of digital transformation, as explained by executives Frédéric Vétil and Bindioa Ouali at the TAL 2023 conference.
Behind the scenes: how new resilient logistics is being built at Skoda Auto
The demands on manufacturing logistics change over time, and this change has accelerated at an unprecedented rate in recent years with the accompanying phenomena of the Covid-19 pandemic. David Strnad, Head of Logistics at Škoda Auto, presented how these challenges are being dealt with and how they are preparing for the next ones in the largest domestic automotive company at the Trends in Automotive Logistics 2023 conference.
Resilience, prediction and risk monitoring form the key to modern logistics, says David Strnad
The automaker Škoda Auto is a major player in the world of logistics. Every day, 3,500 freight trucks arrive at his races. Managing everything from the perspective of warehouses and the entire system, and ensuring production and employment for 30,000 people, is a challenging task. Can an automaker turn logistics trends such as digitalisation and automation into a company reality? What’s the right way to face today’s challenges, and what does a successful project look like? David Strnad, Head of Brand Logistics at Škoda Auto, has shared his opinions in an interview with Aimtec’s Rostislav Schwob.
When EDI migration means a real upgrade
Few things inspire more dread in the imagination of IT department heads than EDI migration. Even for mid-sized companies, the EDI process catalogue contains a large number of items and gigabytes of data, so it's no wonder that managers put off the crucial decision to initiate such an operation on the fly. But in companies where they have made the commitment, moving from a legacy system to the new solution has provided strategic benefits, reflected in a rapid return on investment.
Disrupted supply chains and the future of the automotive industry with Robert Cameron
The global automotive industry has been grappling with unprecedented disruptions in supply chains, creating a complex and uncertain landscape. The burning questions on the minds of industry leaders and experts are how long it will take to restore stability and whether such stability can ever be fully achieved. Are there multiple approaches available to address the situation? Can lessons from other industries be applied to the automotive sector?
You don't need a software company. You need an ability company.
Which abilities are essential for the automotive industry in a time of unprecedented challenges? Why are people the key to digitalisation and why can't you get by with software alone in today's world? The following interview with Jaroslav Follprecht and Roman Žák, founders and owners of Aimtec, answers these and other questions.
A Brave New World in Automotive Logistics: Robert Cameron's Presentation at TAL2023
Face-to-face with a changed reality in the automotive supply chain. Step into the future of automotive logistics with Robert Cameron, Head of Production, Logistics, and Aftermarket Department at the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). As a renowned industry expert, Cameron brings over 20 years of experience to the forefront, including his vital role in standardizing processes for the European automotive supply chain.
The most interesting quotes from Trends in Automotive Logistics (TAL 2023)
How should we connect AI with logistics? Will a green approach truly be a necessity? What path through digitalisation is being chosen by automotive leaders? At the Trends in Automotive conference, we all could hear a wealth of experience, tips, and declarations, which doubtlessly remained in the heads of more than a few of the nearly 400 participants. It’s no wonder, too, since this year’s theme was “Behind the Scenes at a Digital Factory”. Read our selection of the most interesting words on the digital transformation and automation – and change management and green logistics too.
Warehouse automation has become the key to competitive advantage
Swisslog, one of our main partners at the Trends in Automotive Logistics (TAL) 2023 Conference, is a leading provider of automation solutions for warehouses and distribution centers. In today's fast-paced business landscape, speed of fulfillment has become a critical factor for success. Customers expect goods to be available and delivered quickly, and businesses that cannot meet these demands risk losing customers to their competitors. In this article, Swisslog share their insights into the importance of flexible automation in today's fast-changing logistics landscape.
EDI ‑ A Communication Standard in the Automotive Industry
There is currently no alternative for the exchange of information between suppliers and their customers in the automotive industry. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) has become an industry standard over the past decades and has outgrown its original purpose. Those who want to succeed in the automotive segment cannot do so without solutions and tools designed for this type of communication. In the following lines, we will outline where EDI can be used, introduce the terminology and show what types of messages, communication protocols and communication standards are used in EDI.
Hunger for change and the need for a strong team ‑ what do our TAL speakers emphasize when building a career?
The Trends in Automotive Logistics conference (TAL) is not just about technology and projects - it's about people and sharing experiences. So we asked the speakers what had given them the biggest boost in their professional career, what was most important to them. The question for all involved was: What do you consider the most important thing you have learned during your career?
The Logistics Tribe: Digital Tools and Transformation in The Automotive Industry and Logistics with Roman Žák
Aimtec has been an innovator in digital transformation since 1996. In a recent episode of The Logistics Tribe, Boris Felgendreher, Host of Business and Logistics Podcasts, sat down with the company’s co-founder and Chairman of the Board at Aimtec, Roman Žák, to discuss Aimtec‘s unique approach and how is Aimtec addressing the challenges faced by their clients in the automotive sector.
Transformation of the automotive industry and the labour market favour automation, say speakers at the upcoming TAL 2023
Important figures in the field of automotive logistics are heading to Pilsen again. They will present their views and experiences at the Trends in Automotive Logistics (TAL) conference on 16 May 2023.
Five tips for successfully digitalising a plastics production line
Plastics manufacturing is a knotty problem for digitalisation – but it can be untangled successfully. A typical production hall is furnished with variously old presses from a variety of manufacturers. Each one has a different communication standard, e.g. OPC DA, OPC UA or Euromap 73 or 77. How can you collect operator and machine data in this complicated environment human-free? Can you stay constantly informed and in charge of every event? Take inspiration from the story of this company that presses plastics for the leading automakers and gain a guide on how to implement projects successfully.
