Business Innovator - Xpert.Digital - Konrad Wolfenstein

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⭐️ Logistics/Intralogistics

: Logistics consulting, warehouse planning or warehouse consulting – warehouse solutions and warehouse optimization for all types of warehouses – Image: Xpert.Digital

As an industry expert in the fields of mechanical engineering, logistics and photovoltaics, I write here in my Xpert Blog about topics including the solar obligation, solar carports, photovoltaic substructures/mounting systems and solar modules.

The best way to reach me is via email at [email protected] or by phone at +49 89 89 674 804.

Warehouse consulting and optimization are important measures for maximizing the efficiency and profitability of warehouse processes. High-bay warehouses and pallet warehouses, in particular, present specific challenges and optimization potential that should be considered.

Warehouse consulting involves analyzing the customer's warehouse and providing recommendations for improving warehouse processes. This can focus on areas such as warehouse layout optimization, inventory management, warehouse organization, material flow optimization, and inventory analysis. By applying lean principles and automated systems, an optimal warehouse structure and processes can be achieved.

Warehouse optimization aims to make the warehouse more efficient and productive by, for example, increasing storage capacity, reducing throughput times, and optimizing inventory levels. Especially in high-bay warehouses, where space utilization is crucial, an optimized storage strategy can ensure the best possible use of space. In pallet warehouses, on the other hand, the correct allocation of storage locations and utilization of the storage slots are decisive.

Various technologies and solutions can be used to implement these measures, such as automated warehouse management systems, barcode scanning, pick-by-voice and RFID technology.

Professional warehouse consulting and optimization can therefore help to improve the efficiency and productivity of the warehouse, which ultimately has a positive impact on customer satisfaction and the company's bottom line.

With the introduction of the 2D matrix code by GS1, exciting times lie ahead for the logistics industry. More information here: Important information for logistics: Sunrise 2027 marks the replacement of the barcode by the Data Matrix code (2D barcode) or QR code.

▶️ The vertical port: Why ports worldwide must learn to grow upwards instead of outwards
| Ports worldwide are facing a logistical revolution due to a lack of space. | The new solution: Automated high-bay container warehouses that grow vertically instead of horizontally. | Originally developed for the steel industry, this technology allows direct access to every container. | | Unproductive restacking is thus a thing of the past, massively reducing time and costs. | In Dubai, London, and Busan, initial large-scale projects are already demonstrating the enormous efficiency of vertical construction. | Thanks to fully electric systems and the potential for solar energy use, these facilities also actively contribute to decarbonization. | | China is also experimenting with its own high-density storage solutions for global trade. | Australia is even planning decades ahead to establish ports as fully autonomous hubs. | | Germany is still observing the development cautiously, but the potential for a technological shift is enormous. | Learn at xpert.digital how high-bay systems are sustainably transforming the future of global port logistics. [...]

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▶️ Kazakhstan's New Silk Road: How the Steppe is Becoming a Hub Between East and West
Kazakhstan is developing into an essential logistics hub between Asia and Europe through the "Central Corridor." With billions invested in modern desert highways and rail networks, the country is creating a faster alternative to the Suez Canal. | | This new transit route shortens trade routes between China and Europe by an impressive 1,000 kilometers. | As the ninth-largest country in the world, Kazakhstan is skillfully leveraging its geographical location as a golden bridge for global trade. | | The region is becoming strategically indispensable, especially for Germany, due to access to critical raw materials such as lithium. | Numerous international financial institutions are supporting this massive expansion of the transport infrastructure with great commitment. | Despite geopolitical challenges, the route is establishing itself as a more stable connection outside of Russian territory. | The goal is to increase transit capacity to 100 million tons per year by 2035. | German companies are increasingly benefiting from new investment opportunities and close technological cooperation. | | Thus, Kazakhstan is transforming from a resource-rich landlocked country into a central hub of the modern global economy. | [...]

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▶️ Vertical Farming | High-tech storage instead of tractors: The real secret of profitable vertical farms
Vertical farming is not just a hype, but a highly specialized solution for urban areas and water-scarce regions. | Despite initial bankruptcies, the key is the shift from agrarian romanticism to industrial production. | Intralogistics and automated storage systems are becoming the new backbone of profitable food production. | 98% less water consumption makes this technology a structural necessity rather than a gimmick. | The Achilles' heel remains the high energy demand, which must be addressed through smart system integrations. | Modern LED technologies and renewable energies are massively improving the economic viability of vertical farms. | The focus is consistently shifting away from fascination and towards hard economic reality. | Cities worldwide, such as Singapore, are successfully implementing this pioneering form of food sovereignty. | Companies must radically rethink their strategies for profitable growth and understand logistics processes as a core task. | Learn in our analysis why vertical farming is an essential addition to our global future. | [...]

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▶️ Mecanum wheels, the crazy drive system: The silent transformation of intralogistics, robotics and precision automation
Discover how Mecanum wheels, with their unique omnidirectional technology, are revolutionizing modern intralogistics. | Learn why this 50-year-old invention is indispensable today for efficient movement in confined spaces within warehouses. | Delve into the fascinating physics that enables vehicles to glide sideways and rotate with pinpoint accuracy. | Gain exciting insights into the global competition between German engineers, Chinese suppliers, and American tech pioneers. | Understand the economic value this technology offers in light of the skilled labor shortage and rapid e-commerce growth. | Compare the top 10 providers worldwide and find out the strategies behind their respective market-leading solutions. | Analyze the differences between high-precision system integration and cost-effective mass production for your own logistics projects. | Learn about the advantages of heavy-duty platforms and the challenges of maintenance and energy efficiency in everyday industrial applications. Learn how AI-driven fleets are ushering in a new era of automation for the mechanical flexibility of Swedish bicycles. | Use this knowledge to sustainably optimize and future-proof your supply chain strategy with the right drive technology. | [...]

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▶️ Cost explosion in intralogistics not just in 2030: Why the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) will catch logistics companies off guard as early as 2026
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) will force logistics companies to make profound operational adjustments starting in August 2026. The switch from single-use to circular reusable systems is not merely an eco-project, but a massive intervention in your cost structure. | Don't underestimate the impact of the 50 percent empty space limit on your warehouse processes and space utilization. | Anyone who continues to view packaging solely as a matter of material is overlooking the impending process complexity in intralogistics. | The introduction of mandatory documentation requirements transforms packaging into a data-driven asset with long-term accountability. | Pooling solutions are evolving from a niche market to a strategic infrastructure for efficient supply chains. | Intelligent packaging data management is the fundamental prerequisite for operating profitably in this new regulatory environment. | Don't ignore the PPWR, because waiting is by far the most expensive business strategy for logistics centers. | Use the time until 2026 for a systematic inventory of your packaging flows and processes. Learn at xpert.digital how to use PPWR as a catalyst for operational efficiency instead of a cost trap. | [...]

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▶️ PESCO: This EU defense project works in practice – “Network of LogHubs in Europe and Support to Operations”
Learn how the PESCO project "Network of LogHubs" is revolutionizing European defense logistics. | | By networking national military depots, a cross-border infrastructure is being created that makes operations more efficient. | | The strategic logistics system already connects over 25 locations to ensure troop mobility and supplies. | Germany is leading this project as a key link to strengthen Europe's strategic sovereignty. | Modern investments, such as the expansion in Pfungstadt, are making the network technologically future-proof. | | This cooperation has already proven successful in practice during NATO missions in the Baltic states. | Opening up to third countries like Canada underscores the close integration with global partners and alliances. | Despite its complexity, the project demonstrates that shared infrastructure reduces costs and shortens response times. | Nevertheless, the fragmentation of weapon systems remains a key challenge to achieving full operational efficiency. | | Delve into the analysis of whether this logistics concept can serve as a blueprint for future European security. [...]

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▶️ Retrofit instead of new construction: Brownfield modernization as a multi-billion-euro lever for competitiveness
Discover how brownfield modernization, through clever retrofit strategies, sustainably secures the competitiveness of German industrial companies. | Learn why upgrading existing facilities often saves up to 90 percent of the costs of new construction. | Gain insights into the quiet shift where modernization projects are overtaking traditional greenfield investments in popularity. | Save valuable time on permitting processes by utilizing existing industrial sites instead of new ones. | Understand why retrofitting is the more economically sound choice for future-oriented industries like battery manufacturing. | Utilize existing infrastructure and avoid lengthy training by maintaining proven production processes. | Benefit from the environmental benefits, as retrofitting saves valuable embodied energy and efficiently minimizes land use. | Analyze, using concrete practical examples, when a technical upgrade truly pays off compared to a complete new purchase. Master the investment crisis by future-proofing your existing infrastructure with digital control technology and sensors. | Leverage the crucial multi-billion-euro investment to successfully lead Germany's industrial sector into the future despite challenging conditions. [...]

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▶️ Space miracles for terminals: When wheels think around corners – How Mecanum technology is reinventing container logistics
Discover the revolutionary solution for efficient container logistics and maximum space utilization with the Mecanum wheel. | Thanks to innovative omnidirectional drive technology, heavy loads can finally be moved sideways. | | Learn how this technology eliminates the need for rigid wheels in high-bay warehouses and saves space. | | Say goodbye to time-consuming maneuvering and significantly accelerate your internal logistics processes. | | We'll show you the technology, invented back in 1973 and now making a comeback. | Benefit from millimeter-precise positioning of your containers at complex interfaces. | Analyze the economic potential of Mecanum vehicles compared to conventional autonomous systems. | Learn which technical hurdles still exist for large-scale outdoor use in all weather conditions. | Optimize your storage density by using modern chassis that literally think around corners. | Dive deep into the future of automated terminals and secure your strategic competitive advantage. [...]

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▶️ The “Power-ready Warehouse”: Why conventional warehouses will soon be obsolete
Learn why power supply is now the decisive factor in choosing a location for logistics properties. The "power-ready warehouse" is replacing conventional warehouses as the new industry standard for future-proof logistics. | Learn why focusing solely on construction costs can be fatally misleading when investing in logistics properties. | Discover the underestimated risk posed by insufficient grid capacity, which can severely hinder new logistics projects. | Understand why the kilowatt-hour has become the new benchmark for competitiveness in modern supply chains. | Learn how a forward-looking total cost of ownership analysis successfully minimizes your long-term investment risks. | Photovoltaic systems and intelligent load management systems form the indispensable backbone for modern, sustainable distribution centers. | The electrification of order picking and electric truck fleets requires a completely new approach to energy infrastructure planning. | Due to their high energy demands, cold storage facilities are becoming an extreme case in energy efficiency, requiring significant optimization of refrigeration technology. Secure the future of your logistics property by integrating a holistic and scalable energy strategy early on. | [...]

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▶️ How intermodal logistics shapes our lives: The hidden nerve centers of the economy
Discover the world of intermodal logistics and understand why concrete and steel form the backbone of global supply chains | Learn how rail, road, and waterways are strategically linked through mega-projects like the Brenner Base Tunnel | Delve into the economic logic behind gigantic construction projects and their significance for the flow of goods | Analyze why seamless container linking is far more than a technical exercise | Recognize the challenges posed by bureaucratic hurdles, geological risks, and exploding billion-euro costs in infrastructure projects | Learn how the Port of Duisburg became a central hub for European trade | Understand the geopolitical dimension behind investments in terminals along the New Silk Road | Find out about the status of the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link and its impact on Scandinavian freight transport | Learn why companies must expect massive construction delays in their long-term planning | Gain valuable insights to make your supply chains resilient and efficient for the future | . [...]

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▶️ No more restacking: How gigantic container racks are shaping the port logistics of the future
High-bay warehouses are revolutionizing port logistics through vertical storage and maximum space utilization. | | This technology replaces inefficient block storage and eliminates the tedious and time-consuming restacking of containers. | | With load capacities of up to 18 tons per storage location, these massive heavy-duty racks are setting new industrial standards. | An intelligent redundancy concept guarantees continuous availability and uninterrupted operation of global supply chains. | | Thanks to clever segmentation, maintenance can be carried out without downtime. | Digitalization optimizes processes, drastically reducing access time to each individual loading unit. | Electric processes and photovoltaic options also significantly improve the environmental footprint of modern port terminals. | | Automated systems decouple humans and machines, sustainably improving occupational safety in the logistics industry. | Despite high investment costs, the infrastructure offers long-term economic advantages through reduced operating costs. | Learn more at xpert.digital about how vertical port logistics is becoming the driving force behind a more efficient global economy. [...]

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▶️ The TEN-T system: Europe's underappreciated backbone of economic integration – Who actually pays for our roads, railways and ports?
Discover the TEN-T network with Xpert.Digital: Europe's invisible backbone for economic integration and security. The mega-project TEN-T connects roads, railways, and ports to form a high-performance European transport network. | Learn how the war in Ukraine is radically shifting infrastructure planning towards geopolitics and dual-use considerations. | We analyze the 2024 reform and why efficient transport routes are essential for the single market. | The TEN-T system is far more than technocratic administration; it is a strategic instrument of power for the EU. | Find out who is paying for the expansion and what role the Connecting Europe Facility plays. | The 2030, 2040, and 2050 targets significantly define the future of our European mobility. | Discover the importance of multimodal hubs for modern, sustainable logistics across Europe. | Despite bureaucratic hurdles, TEN-T remains the engine for economic growth and regional convergence. Learn more about this multi-billion-euro project, which will decisively shape our security policy future. | | [...]

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▶️ Sell-off of logistics? Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution raises the alarm: What's really behind the new China deal in the Port of Hamburg?
A look at the Cosco-Zippel deal and the security concerns surrounding the Port of Hamburg. | | Discussion about blanket suspicion against Chinese investors and the danger of an undifferentiated policy. | Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution alarmed — but is there really a threat to critical infrastructure? | The real problem could be a capital gap in German SMEs, which is attracting foreign investors. | | Zippel is a small inland freight forwarder without its own terminal or network infrastructure. | Differentiation instead of blanket suspicion: Policymakers must distinguish between relevant and less relevant cases. | | Vertical integration of global shipping companies explains strategic investments in logistics and hinterland. | | Berlin and Brussels are called upon to develop alternative financing and participation models. | A clear, legally sound investment screening regime with robust filters is urgently needed. | This case should serve as a wake-up call to recognize weaknesses in industrial policy instead of reflexively blocking every transaction. [...]

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▶️ Transport revolution in Styria: Intermodal logistics – Alpacem Peggau launches rail terminal with far-reaching potential
The Peggau terminal is transforming 2.7 hectares of former railway land into an intermodal logistics hub for climate-friendly rail freight. | Alpacem, InterCal, and Innofreight are pooling their expertise to decarbonize regional supply chains and secure locations. | The project aims to promote the shift from trucks to rail, thereby reducing CO2 emissions from industry. | Direct connections to the Southern Railway and the S35 suburban rail line will ensure efficient and traffic-reducing transshipment. | | With construction starting in 2026 and planned commissioning in 2027, the terminal sends a clear signal for the transport revolution. | Networking with existing plants and international corridors strengthens the region's competitiveness. | Economically, the terminal creates economies of scale, reduces empty runs, and improves transport cost structures. | | Risks such as permitting deadlines, construction cost increases, and market distortions due to a lack of policy measures remain to be considered. | The strategic perspective up to 2030 and the Semmering Base Tunnel could further increase the importance of the hub. Terminal Peggau is a model project and regional public asset that aims to practically combine private investment with public climate goals. [...]

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▶️ The ticking time bomb in the cold storage: Why outdated technology will soon mean the end – Stricter F-gas regulations and pharmaceutical requirements
| Cold storage logistics faces a stress test in 2026: outdated technology, rising energy costs, and new regulations threaten operators. | Energy is the biggest cost driver in cold storage and determines competitiveness and investment logic. | | The F-Gas Regulation mandates retrofitting or replacement of systems and creates tight, economically relevant deadlines. | In the pharmaceutical cold chain, a single data error can jeopardize licenses and lead to batch blocking. | AI-supported load management and automation significantly reduce electricity costs and increase operational reliability. | | Retrofit strategies, combined with efficiency measures, minimize downtime and spread investment risks. | Automated AS/RS systems and modular robotics increase space efficiency and reduce energy losses through open doors. | Lifecycle service, predictive maintenance, and data-driven remote monitoring ensure smooth operation for years to come. | | Switching to natural refrigerants combines climate protection with improved efficiency and long-term regulatory compliance. xpert.digital supports operators with integrated, future-proof solutions for energy efficiency, compliance, and automation. [...]

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▶️ Supply chains at their limit: Companies use this warehouse trick to avoid port congestion
Global supply chains will be under severe pressure in 2026 due to port congestion and geopolitical detours. | This will result in unpredictable delivery times and massive capacity bottlenecks in ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Singapore. | | Vertical, automated storage systems offer a strategic solution by significantly increasing storage density and availability. | | Automation reduces personnel costs and error rates, and ensures buffer capacity is available around the clock. | Economic case studies show significant savings and shorter amortization periods with high throughput. | | Dense storage concepts save space, energy, and CO2, particularly through lights-out operation and regenerative braking. | Predictive maintenance and specialized servicing are crucial to minimizing the failure risks of automated systems. | In combination with TEN-T strategies and multimodal hubs, vertical warehouses become the link between operational resilience and infrastructure policy. | Compelling use cases and transparent operational data build trust with investors and customers. | Companies that invest in vertical buffer capacity now secure a strategic advantage against future disruptions. [...]

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▶️ Cold storage cost trap: Retrofit or new construction? Focus on energy, F-gases and pharmaceutical regulations
Cold storage logistics is at a turning point between retrofitting and new construction—energy, F-gases, and pharmaceutical regulations are forcing action. | Rising electricity prices are making refrigeration the dominant cost factor and require intelligent load management. | Retrofitting can save costs in the short term, but new construction is often more worthwhile due to the F-gas transition and lifecycle costs. | The F-gas regulation is accelerating the switch to natural refrigerants and increasing the time pressure on operators. | Pharmaceutical standards (GDP) require seamless temperature control, redundant sensors, and tamper-proof documentation. | Automation reduces the volume to be cooled, increases efficiency, and meets compliance requirements. | Systems such as AS/RS, shuttles, and modular robotics enable dense, low-energy storage architectures. | Service, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance are crucial for availability and lifecycle costs. | Those who invest early in modular and future-proof solutions gain market share and access to pharmaceutical segments. | Strategic modernization determines the competitiveness and long-term profitability of cold storage facilities. [...]

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▶️ The return of buffer stocks: Europe's supply chains after the crisis at the Red Sea and the Suez Canal
Europe's supply chains are returning to buffer stocks to protect against disruptions at sea. | Just-in-time delivery is losing priority; resilience is becoming an economic imperative. | Detours around the Cape of Good Hope are driving up freight rates and transit times. | Automated high-bay warehouses (AS/RS) are the winners due to increased space utilization and scalability. | Retrofit projects modernize existing warehouses faster and more cost-effectively than new construction. | Congested ports like Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp are increasing the need for port-adjacent buffers. | Higher safety stocks tie up capital but prevent costly production downtime. | Energy-efficient control and regenerative braking technology reduce the operating costs of automated warehouses. | EU regulations (TEN-T, customs, and data law) are promoting local warehousing and digital networking. | Companies that invest early in buffer and automation strategies secure long-term operational and strategic advantages. [...]

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▶️ No more isolated solutions in intralogistics: From individual devices to complete systems – Why the perspective is crucial
No more isolated solutions: Why intralogistics as an integrated system is crucial. | From stacker cranes to AI—only networked solutions reach their full potential. | Individual components can be efficient, but without integration, bottlenecks arise. | Economic and export pressures make turnkey systems particularly attractive today. | Interface harmonization reduces risks to schedules and budgets. | Data, IoT, and digital twins create real efficiency and maintenance advantages. | Vendor consolidation is driving integrated, software-supported solutions. | Decision-makers should prioritize system architecture before purchasing equipment to ensure future viability. | Those who invest in integration now will gain decisive competitive advantages from the 2027 recovery onward. | xpert.digital explains how holistic intralogistics sustainably reduces costs and increases performance. [...]

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▶️ Customs trick revealed: Is the EU customs revolution flopping? How Temu and Shein easily circumvent the new EU fees
The EU has abolished the de minimis rule and introduced a flat €3 "Temu duty." | Air freight capacity between Asia and Europe has declined significantly, while distribution centers in Europe are gaining importance. | Temu, Shein, and AliExpress circumvent the duty through large-scale warehouses in Europe and local distribution. | Fiscally, customs revenues should increase, but EU warehousing flows could dampen expectations. | | Small and medium-sized retailers hardly benefit because the base price advantage of Asian suppliers remains. | | Consumer behavior is mixed: many are reducing orders, while others remain loyal or even order more. | The shift from air to sea freight reduces costs and changes delivery times in favor of the platforms. | Product safety and market surveillance remain unresolved, as customs is not systematically improving its control over content. | In the long term, the success of the reform will be determined by market shares in 12–18 months, not by initial freight data. Effective solutions include stricter tariffs, improved market surveillance, and consistent DSA enforcement. [...]

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⭐️ Logistics/Intralogistics

▶️ The vertical port: Why ports worldwide must learn to grow upwards instead of outwards

▶️ Kazakhstan's New Silk Road: How the Steppe is Becoming a Hub Between East and West

▶️ Vertical Farming | High-tech storage instead of tractors: The real secret of profitable vertical farms

▶️ Mecanum wheels, the crazy drive system: The silent transformation of intralogistics, robotics and precision automation

▶️ Cost explosion in intralogistics not just in 2030: Why the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) will catch logistics companies off guard as early as 2026

▶️ PESCO: This EU defense project works in practice – “Network of LogHubs in Europe and Support to Operations”

▶️ Retrofit instead of new construction: Brownfield modernization as a multi-billion-euro lever for competitiveness

▶️ Space miracles for terminals: When wheels think around corners – How Mecanum technology is reinventing container logistics

▶️ The “Power-ready Warehouse”: Why conventional warehouses will soon be obsolete

▶️ How intermodal logistics shapes our lives: The hidden nerve centers of the economy

▶️ No more restacking: How gigantic container racks are shaping the port logistics of the future

▶️ The TEN-T system: Europe's underappreciated backbone of economic integration – Who actually pays for our roads, railways and ports?

▶️ Sell-off of logistics? Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution raises the alarm: What's really behind the new China deal in the Port of Hamburg?

▶️ Transport revolution in Styria: Intermodal logistics – Alpacem Peggau launches rail terminal with far-reaching potential

▶️ The ticking time bomb in the cold storage: Why outdated technology will soon mean the end – Stricter F-gas regulations and pharmaceutical requirements

▶️ Supply chains at their limit: Companies use this warehouse trick to avoid port congestion

▶️ Cold storage cost trap: Retrofit or new construction? Focus on energy, F-gases and pharmaceutical regulations

▶️ The return of buffer stocks: Europe's supply chains after the crisis at the Red Sea and the Suez Canal

▶️ No more isolated solutions in intralogistics: From individual devices to complete systems – Why the perspective is crucial

▶️ Customs trick revealed: Is the EU customs revolution flopping? How Temu and Shein easily circumvent the new EU fees

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