Published on: January 31, 2025 / update from: January 31, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Logistics and warehouse industry in Spain: Micro fulfillment conquers the cities-the new e-commerce turbo with AI, IoT and robotics-Image: Xpert.digital
Automation in the upswing: The future of warehouse logistics in Spain
E-commerce drives change: Automated camps as the key to innovation
Automated warehouse systems are becoming increasingly important in Spain and are becoming a central part of modern logistics concepts. The progressive digitization, the boom in e-commerce and the associated pressure on supply chains have led to increasing investments in automation in recent years. In addition, topics such as sustainability and energy efficiency play an increasingly important role. The subsequent text comprehensively illuminates the status quo of automated warehouse in Spain, introduces the most important trends and leading providers and places a special focus on Daifuku. It is also explained which technologies are used in which industries automation solutions bring the biggest advantages and what future prospects open up for Spain. This text is designed in such a way that it shows the essential developments and potential that offers automated warehousing for the Spanish economy.
Suitable for:
Automation trends in Spain: Efficiency as a key to success
The Spanish logistics and warehouse industry has changed noticeably in recent years. Growing competition, increasingly clocked demand in e-commerce as well as increasing expectations regarding delivery speed and flexibility have caused companies to rethink their warehouse processes. The once pure focus on manual processes is replaced or at least supplemented in many areas of automated systems. "We want to achieve the best possible efficiency" is a quote that many Spanish logistics managers now use as a leitmotif to further develop their processes.
Automated camps in Spain are as diverse as the companies themselves: Smaller start-ups rely on compact, highly flexible micro fulfillment solutions in order to be able to deliver quickly and reliably in urban metropolitan areas. Large corporations, on the other hand, invest in extensive high -bay warehouse with hundreds of shelf operations devices, shuttles and robots that work around the clock. The potential for rationalization effects, cost savings and competition increases is great, because manual processes often reach their limits in the face of constantly growing demands.
The current development is also reflected in the dynamics of the market: Experts assume that the growth of automated warehouse solutions in Spain will continue to pick up speed. "We consider automation as the key to success in a globalized world", or similar loud voices from the industry that underline the willingness to invest. In this context, it is primarily large logistics service providers, retailers and manufacturing companies that specify the beat and invest in the expansion of automated systems.
But the topic of sustainability is also becoming increasingly important. Automated solutions are increasingly used to protect resources, optimize energy consumption and reduce waste. Modern warehouse techniques not only allow shorter transport routes and better use of the existing area, but also enable savings for energy requirements for lighting, air conditioning and heating.
Important trends in automated storage in Spain
Several trends are emerging within Spanish warehouse logistics that are closely linked and significantly influence the market:
1. Growth in e-commerce
The online trade in Spain has been booming for years. Customers expect short delivery times, comfortable return processes and the broadest possible selection of products. Orders are increasingly expected on the same or the next day at the latest. In order to keep up with this pace, many companies rely on automated warehouses because they ensure high throughput rate, precise picking and quick handling times.
2. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI-based applications penetrate all areas of intralogistics. Especially in automated camps, KI and ML provide valuable services in the analysis of stocks, the forward -looking maintenance of systems and the optimization of routes and storage assignments. AI systems also learn independently from the data obtained and thus continuously contribute to increasing efficiency.
3. Robotics and automation
In recent years, the use of robots has increased significantly. Automatic palletization and landfilling robots have long been no longer uncommon. In addition, robot arms and collaborative robots (cobots) take on tasks in the picking and packaging process. This trend relieves the human personnel and reduces error rates, but at the same time increases the requirements for specialist knowledge in terms of programming and maintenance.
Suitable for:
4. Internet of Things (IoT) and big data
The networking of machines, devices and systems opens up completely new possibilities in warehousing. Sensors continuously record data about filling levels, temperature, humidity and much more. By analyzing large amounts of data (big data), bottlenecks, deviations or failures can be recognized at an early stage and countermeasures can be initiated. "Thanks to IoT, we gain new knowledge from our processes" - this statement illustrates how important continuous data acquisition is in the warehouse.
5. Sustainability and energy efficiency
Environmental protection plays an increasingly central role. Companies are increasingly emphasizing their ecological balance. Automated bearings can make a large contribution to this, since modern systems lower energy consumption by targeting lighting, heating and cooling. The possibility to better use storage areas and therefore need fewer building volume helps to protect resources.
6. Micro fulfillment center
Especially in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia, the requirements for quick and flexible delivery increase. Micro fulfillment centers offer advantages here because they act closely on the customer and significantly reduce delivery times. Many of these small, automated camps rely on robot -based systems and compact shelf structures in order to optimally use the area and achieve high penetration.
Suitable for:
7. Local shortage
The search for qualified staff is difficult in many areas of Spain. In times of seasonal tips (e.g. around Christmas business or at major events), bottlenecks can occur. Automated camps help to compensate for these fluctuations and reduce personnel requirements. The staff can concentrate on more demanding activities, while repetitive and physically stressful tasks of machines are taken on.
8. State funding
Initiatives for digitization, Industry 4.0 and modernization of logistics are increasingly observing in Spain. State programs promote automation by offering companies financial incentives or subsidizing advisory services. These developments contribute to a faster technology transfer and the distribution of automated solutions.
Market leader in the area of automated warehousing in Spain
The Spanish logistics industry is highly contested and is shaped by some key players who are profiling with their specific strengths and offers:
DAIFUKU
Daifuku is considered a global player and offers a wide portfolio of solutions for various industries. The product range ranges from shelf operating devices and conveyor technology to sorting systems to intelligent warehouse management software. Daifuku scores with decades of experience, strong customer orientation and reliable, durable systems.
SSI SCHÄFER
As an international provider of warehouse and logistics systems, SSI Schäfer is also strongly represented in Spain. The company relies on a modular concept in which individual components can be flexibly adapted to different warehouse requirements. This makes the solutions scalable and versatile.
Dematic
Dematic is a leading company that offers comprehensive automation solutions for intralogistics. Dematic covers the entire spectrum from fully automatic high -bay bearings to sorting systems to robot -based picking solutions. The company is very active in Spain, especially in industries such as fashion, e-commerce and general logistics.
Vanderlande
Vanderlanden is known globally for its innovative material flow systems, which are used in warehouse, distribution and airport environments. In Spain, Vanderlande has made a name for itself primarily through sorting systems and automated conveyor systems. The solutions offered are often individually tailored to the needs of the respective customer.
Mecalux
With its headquarters in Spain, Mecalux is one of the most important national providers of warehouse solutions. The company has a wide range of products, which in addition to classic shelf systems also include automated solutions and warehouse management software. Mecalux has emerged particularly in projects in the food sector and specialized warehouses.
Daifuku in focus: strengths and market position
Daifuku is characterized in the Spanish market by a strong combination of technological know-how and many years of project experience. "Quality and reliability are our trademark" - this is how you could summarize the company's philosophy. The broad portfolio plays a special role, ranging from manual and semi -automatic solutions to fully integrated, highly automated systems. This allows Daifuku to react flexibly to different customer requirements and also implement complex projects with a high degree of automation.
Daifuku also scores with a pronounced service orientation. Many customers praise the long -term cooperation and comprehensive support, which ranges from project planning to installation to ongoing maintenance. This close partnership pays off particularly with innovative major projects in which tailor -made concepts have to be developed.
In direct comparison with other providers, Daifuku is more positioned in the premium segment. The systems are designed for high reliability and durability, which is usually also reflected in the price. "We chose a system that will offer us advantages in ten years" - such statements describe the attitude of many companies that are willing to invest in quality in the long term. Nevertheless, there is also a challenge for Daifuku: Small and medium -sized companies are often looking for cheaper entry variants, which can conflict with Daifuku's rather high -priced image.
Nevertheless, the company enjoys a high reputation, especially in Spain. Projects for industry leaders in the areas of automotive, food trade and logistics show that Daifuku has a variety of know-how. For example, automated warehouse systems were implemented by a large Spanish food dealer, which convince with high flexibility in dealing with different packaging sizes and rapid processing. In the automotive industry, too, Daifuku's solutions ensure a reliable and efficient part supply in production facilities.
Technological core components and solutions
Automated camps include a variety of technologies that must be efficiently coordinated to ensure a smooth material flow. Some essential components are presented below:
1. Shelf control units (RBG)
They often form the backbone of automated high -bay warehouse. The RBG drive back and forth between the shelves, lift pallets or containers and store them in the items intended. Modern systems work highly precisely, have various sensors for collision recognition and can cover considerable heights and depths.
2. Shuttle systems
Shuttle systems are particularly used for small parts and in multi-gass stores. They are quick, flexible and allow compact storage because shelf alleys can be significantly narrower than with conventional conveyor techniques. This optimally exploits the existing place.
3. Promotion technology
Rollen tracks, chain conveyors and belt conveyors bring movement to the warehouse world. They combine different areas of the warehouse, transport products from the goods receipt for picking and further to the goods outcome. Modern conveyor technology is modular, so that changes in the layouts can be implemented quickly.
4. Sorting systems
Automatic sorting systems help distribute goods according to certain criteria - for example according to the destination, product category or weight. Due to the increasing variety of articles and increasing envelope numbers, sorting technology is becoming increasingly important in order to be able to process large quantities of programs without loss of time.
5. Automatically guided vehicles (AGV)
AGVS carry pallets or containers independently through the warehouse, without rails or permanently installed guidelines. Thanks to modern navigation systems, you can recognize obstacles and can react to changing environmental conditions. In addition to classic pallet AGVs, autonomous mobile robots (AMR) are also becoming increasingly popular, which, for example, transport boxes in picking areas.
6. Commissioning systems
The picking is one of the most labor -intensive tasks in the warehouse. Automated and semi-automated systems such as pick-by-light, pick-by-voice or robot communication reduce error rates and increase speed. For example, while pick-by-light gives visual instructions, pick-by-voice works with voice control and leaves the employee's hands free for grasping. Pick-by robot, on the other hand, relies on complete automation.
7. Storage management software (LVS)
A modern warehouse cannot do without intelligent software. The LVS regulates all processes, coordinated goods receipt and shipping, controls picking orders and monitors. In connection with AI algorithms, the system can also make forecasts which products will soon become scarce or where bottlenecks can be expected.
8. 5G and wireless communication
The fifth generation of mobile phone (5G) opens up new options due to high data rates and low latency times. Real -time transmission of sensor data or a particularly fast information exchange between machines and controls will make it even more efficient. A stable and fast connection is essential, especially for mobile robots.
Suitable for:
Industry -specific solutions and fields of application
Various branches in Spain benefit from automated warehouse systems in different ways. The most important industries and their respective special features can be summarized as follows:
1. Retail and e-commerce
Retail is characterized by a high throughput and a large variety of articles. Short delivery times are particularly crucial in online trading. Automated sorting systems and picking systems are helpful here to compile orders in record time. In addition, flexible bearing layouts are required that can be quickly adapted to changing assortments.
2. Food industry
Compliance with the cold chain and minimizing spoilage plays a central role in the food industry. Automated bearings can precisely regulate temperature ranges, which ensures constant quality. At the same time, automated picking can reduce the risk of human errors, which could lead to quality problems, for example, in sensitive goods.
3. Automotive industry
The automotive industry needs just-in-time deliveries of components to optimally supply production. Automated storage systems ensure that parts arrive at the right place exactly at the right time. In addition, there is a high variance of different components and a complex supply chain that can be controlled efficiently using robotics and AGVs.
4. Logistics service provider
Speditions and logistics companies rely on quick handling processes and high flexibility. In order to reduce storage costs and throughput times, rely on automated cover terminals in which pallets and packages are sorted quickly and provided for further transport. The integration of different storage systems, for example for dangerous goods, cooling goods or bulky goods, is also an important aspect.
5. Fashion and textile sector
The quick and efficient sorting of articles is particularly important in the fashion sector, since collections often change and seasonal peaks occur. Automated warehouse can move large quantities of clothing in a short time using Hänfördertechnik and sorting systems. An intelligent warehouse management can reduce out-of-stock situations and to process returns more efficiently.
Sustainable aspects and energy efficiency
In Spain, as in all of Europe, the awareness of environmental and climate protection increases steadily. Automated camps offer various approaches to reduce the ecological footprint of companies:
Optimized use of space
Compact high-bay warehouse or shuttle systems enable higher storage density. This often leads to smaller building areas or better use of existing premises, which in turn lowers the material and energy expenditure for the construction and maintenance of the warehouse.
Lower energy requirement
Modern drive systems and the targeted control of lighting, ventilation and air conditioning can reduce energy consumption by significant percentages. Examples are light -controlled systems in which the lighting only turns on in the areas in which work is currently being worked.
Resource efficiency
Automated warehouse processes are usually standardized and easy to plan, which can reduce the use of packaging materials and the production of waste. Since stocks are constantly monitored, the risk of over or underground is also decreasing. This in turn reduces the need to dispose of excess or outdated goods.
Sustainable traffic logistics
Companies that run strategically placed in Spain can optimize transport routes and reduce CO₂ emissions. Micro fulfillment center in urban regions shorten the last mile to the customer and create opportunities for environmentally friendly delivery concepts.
Opportunities and challenges
Although automated storage systems offer great advantages, companies have to master various challenges:
1. High initial investment
The switch to automated processes often requires considerable funds. This can be a hurdle for small and medium -sized companies. At the same time, companies have to think about which degree of automation they actually need to achieve a balanced cost-benefit ratio.
2. Complexity of integration
The introduction of new technologies must harmonize seamlessly with existing processes and IT systems. If these processes are tailored to manual processes, the changeover can lead to considerable start -up difficulties. Therefore, careful planning and close cooperation between technology, IT and management teams is essential.
3. Training and shortage of skilled workers
Automated camps require specialized personnel for maintenance, programming and system monitoring. In Spain, as in many other European countries, it is challenging to find enough qualified workers in this area. Companies react by offering internal training programs or consulting external service providers.
4. Security
Where machines and people work closely together, security concepts have to be thought through again. Collaborative robots (cobots), for example, have sensors to recognize human proximity to prevent accidents. Nevertheless, interaction with highly automated systems requires clear guidelines and continuous optimization.
5. Technological dependency
In the worst case, if an automated system fails or is paralyzed by a cyber attack, all warehouse processes are still. Companies therefore have to invest in a robust IT infrastructure and plan failure scenarios to ensure business ability at any time. Redundant systems and regular security updates are essential for this.
Despite these challenges, the advantages outweigh the advantages, especially with regard to efficiency, speed and competitiveness. For many companies, the investment in automation pays off in the long run, as they can optimally use personnel resources and increase their sales by accelerating orders.
Future prospects for automated warehouse in Spain
The trend towards automation in Spain will continue to continue and even accelerate in some areas. Several developments give the reason for this assumption:
Another e-commerce boom
In view of the steadily increasing online purchases in almost all product segments, a high dynamic can be expected. Companies that do not concentrate on automated warehouse solutions at an early stage risk competitive disadvantages.
Digitization of the supply chains
Smart systems will not only collect data, but will increasingly interpret them independently using AI methods. An even stronger networking of suppliers, producers and logistics service providers enables a smooth and forward -looking flow of goods.
Increased focus on sustainability
European and Spanish guidelines lay the foundation for even stricter environmental standards and CO₂ reduction goals. Automated camps will play a key role here because you make it easier to reduce your energy consumption and make logistical processes more efficient.
Technology progress
Innovations in areas such as robotics, sensors, artificial intelligence and communication standards (e.g. 5G) will make automated storage systems even more efficient. Autonomous mobile robots could act even more flexibly in the future and are also increasingly used in demanding environments, such as frozen or dangerous goods bearings.
New business models and collaborations
Companies could increasingly operate joint warehouse and distribution centers in order to share costs and achieve synergy effects. Cooperation projects between start-ups, technology providers and established industry players are also expected to increase.
Practical examples and case studies
The practical implementation of automated storage concepts in Spain can be illustrated using numerous examples:
Fully automated warehouse for a food dealer
Daifuku installed a state-of-the-art shelf control system that stores pallets at large heights and brings to the picking places within a very short time. Combined with a sophisticated conveyor technology, the company was able to significantly increase its storage capacity and throughput speed.
Innovative shuttle system at a logistics service provider
SSI Schäfer equipped a Spanish logistics company with a multi-gass-like shuttle system to store small parts and accelerate picking. By using robotics in the picking area, customer orders can be processed by up to 30 % faster than before.
Robotics in the fashion industry
Dematic and Vanderlande cooperated with fashion retailers to implement automated sorting systems in distribution centers. In large quantities, clothing and accessories are guided to the right shipping station in large quantities, which brings decisive advantages, especially in seasonal peak times.
Suitable for:
Technological change: automated warehouse as a key to success
Automated camps have long been more than a short -term trend in Spain. They represent a central component for companies that want to position themselves competitive in the long term. The possible uses are wide and range from the small micro fulfillment center in the city centers to gigantic high-bay bearings for global corporations.
Daifuku has established itself as an international market leader in this environment and offers solutions for different industries and requirements. The company scores with high reliability, innovative technologies and a comprehensive service, which makes it a preferred partner for large companies. But other providers such as SSI Schäfer, Dematic, Vanderlande and Mecalux also mix the market and ensure competition, which in turn promotes innovations.
In addition to cost savings and efficiency increases, automated warehouses for many Spanish companies are an important step in the direction of future viability. Fast delivery times, optimized processes and higher transparency along the entire supply chain are key factors in order to be permanently successful in e-commerce and global logistics. Added to this is the growing pressure to protect and protect resources more sustainably. Modern warehouse systems are ideal for saving energy and reducing the space requirement, which can have a positive effect on the environmental balance and the public image.
Nevertheless, companies are faced with the task of building up the necessary expertise for planning, installation and operating automated warehouses. The integration of new technologies in particular requires precise analyzes and well thought-out change management so that employees are integrated into the transformation process from the start. In many ways, this development accelerates the need for highly qualified personnel in the field of intralogistics, robotics and software development. This opens up new jobs and career opportunities, especially when it comes to ensuring the control and maintenance of highly automated systems.
Spain will benefit from these developments in the long term. Due to the geographical location, the country is a logistical hub between Europe, Africa and Latin America. Optimized and automated warehouse chains can help to accelerate the flow of goods at important ports and cover points such as Barcelona, Valencia or Bilbao and to strengthen the role of Spain in international trade.
All in all, automated warehouses in Spain are in a phase of dynamic growth. Due to increasing demands in online trade, continuing cost pressure and increasing sustainability awareness, it can be assumed that this trend will continue in the coming years. "We are only at the beginning of a comprehensive transformation," says many experts, and that means that technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics are far from exhausted. The further these solutions ripen and the better they are embedded in corporate processes, the greater the effect on the entire value chain will be.
In this context, companies that are already investing in sustainable technologies have been clear. They not only optimize their current processes, but also lay the foundation for the coming decades. Daifuku and other market leaders will continue to concentrate on offering solutions that are both efficient and flexible. Likewise, the topic of digitization in the sense of IoT, big data and intelligent analysis tools will continue to come to the fore. Together with growing automation, this will lead to a completely new generation of camps that are networked in real time and can organize themselves with minimal human intervention.
So the trip has just started. If you don't want to miss the connection, you have to deal with the new technologies at an early stage and be ready to continuously invest in personnel, know-how and facilities. A well -thought -out automation strategy can not only bring short -term efficiency gains, but also ensure the decisive competition in the long term. In this sense, the development of automated camps in Spain is a central element that will shape the future economic and logistics landscape of the country.
Suitable for:
We are there for you - advice - planning - implementation - project management
☑️ Our business language is English or German
☑️ NEW: Correspondence in your national language!
Konrad Wolfenstein
I would be happy to serve you and my team as a personal advisor.
You can contact me by filling out the contact form or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) . My email address is: wolfenstein ∂ xpert.digital
I'm looking forward to our joint project.