We are delighted to have received the German Logistics Award 2024 for our RAIL-HUB project. This award is recognition of the work we are doing in the field of logistics and shows that our approach is both economical and sustainable.
The overall concept, the colorful bouquet, also convinced the auditors in the end. They summarized their impressions of the Rail-Hub for the jury report:
“We have experienced a beacon for SMEs and larger companies in which all individual measures mesh like the wheels of a gearbox. We award top marks for vision, corporate development, implementation and sustainability. Chapeau!”
Below is some general information about the German Logistics Award:
GERMAN LOGISTICS AWARD
The German Logistics Prize, awarded by the German Logistics Association (BVL)is one of the most prestigious awards in the logistics industry. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements and innovative concepts in the field of logistics and supply chain management.
The significance of the German Logistics Award
The Logistics Award has established itself as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the German logistics landscape. It honors companies that drive the industry forward with their forward-looking approaches and efficient solutions.
Criteria for the award
The jury of the German Logistics Award evaluates the applicants according to various criteria:
- Degree of innovation of the logistics solution
- Increasing efficiency in the supply chain
- Sustainability and environmental friendliness
- Digitalization and use of technology
- Economic success and scalability
Digitalization as a driver of logistics
In recent years, digitalization has emerged as a key topic in the logistics industry. Many winners and finalists of the German Logistics Award have distinguished themselves with innovative digital solutions.
Examples of digital innovations
- Use of artificial intelligence in route planning
- Blockchain technology for transparent supply chains
- Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring of goods flows
- Big data analytics for optimized warehousing and inventory management
Also at DENKINGER digitization has played a decisive role in the fact that our RAIL HUBproject was ultimately awarded first prize. This is how our internal IT solutions in the form of transport mix software and aCO2 dashboard in accordance with DIN ISO 14083:2023 and GLEC.
The project also features a virtual tour with a specially created avatar for orientation on the site. Furthermore, an OCR steel sheet recognition system is used for automated incoming goods inspection. Remote camera operation for cranes and VR are already in development.
Focus on supply chain management
The German Logistics Award attaches great importance to holistic approaches in supply chain management. Successful applicants are characterized by the seamless integration of various logistics processes.
Core aspects of modern supply chain management
- End-to-end visibility along the entire supply chain
- Flexibility and adaptability to market fluctuations
- Collaborative approaches with suppliers and customers
- Risk management and resilience in global supply chains
Fraunhofer IML: Research and innovation
The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) plays an important role in the further development of the logistics industry. As a renowned research institute, it makes a significant contribution to innovation in logistics and is often involved in projects that are nominated for the German Logistics Award.
Research focuses of the Fraunhofer IML
- Development of autonomous transportation systems
- Optimization of material flows in production
- Concepts for the urban logistics of the future
- Sustainable logistics solutions and green logistics
General cargo logistics: challenges and solutions
One important area that is often discussed as part of the German Logistics Award is general cargo logistics. The efficient handling and transportation of general cargo presents companies with particular challenges.
Innovative approaches in general cargo logistics
- Automated sorting and picking systems
- Dynamic route optimization for general cargo transports
- Use of robotics in package handling
- Digital platforms for the consolidation of general cargo loads
Logistics congress: platform for exchange and networking
The German Logistics Award is traditionally presented as part of the German Logistics Congress. This event offers a unique platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices in the logistics industry.
Highlights of the Logistics Congress
- Lectures by leading experts
- Workshops on current logistics topics
- Exhibition of innovative logistics technologies
- Networking events for industry representatives
Sustainability and green logistics
An increasingly important aspect of the German Logistics Award is sustainability. sustainability. Companies that develop and implement environmentally friendly logistics solutions have a good chance of winning an award.
Approaches for sustainable logistics
- Reduction ofCO2 emissions through optimized transport routes
- Use of alternative drive technologies in the logistics fleet
- Development of circular economy concepts in the supply chain
- Energy-efficient storage and handling systems
The role of digitalization in modern logistics
Digitalization has fundamentally changed the logistics industry in recent years. Many winners of the German Logistics Award have made a name for themselves with innovative digital solutions.
Digital technologies in logistics
- Artificial intelligence for predictive analyses
- Cloud-based logistics software for improved collaboration
- Augmented reality in order picking and maintenance
- 5G technology for real-time data exchange in the supply chain
Challenges and future trends
The German Logistics Award also reflects the current challenges and future trends in the industry. Companies that develop innovative solutions for these challenges have a good chance of winning an award.
Current challenges in logistics
- Managing supply chain disruptions
- Adapting to changing customer expectations in e-commerce
- Integration of Industry 4.0 concepts in logistics
- Skills shortage and automation
Conclusion: The German Logistics Award as a driver of innovation
The German Logistics Award has established itself as an important catalyst for innovation and excellence in the logistics industry. It not only promotes competition between companies, but also makes a significant contribution to the further development of the entire industry. By recognizing outstanding achievements and innovative concepts, the award sets standards for the future of logistics and supply chain management.
The winners and finalists of the German Logistics Award impressively demonstrate how companies can master the challenges of the industry by using state-of-the-art technologies, sustainable concepts and holistic approaches. They serve as role models and sources of inspiration for other players in the logistics landscape.
Looking to the future, the German Logistics Award will continue to play a central role in promoting innovation and excellence in logistics. It will encourage companies to break new ground, push boundaries and shape the logistics of tomorrow. At a time when logistics is facing increasingly complex challenges, the German Logistics Award is an important compass that points the way to an efficient, sustainable and digital future.
Which companies have won the German Logistics Award in recent years?
In recent years, various innovative companies have won the German Logistics Award. Although the exact list of recent winners is not complete in the search results, we can summarize some information about the award and some of the companies mentioned:
Winner of the German Logistics Award
- German Logistics Award 2023: Dachser GmbH & Co KG – Awarded for innovative solutions in general cargo logistics.
- German Logistics Award 2022: Zwilling J.A. Henckels AG – Recognized for its logistics services in the kitchen utensils sector.
- German Logistics Award 2021: Modility – Recognized for the development of a digital platform for combined transport.
- German Logistics Award 2020: BoxBay – Innovative container storage system recognized for its efficiency and technology.
- German Logistics Award 2019: Fraunhofer IML – For outstanding research projects and their application in the logistics industry.
RAIL HUB FACTS AT A GLANCE
CONSTRUCTION
Regional & sustainable
- Two transshipment halls
- Two kilometers of track
- Façade made from local larch wood
- KfW40 standard
- Flower meadow as rainwater catchment basin
- 40,000 l water storage tank
- Bee colonies
PHOTOVOLTAICS
More than required
- 100% roof area utilization Photovoltaics
- > 100m of the south and west façades with translucent special PV modules → dual use daylight + energy generation
- 1.8 MWh electricity storage
- 75 % degree of self-sufficiency with PV+battery
- 1.5 MW peak power
DIGITIZATION
Thanks to our own IT
- Internal development of IT solutions in the form of transport mix software andCO2 dashboard in accordance with DIN ISO 14083:2023 and GLEC
- Virtual tour with specially created avatar for orientation on the site
- Remote camera operation and VR
- OCR steel sheet recognition for automated incoming goods inspection
ENVIRONMENT
CO2 savings
- 150,000 t from road to rail = 7,500 truckloads = 1,800 tCO2 savings
- One train replaces 52 trucks
- Photovoltaics: 1.5 MW installed capacity = approx. 1600 t Co2 savings