Schmitz Cargobull has recently received the prestigious 2025 eLogistics award for its exceptional contributions to digital transformation within the logistics sector. The accolade was presented during the 40th annual AKJ Automotive network conference, Restart Automotive 2025, held in Saarbrücken, Germany. The event celebrated innovation in the automotive industry, and Schmitz Cargobull’s recognition reflects a significant shift towards modernising logistics operations.
Christopher Coenen, the Head of Group Logistics at Schmitz Cargobull, accepted the award on behalf of his team. The award was conferred by Jürgen Barke, Saarland’s State Minister of Economics, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy, alongside a jury composed of industry leaders, digitalisation experts, and academics from Saarland University of Applied Sciences. This collaborative recognition underscores the multifaceted effort involved in the company’s digital initiatives.
The award-winning solution, termed “Integrated process landscape for managing volatile supply chains in an adaptive production network,” embodies Schmitz Cargobull’s commitment to decentralised, flexible, and sustainable logistics management. Coenen highlighted the importance of teamwork, stating, “We see it as a joint achievement, shared by the members of our cross-site logistics teams, IT, and external partners.” This collaborative focus resonates with industry trends towards integrated logistics systems that enhance operational robustness and adaptability in a globally dynamic supply chain.
At the heart of this initiative lies a sophisticated digital framework that enables comprehensive logistics oversight. The solution incorporates decentralised transport management, end-to-end data flows, digital yard management, and integrated reusable container management. These elements are critical for maintaining updated global inventories, which are refreshed daily, thus ensuring that supply chain operations remain agile and responsive.
Schmitz Cargobull has partnered with Heylog to enhance the efficiency of its digital yard management system. Heylog’s platform is particularly innovative; it facilitates digital driver registration, safety training, and the management of incoming material deliveries using accessible technology such as smartphones and QR codes. Coenen remarked on Heylog’s contribution, stating, “Thanks to Heylog, we can bridge the digital gap between delivery and unloading, significantly reduce waiting times, and enhance process efficiency for the long term.” The ability to employ existing technology not only streamlines operations but also cuts down on the need for new infrastructure investments.
Moreover, Schmitz Cargobull has expanded its digital capabilities through collaborations aimed at retrofitting existing fleets with advanced telematics systems. Plans are in place to equip 2,500 trailers by the end of 2025, a move designed to boost fleet performance and improve operational transparency. Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull AG, emphasised the strategic importance of such innovations, noting that open, compatible telematics systems are essential for maintaining high-quality and reliable logistics operations.
Additionally, the company has made significant strides in optimising its internal processes through technological upgrades. A recent migration of its SAP systems to the Azure cloud marks a pivotal transition, allowing for heightened operational flexibility and reduced costs. With these moves, Schmitz Cargobull is actively preparing for the future of logistics, ensuring that its systems are capable of adapting to shifting demands.
These initiatives not only align with Schmitz Cargobull’s overarching objectives of enhancing agility and sustainability in logistics but also echo broader trends in the industry towards digital transformation. By integrating such innovations, the company is setting a benchmark for operational excellence and sustainability within the logistics sector, as recognised through its multiple accolades, including the recent German Sustainability Award in the Mobility and Logistics category.
As Schmitz Cargobull continues to refine its strategies ahead of the 2025 exhibition season, the commitment to innovation and collaboration will likely remain a cornerstone of its operational philosophy, driving advancements that resonate across the logistics industry.
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Source: Noah Wire Services