Expert talk: Mathias Bös as a guest on the “Neue Wirtschaft” podcast
Mathias Bös, Managing Director of SimulationsDienstleistungsZentrums Dortmund (SDZ), explains why now is the right time for digital transformation as a guest of Dan Bauer and Dr. Andreas Kohne. In the latest episode, he makes it clear that logistics involves much more than simply transporting goods between two points. It is at the heart of modern value creation. It is perfectly designed when material and information flows interact smoothly.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Real-time data is the fuel for informed decisions today. In this discussion, Mathias Bös provides in-depth insights into how companies can use digital systems to respond more quickly to market changes and manage their processes transparently. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern control systems offers enormous potential for massive efficiency gains.
Automation in logistics: the three myths and the reality
Despite the ongoing digitization of logistics, many medium-sized companies are reluctant to take the step toward automation.. In the podcast, the logistics expert dispels classic prejudices against automation in logistics, which are often still based on outdated assumptions today:
- Not flexible enough
- Zu wenig Volumen
- Too long amortization period
According to Bös, the far greater risk now lies in inaction—especially against the backdrop of the growing shortage of skilled workers.
Targeted automation in logistics can be seen as a supportive approach to relieve existing teams and ensure long-term competitiveness.
Simulation as a safety net for the “Master Plan Logistics”
A future-oriented logistics master plan requires well-founded decisions. In this expert talk, the SDZ managing director highlights the role that simulation can play in reducing risks during the planning phase and securing investment decisions.
Simulation creates a protected space in which new technologies can be evaluated, concepts tested, and experience gained
— without any operational risks during ongoing operations.
Simulation makes it possible to visualize complex relationships before real costs are incurred. Digital models help to compare scenarios, evaluate impacts, and prepare informed decisions.
Key topics of the podcast episode:
- People & Technology: How technology and human labor can be combined effectively.
- Cost-effectiveness over full automation: Why small and medium-sized enterprises need tailor-made concepts.
- Safety through simulation: How digital models help make informed decisions.
What’s the real cost of hesitation?
The transformation of logistics offers a unique opportunity to position oneself more competitively. Investing in digital structures today lays the foundation for sustainable growth. The chapter “Master Plan for Logistics” by Mathias Bös in the reference book “Die Mittelstandstransformation” (Springer Gabler, ISBN 3658481838) explores the approaches discussed here in greater depth and outlines specific ways to implement them.
Listen now: The podcast episode “Real-time data and AI in logistics: The new era of efficiency” with Mathias Bös is available on all popular podcast platforms.
Links to the podcast:
FAQ:
Strategic logistics planning acts as a key competitive lever, as it creates complete transparency regarding material flows and capacities. By identifying bottlenecks at an early stage, companies can secure their delivery capabilities and make informed decisions about investments and organizational structures. In medium-sized businesses, this planning forms the necessary foundation for managing increasing complexity and differentiating themselves in the market through reliability.
Digital transformation converts analog processes into a networked, data-based process landscape. For small and medium-sized enterprises, this means moving away from decisions based on vague assumptions toward management based on reliable real-time information. The goal is adaptive logistics that dynamically links planning and operational execution, thereby significantly increasing efficiency.
Digitization and automation are complementary concepts with different focuses. While digitization creates transparency across processes and provides the necessary data basis, automation focuses on the technical implementation and physical execution of these findings. Without the digital decision-making basis, automation cannot operate in a networked manner and thus cannot develop its full potential. Without automation, digital knowledge often lacks operational leverage.
High-quality data and real-time information form the nervous system of modern logistics systems. They are essential for accurate simulations, the use of AI methods, and adaptive control of logistics processes. Only those who have access to up-to-date and valid data can respond agilely to market changes and reduce planning errors in the long term.
These technologies make it possible to digitally evaluate complex future scenarios in advance and accurately predict the effects of structural changes. This virtual validation enables companies to significantly reduce their investment risks and make strategic decisions based on validated model calculations rather than mere intuition.
A successful transformation process in medium-sized businesses is carried out step by step using clearly defined milestones and targeted pilot projects. The use of simulations for preliminary validation ensures that effort, costs, and risks remain within a controllable framework. This modular approach enables continuous scaling of the systems and minimizes implementation risk.