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Logistics - from life in the shadows to bathing in the limelight: Survey launches offensive at ZOW in Bad Salzuflen

It pays to invest in high performance logistics systems! A maxim which is equally valid for both the furniture and furniture supply industry. ZOW organizer, Survey, is seizing the initiative at the 2008 ZOW East Westphalia Suppliers’ Show to offer logistics suppliers from Germany and neighboring countries the opportunity to exhibit at the show. Invitations are specifically targeted at decision-makers who are logistics sector managers in the industry for a genuine added value experience for ZOW exhibitors and visitors.

Survey has gained the services of an expert in the field for this initiative, Prof. Nicholas Boone of the Logistics & Distribution Department at the Lippe & Höxter University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Boone is one of the first to specialize at an academic level in “Furniture Logistics”. He sees great cost saving potential in the area of logistics within companies in the furniture industry, which is just waiting to be discovered. “This is based on an open corporate culture and the support of company management. Efficient logistics require holistic thinking and end-to-end processes,” states Boone. These are as a rule well managed in the areas of design and production, however, it is important that procurement and distribution are also integrated.

It’s in the export sector – the growth engine of the furniture industry – that intelligent logistics solutions are more in demand than ever. How do you ensure that “Made in Germany” furniture arrives unscathed at its destination in Asia? Integrated IT systems which incorporate all links in the wealth creation chain – whether in Berlin, Munich, Shanghai, New York or New Delhi – are the resource of choice, providing data compatibility among various companies located in all parts of the world. Right down to the last detail. “Success in the export sector requires integrated solutions," underlines Prof. Boone.

The logistics product range at ZOW spans three broad sectors:
1. Software and IT Solutions, 2. Logistics Services, and 3. Logistics Equipment. Software and IT Solutions covers for example integrated ERP systems (incl. PPS, WMS and TMS) and identification systems via RFID and barcode. Hauliers, freight forwarders, warehousing providers, contract logistics suppliers, courier, express and mail service providers are all in the Logistics Services sector. Logistics equipment includes e.g. material and goods flow systems, warehousing and operations equipment, conveyor and storage systems, automatic small parts and racking storage systems

“From practice into practice” presentations program

“From practice into practice” is the theme of the presentations event at ZOW chaired by Prof. Nicholas Boone. On the first three show days, two presentations per day will be given on various topics followed by a discussion. On the first day, well-known logistics suppliers present their application-oriented solutions for transfer to practice. The second day is dedicated to users from the supply industry, demonstrating how their companies were able to lower costs and increase profits through efficient logistics solutions. “From conception to realization” is the topic for the third show day which highlights a successful case study from the furniture industry.

It all amounts to a vast range of creative stimuli intended to shift the topic of "logistics" in the furniture industry out into the limelight. “With our logistics offensive, we’re offering exhibitors and trade visitors from the furniture industry the opportunity to meet together with suppliers from the logistics industry for the first time in Germany,” observes the founder of ZOW, Peter H. Meyer. “As show organizer, I regard this as our quintessential task.”