From the World of the Professorship of Factory Planning and Intralogistics

On 19.01.2024, students and interested parties visited the Volkswagen vehicle plant in Zwickau as part of our "Corporate Logistics" course in cooperation with the university's Career Service. In three exciting specialist presentations, the speakers presented the logistical background and special features of their respective specialist areas. In addition to the basic material flow within the plant, the participants were also given an insight into the challenges of battery handling and the information technology background. A plant tour will take place on a follow-up date in the spring. Interested parties are welcome to contact the responsible person Florian Förster directly. Registration will also be possible via the Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology.

Roberto Sarmiento from the Autonomous University San Luis Potosi in Mexico visited us for a month during December 2023 and January 2024. During his stay we worked on strategic trade-offs, which resulted in several paper drafts. Apart from work, Roberto also enjoyed the Christmas Market in Chemnitz, snow, and the welcoming atmosphere. During his visit, he also gave two talks: one about strategic trade-offs, and one about quantitative vs qualitative research methods.

On 19.01.2024, students had the opportunity to delve deeper into the work of an OEM-related automotive supplier. In cooperation with the Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology, the students on the "Corporate Logistics" course visited the Glauchau-based company Schnellecke Logistics. They were guided through the factory halls and were given a comprehensive overview of the entire value creation process - from incoming goods, the automated small parts warehouse (AKL), sequencing for just-in-sequence deliveries to the Zwickau vehicle plant to efficient loading of trucks in outgoing goods. The participants were able to get to know a variety of logistical concepts and principles in a practical way.

Yuan Huang from Cardiff University visited our Chair for a week to intensify ongoing research collaboration. During her stay she also gave two lectures. On October 19, 2023, a lecture on her research CV. This not only provided interesting information about possible research topics, but also many tips for doctoral candidates on how to best cope with the often stressful, non-linear everyday research routine. On October 23rd there was a lecture on empirical qualitative research methods, one of the main research approaches at the Professorship of Factory Planning and Intralogistics.

Our hiking tour this year started not far from the front door and led us along a section of the Zschopautal hiking trail in beautiful late summer weather. After a short train ride, we hiked from Waldkirchen on to Witzschdorf and then along the banks of the Zschopau River to Hennersdorf. The steep ascent to Kunnerstein did not dampen the good mood, nor did the climb to Augustusburg Castle. From there, we took the cable car back to Erdmannsdorf, where we had a nice break. Conclusion: Repeat :-)

Alex Pak Ki Kwok from the Chinese University of Hong Kong visited the Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics on July 14, 2023. He presented his recent research on technology acceptance and the use of data to create a better society. Faced by an ever elder society, these topics are also of relevance to German scholars, which opens venues for further cooperation in research and projects.

At the 20th of June 2023, Professor Fabio Sgarbossa presented the Production Management and Logistics group from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He also outlined his latest research results. The vivid discussion of results opens possibilities for further cooperation. As responsible for the 'Logistics 4.0 Lab' at NTNU, Professor Sgarbossa also appreciated the Experimental and Digital Factory and the exchange of thoughts during his visit.

Stefan Häussler from the University of Innsbruck in Austria and Arno Kasper from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands visited the Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics from April 19 to 21, 2023. The visit was part of the 3rd "Research Workshop on Workload Control". The aim was to intensify ongoing research and to stimulate new research. Accordingly, several presentations and discussion sessions took place.

Professor Cristovao Silva and Samuel Moniz from the University of Coimbra in Portugal visited the Chair of Factory Planning and Intralogistics on February 13, 2023. Both were impressed by the Experimental and Digital Factory and are considering implementing similar experimental laboratories in Portugal. During their visit, there was also an opportunity to exchange ideas and future joint research projects were initiated.