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Intralogistics

WHAT IS intralogistics?

Intralogistics refers to the management and optimisation of material flows within a company’s facilities – from goods receiving, storage, and internal transport to picking, packing, and shipping.

Unlike external logistics, which focuses on the movement of goods between organisations, intralogistics deals exclusively with the processes inside factories, warehouses, and distribution centres.

Also known as:

Internal logistics
In-house logistics
Material flow management

HOW DOES intralogistics WORK?

Intralogistics integrates people, processes, and technology to move goods efficiently inside a warehouse.

It covers every stage of the internal supply chain:

Goods receiving – managing inbound deliveries and quality checks.
Storage and retrieval – placing items into racks, ASRS, or buffer systems.
Internal transport – conveyors, shuttles, or sortation systems moving goods across zones.
Order fulfilment – picking, packing, sequencing and sorting items for dispatch.
Shipping – preparing goods for outbound logistics.

Modern intralogistics relies heavily on automation and digital control systems such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS).

BENEFITS OF automated intralogistics

Efficiency: Streamlines internal workflows, reducing lead times and cost per item handled.
Cost reduction: Optimises space, labour, and equipment usage.
Accuracy: Minimises picking and shipping errors through automation.
Scalability: Supports growth in order volumes or product ranges.
Sustainability: Reduces waste and energy use with smarter processes.
Customer satisfaction: Ensures fast, reliable order handling.

INTRALOGISTICS VS LOGISTICS

Feature	Intralogistics	Logistics
Scope	Internal material flow within facilities	Movement of goods between facilities/markets
Focus	Goods receival, storage, picking, sortation, packing, shipping	Transport, distribution, supply chain
Goal	Optimised internal efficiency	Connecting suppliers, manufacturers, and customers

HOW BEUMER GROUP SUPPORTS intralogistics

BEUMER Group specialises in intralogistics by designing advanced material handling automation for warehouse and distribution processes. Our technologies can optimise every step of an internal material flow, ensuring customers achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, flexibility, and lower cost per item handled compared to conventional systems or manual handling.

Our intralogistics-focused designs include a wide range of products, systems and services, for example:

BG Pouch System – enabling buffering, dynamic order consolidation and sequencing.
Loop sortation systems – routing goods with precision across large-scale facilities.
Line sorter system – combining the simplicity of a traditional line sorter with the handling capabilities of a high-speed cross-belt sortation solution.
Conveyor systems – ensuring smooth and efficient internal transport.
Goods receiving and cross-docking – accelerating inbound and outbound flows.
Integration with WMS and WCS – ensuring data-driven coordination between digital control and mechatronics automation.

FAQ ABOUT THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS

What is an example of intralogistics?

Examples of intralogistics include the use of ASAR, GTP, conveyors and sortation systems to move goods from storage to packing stations inside a warehouse.

What are the processes of intralogistics?

The core processes of intralogistics include goods receiving, storage, internal transport, picking, packing, sequencing, and shipping. Together, these steps ensure materials move efficiently from the point of entry to the point of dispatch within a warehouse or distribution centre.

Why is intralogistics important?

Intralogistics is important because it ensures that goods move efficiently within a facility, reducing costs, increasing throughput, and supporting fast delivery expectations.

What technologies are used in intralogistics?

Technologies used in intralogistics include conveyors, s orters, ASRS, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and digital control systems such as WMS and WCS.

What industries rely on intralogistics?

Retail, e-commerce, and parcel handling are some of the industries that depend heavily on intralogistics to manage complex internal flows.

How does intralogistics support sustainability?

One of the aims of automated systems in intralogistics is to reduce energy consumption, reduce waste, provide better work environment and support recycling initiatives, contributing to more sustainable operations.