There is certainly no doubt: The “zero emissions” target can only be met by significantly reducing the use of resources, minimising unnecessary excesses, and utilising informative data in order to optimise processes – and this is precisely the opportunity offered by digitalisation.

Data is of fundamental importance when it comes to making processes more resource-friendly and achieving a significant increase in efficiency. Because the extensive collection and analysis of this data allows processes within a company to be controlled and optimised so as to markedly improve sustainability along the entire value creation chain. In this way, digitalisation can make an important contribution to reducing the use of resources, lowering carbon dioxide emissions, and improving workplace quality.

One potential first step in this context is the collection of precise master data, for instance with the MultiScan. This data lays the foundation for a wide range of optimisations along the entire value creation chain – from efficient storage to transport to the point of sale.

Errors in the goods-out area and subsequent complaints are not only expensive but also harm the environment through additional transport. This is exactly where digitalization comes in: systems like the ivii photostation ensure quality by documenting the condition of every shipment with a photo before it is dispatched. This transparency reduces errors, prevents unjustified complaints, and thus sustainably lowers CO₂ emissions.

And there are many more tools and solutions listed on our platform that demonstrate the wealth of possibilities offered by digitalisation – with regard to supporting and relieving the stress of employees and using resources efficiently:

 Sustainably fit for the future with DIGITAL2GO

The master data collected by the MultiScan enable the storage and packaging of products to be optimised, thus allowing existing warehouse infrastructure to be used as effectively as possible. This reduces material costs and saves you from having to use further resources for warehouse expansions.

The CartonScan allows you to deliver more packages while using fewer resources thanks to precise cargo space calculation data for shipping and transport. The device captures both the volume and the weight of the packages, allowing the number of units to be sent to be determined precisely and optimally loaded to save space so that more packages can be taken along.

With the ivii photostation, complete photo documentation is created in the goods-out area before the products are shipped. This visual record serves as proof that the goods were picked correctly and packed in perfect condition. This minimizes unjustified customer complaints, which reduces the number of returns and re-shipments, thereby directly lowering CO₂ emissions.

Internal goods transport also holds enormous potential for greater sustainability. Instead of rigid, energy-intensive conveyor systems or manual transport, autonomous mobile robots like the Open Shuttles enable flexible and optimized routing within the warehouse. They transport goods on-demand and via the shortest route, which not only increases process speed but also significantly reduces energy consumption, thus contributing to a smaller CO₂ footprint.

These product examples provide a clear answer to the question posed in the title, “Sustainability and digitalisation: a contradiction or an opportunity?” – most definitely an opportunity!