The logistics sector in the Free State of Saxony

Industry and trade would be inconceivable without logistics. To clearly demonstrate the importance and significance of logistics within Saxony’s overall economy, the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport (SMWA) commissioned a comprehensive study of the logistics sector and the logistics-related business conditions in Saxony.

A consortium comprising LUB Consulting GmbH Dresden, LNC LogisticNetwork Consultants GmbH Hannover and to-be-now-logistics-research GmbH Lilienthal carried out extensive analyses, surveyed numerous Saxon companies and consulted with experts. The result is a study spanning over 300 pages, containing figures, facts, analyses, maps and practical examples.

The topic of digitalisation was given its own section in the study. As part of the study, 36 providers of specialised information and communication technology products in the logistics sector were identified. Twenty-five of these companies are headquartered in the Free State of Saxony, and eleven have branches in Saxony.

This includes iFD GmbH, which operates both nationally and internationally. As a provider of logistics software, iFD supports companies in optimising their intralogistics processes. The iFD customer KOMSA Kommunikation Sachsen AG is cited in the study as an example of this logistical expertise in the Free State of Saxony. As a ‘hidden champion’, KOMSA has won several prestigious logistics awards this year. The company relies on integrated digital logistics that seamlessly links inventory management, warehouse logistics and transport and order control.

The study concludes that, on the one hand, the digitalisation of logistics processes is associated with very high expectations, whilst on the other hand, many tools relevant to logistics are still at a very early stage of development. Whilst, for example, telematics platforms and e-document management are already widely used, technologies such as smart containers, predictive analytics (inventory simulation) or drones are still in the pilot phase, generally within larger companies.

All in all, however, the study draws a positive conclusion regarding Saxony as a logistics location. The logistics sector is one of the most significant employers. “Its central location in Europe in relation to key markets, as well as its efficient infrastructure, make Saxony the ideal logistics hub and gateway for Europe, making it attractive for further business establishment. Saxony is one of the most logistics-oriented states in the Federal Republic,” according to a summary of the study.

Full documentation of the study: https://publikationen.sachsen.de/bdb/artikel/34527