WAREHOUSING (WH):

The Future of Warehousing: Between Innovation and Human Touch

WH-1 Productivity, Flexibility and Effectiveness in Warehouse Operations thru Automation Warehouse operations are facing several new challenges, often opposing! Customers require much more flexibility, sales are volatile, cost pressure from Top Management is always strong, manpower is a scarce resource in most locations, sustainability and ESG regulations are increasing their impact on warehouses. Automation and robotics are a very effective lever, however they require huge investments, complex analysis on demand patterns and, over all, medium term horizons. On the other side, shippers very often ask Logistics Service Providers for shorter contracts, CFOs ask only for cost reductions and do not understand the role of Logistics and Service Level and their impact on sales and profits! Automation is the key to succeed, but what automation? Innovation and performance leaders share their cases, decision paths and results in a very interactive sessions with all attendees: how to negotiate with Top Management and get buy-in, how to design and choose the best solution and how to have it in place, running as designed! Marco Porzio, Supply Chain Director of South European Region at Nestlè Purina; Tommaso Del Vento Head of Business Development KNAPP Italia; Łukasz Wysokiński, Managing Director, InPost Fulfillment; Moderator: Stefano Novaresi, CEO, KNAPP Italia

WH-2 A new full automatized warehouse: from green field to delivery in two years The story of Sonepar’s new Distribution Centres from design to shipments with key players to share their experience with attendees. Thierry Conte, Supply Chain Director, Sonepar Italy; Piergermano Peraro, Supply Chain Innovation Manager, Sonepar Italy

WH-3 Warehouse automation: fitting for now, ready for future The Distribution Center of Hippocrates (Brand Lafarmacia.) shows how the flexibility and scalability of modern technological solutions allow to adapt and evolve following the market demands, optimizing the warehouse operations and the diversification of the services offered. Marco Branchini, CFO and Head of Legal, Hippocrates Holding; Davide Fedeli, Head of Operations, Knapp Italia

WH-4 The Future of Warehousing: Between Innovation and Human Touch La tavola rotonda si propone come momento di confronto e riflessione sul futuro del settore della logistica di magazzino, in un’epoca dominata da rapidi progressi tecnologici, automazione avanzata, intelligenza artificiale e digitalizzazione. In uno scenario in cui la spinta all’efficienza e alla robotizzazione sembra inevitabile, l’evento vuole proporre un cambio di prospettiva: valorizzare la centralità dell’essere umano come elemento distintivo e strategico nei processi di innovazione.

L’incontro, che coinvolge accademici, manager, innovatori e professionisti del settore, mira a discutere le trasformazioni in atto nei sistemi di warehousing, ponendo l’accento su una logistica "umanamente sostenibile", che bilanci le opportunità tecnologiche con il contributo insostituibile dell’intelligenza creativa, dell’esperienza e dell’intuizione umana. Obiettivi • Analizzare l’evoluzione del magazzino in ottica di automazione, sensoristica, AI e digital twin. • Evidenziare le potenzialità trasformative della tecnologia nei processi di stoccaggio, picking, movimentazione e gestione scorte. • Riflettere sul ruolo strategico delle persone in un ambiente ad alta tecnologia: progettazione dei processi, gestione dell’imprevisto, sicurezza, innovazione organizzativa. • Offrire spunti per un modello di co-evoluzione uomo-macchina che superi la dicotomia sostituzione/automazione. • Stimolare il dialogo tra mondo accademico, impresa e istituzioni su una nuova visione del magazzino del futuro. Alberto Leali, Direttore stabilimento, Golden Lady; Massimo Magri, COO Operations & Supply Chain Director, Capaldo; Isacco Chinello, Head of Warehouse Management, Bio’s line; Agostino Gattu, Responsabile Produzione, ALSCO Italia; Massimo Scandola, Direttore Logistica, Volkswagen Group Italia; Marco Milani, Comacchio; Luca Brandellero, Supply Chain Director, **Bialetti*. Modera Andrea Payaro, Board Member, CSCMP Italy RT**

WH-5 The role of Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence in warehouse management: the case of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) With the growing dominance of e-commerce and the increased pressure on supply chains, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are required to handle the day-by-day operations more flexibly. This need for enhanced adaptability can be achieved with advanced data-driven solutions like Digital Twins (DT) and AI. This roundtable intends to give an open platform to practitioners to bring their experience and expertise to explore key questions and share insights regarding the role of DT and AI in improving the day-by-day operations of AS/RS. Giovanni Zenezini, Professor, Politecnico di Torino; Boglione (End user); Carlotta Audagnotto, Swisslog; Davide Fedeli, Head of Operations, KNAPP Italia; Roi Sanchez Tutor, Swisslog. Moderator: Carlo Rafele, Professor, Politecnico di Torino

WH-6 Supply Chain Challenges and Responses from Automation Processes, Tools and Results besides Trends and Volatility are accelerating Automation Adoption in Supply Chains. Pietro Gorlier will discuss scenarios and actual implementations with hurdles and results, with a focus on Warehouse operations. Pietro Gorlier, CEO, Comau

WH-7 RTLS and WES technologies for advanced orchestration of transit warehousing and enhanced operational sustainability: the Vector SpA case In the competitive context of international logistics, Vector S.p.A. implemented an advanced warehouse orchestration system based on the integration of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), AIDC technologies, and a Warehouse Execution System (WES) platform. Thanks to continuous localization with decimeter-level accuracy, the project resulted in a significant improvement in operational control, reduced process times, and increased reliability in shipments. This presentation will highlight the key elements of the adopted architecture, the measurable benefits achieved, and the organizational implications, with a focus on how these solutions also directly contribute to the sustainability of the logistics system and the improvement of the working environment. Luca Rebellato, IT & Innovation Director, Vector SpA; Michele D’Auria, Project Manager, KFI