nextLAP collaborating with Demonstration Factory Aachen at the Smart Logistics Cluster

DFA Demonstrationsfabrik Aachen GmbH is a key part of the Smart Logistics Cluster at RWTH Aachen Campus. Its activities include pilot testing, implementing and demonstrating Industry 4.0 solutions in the form of use cases that are deployed at the DFA production facility.

The plant aims to generate data and to replicate real-life conditions in the test environment for new solutions, some of which are commercial products and some of which are developed in joint research projects. The DFA and its partners also provide training events for the purpose of making digital transformation more accessible for companies in the manufacturing industry.

In order to disseminate knowledge about Industry 4.0 and digital transformation and to improve access to it, the DFA works closely across all areas with its network of research institutes, centers at RWTH Aachen Campus and companies from the manufacturing industry.

Putting research into practice

Against this background, Demonstration Factory Aachen started to work with nextLAP GmbH which specializes in the development of IoT-based production and logistics solutions for the digitization of various processes such as order-picking. Together, the partners plan to build a demonstrator (use case).

“In the Demonstration Factory Aachen, real products are being produced in small batches. As part of our use case, our pick-to-light solution, which is connected to the ERP system and used to control material replenishment, and the group leader call feature are implemented at the Smart Logistics Cluster. Pick-by-light offers semi-automated, paperless order picking leading to optimized processes, reduced logistics costs and minimized order-picking errors,” explains André Ziemke, Managing Director of nextLAP GmbH.

Besides the cooperation’s main aim of transferring know-how about Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, its focus is on converting innovative technologies and concepts to practical applications. For companies, this creates important momentum and powerful solutions for digitization.