Weekly Roundup - Spar’s New Logistics Hub, Automated Sunday Markets, and Lufthansa Cargo’s Upgrade

McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2024 outlines 15 key technology trends, categorized into five broader groups: the AI revolution, building the digital future, compute and connectivity frontiers, cutting-edge engineering, and a sustainable world. It evaluates these trends based on innovation, interest, investments, and adoption levels. To assess these trends, the report uses data from patents, research publications, news, search engine queries, and investment flows. It introduces two new trends: digital trust and cybersecurity, and the future of robotics, highlighting the role of AI in driving advancements in robotics.

The report also includes a survey with 1,000 respondents across 50 countries to gauge enterprise adoption levels, classifying technologies into stages from frontier innovation to full-scale deployment. The adoption of enterprise technology follows an S-curve, beginning with innovation and exploration, moving to piloting and scaling, and eventually achieving full adoption. Technologies like quantum computing and robotics are still in early stages, limited by high costs and industry specificity, while more mature technologies, such as cloud computing and edge computing, are rapidly advancing. Adoption rates vary by industry and geography due to external factors like user trust, regulatory environments, and labor costs. Companies must align their long-term strategies with both internal capacities and external ecosystem conditions to successfully integrate new technologies. Leaders who invest in talent, experiment with emerging technologies, and reimagine their business for the future are poised for success.

Spar has opened its newly expanded logistics center in Graz-Puntigam, Austria on September 7th, following a two-year construction phase. This marks the fifth expansion at the Graz site, with an investment of over €50 million aimed at meeting the growing demand for a wider product selection and ensuring the supply of 1.4 million people in the Styrian region and southern Burgenland. The expansion increased the logistics area by 40%, adding 12,000 pallet spaces. The new warehouse is 10 meters deep and 17 meters high, maximizing storage capacity on the existing floor space. It spans nearly 2,500 square meters and can automatically store 180 pallets per hour. Additionally, 320 new ground-level picking stations were created, and the facility now boasts ten storage levels plus an extra picking level. Enhancing its sustainability efforts, Spar installed a new photovoltaic system on the roof of the logistics center, boosting its power capacity from 114 kWp to 700 kWp.

In Germany, most stores close on Sundays due to a 1956 law, but automated mini-markets, primarily run by Tegut, are changing that. These unmanned, 24/7 shops, accessible via app or card, have pushed some states to allow Sunday operations. Tegut has opened 40 such stores, offering around 950 items, mainly in rural areas where grocery access is limited. While some states have updated their laws to permit this, major retailers like Lidl resist, preferring in-person service. Automated stores, which generate 30% of weekly revenue on Sundays, are growing. Privacy concerns exist, but no significant issues have been reported. Tegut plans to expand these stores, which complement traditional ones, and has found older customers embracing the technology.

Lufthansa Cargo has begun construction on its "LCCevo" project, aimed at modernizing its central cargo hub at Frankfurt Airport by 2030. The project, which has a budget of nearly 600 million euros, seeks to transform the Lufthansa Cargo Center (LCC) into a cutting-edge air freight hub. Since 1982, the LCC has operated continuously, playing a crucial role in global air freight. The modernization will gradually update all core functions, including freight handling halls, storage and conveyor systems, building and IT infrastructure. Covering an area of 330,000 square meters, it's one of the largest air freight hubs in Europe.

Read more on recent highlights

• Chinese golden week: When supply chains take a vacation
• Which Volkswagen factories in Germany could be affected by layoffs?
• Toyota cuts 2026 global EV output plans by a third, Nikkei reports
• Panasonic ready to start making next-gen EV cells at Japan plant
• Manufacturing production hits 4-year low: August PMI
• Investor pressure on Nike builds over garment workers' rights
• Viral TikTok video creates cucumber shortage in Iceland
• Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc on infrastructure, factories in Vietnam
• Australian airports face costly fight against worst climate risk
• Start-up association calls for more measures to revive the market

Dive deep into research

"Building supply chain resilience to cyber risks: a dynamic capabilities perspective" by Herburger, M., Wieland, A. and Hochstrasser, C. (2024)

"Connected we stand, disconnected we fall. Analyzing the importance of digital platforms in transnational supply chain management" by Marrucci, A., Rialti, R., Donvito, R. and Syed, F.U. (2024)

Events

International Suppliers Fair (IZB)

When: 22. - 24. October 2024

Where: Wolfsburg, Germany

What: The International Supplier Fair is set to be a premier gathering for the automotive supply industry. Taking place from October 15 to 17, this event will bring together top-tier suppliers, innovative startups, and industry leaders from around the globe. With a focus on cutting-edge technologies, sustainability, and future mobility solutions, IZB 2024 offers a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and showcasing the latest advancements in the automotive sector. Hosted in the heart of Germany's automotive industry, this fair is a must-attend for those looking to drive the future of mobility.

European Supply Chain Executive Summit

When: 11. - 13. November 2024

Where: Barcelona, Spain

What: The European Supply Chain Executive Summit is a premier gathering of industry leaders, supply chain executives, and experts dedicated to exploring innovative strategies, emerging trends, and best practices in the dynamic world of supply chain management. Dive into a thoughtfully curated environment that brings together thought leaders, allowing you to explore new ideas and engage in meaningful discussions. Join the conversation at EUSCES and be part of a community dedicated to pushing the limits of supply chain success.

Smart Production Solutions

When: 12. - 14. November 2024

Where: Nuremberg, Germany

What: The SPS is the industry highlight of the automation sector and, with its unique concept, represents the complete spectrum of smart and digital automation - from simple sensors to intelligent solutions, from what is feasible today to the vision of a comprehensively digitized industrial world.