The proposed concept of a Cellular Transport System shows the possibilities to increase the flexibility and changeability of facility logistics systems and enhances the ease of use of complex decentralized control systems. This contribution shows how to enhance these issues compared to conventional facility logistics systems, e.g. static conveyors, by using an autonomous vehicle swarm. Cellular Transport Systems are based on dedicated (cellular) material handling entities. Generally, these cells consist of autonomous transport vehicles (ATVs) or autonomous conveying modules. Various functions such as advanced sensor/actuator interoperation, highly reliable communication, localization and energy management are implemented in each of this cells, facilitating different forms of adaptive, anticipatory and collective behavior. Furthermore, Swarm Intelligence enables the creation of a collective that interacts and cooperates amongst each other in order to solve complex tasks.

In order to design energy autarkic Smart Objects powered by Micro-Energy-Harvesters a systematic detection of possible energy sources in the environment is needed. All possible energy sources can be detected and evaluated by the novel Micro-Energy-Harvesting potential detection system in facility logistics. The detection system consists of containers equipped with a probe and a evaluation system. The probes are connected in a Wireless Sensor Network and transfer the sensor data online to the evaluation system. Finally, the evaluation software analyzes the acquired sensor data and calculates the average power which could be harvested from the environment. With this information the user can identify the most promising energy source considering the level of efficiency of Micro-Energy-Harvesters.

In this study, a novel approach for the detection of parcel loading positions on a pallet is presented. This approach was realized as a substantial change in comparison with traditional system design of contour detection in de-palletizing processes. Complex 3D-vision systems, costly laser scanners or throughput decreasing local sensor solutions integrated in grippers are substituted by a lowcost photonic mixing device (PMD) camera. By combining PMD technology and a predetermined model of loading situations, stored during assembling the pallet, this approach can compensate for the drawbacks of each respective system. An essential part of the approach are computer-graphics methods specific to the given problem to both detect the deviation between the nominal and the actual loading position and if necessary an automated correction of the packaging scheme. From an economic point of view, this approach can decrease the costs of mandatory contour checking in automated de-palletizing processes

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There is a remarkable lack of empirical studies investigating the importance of process ownership and continuous process improvement, two dimensions of business process orientation. This study addresses this issue and examines the joint effect of these two concepts on organizational performance. Based on a literature review possible questionnaire items for process ownership, continuous process improvement, financial performance, and customer satisfaction are identified. Data from 840 Austrian manufacturing and service companies are gathered and analyzed. The present empirical results show that firms applying continuous process improvement methods and having process owners in place gain the highest financial performance in relation to the industry average and the highest customer satisfaction compared to competitors