Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 are highly modern terms. They are connected with the common trend of digitalization, virtualization and networking of data and information. Typical is the implementation of new information and communication technologies into production and logistics practice. This will change the working conditions, processes as well as business models. “Industry 4.0” is the synonym for the 4-th industrial revolution in a general understanding. The term “Industry 4.0” was first used in a high-tech-strategy project of the German government in 2011 at the Hannover Fair. (Compare [1,2]) The paper describes the terms Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 as two of the most important trends in production and logistics. It characterizes the big chances of this development. The paper gives an overview about important solutions in this area. (Compare [3]) Some new solutions are discussed according to material sciences, as it is also very important to develop and use new materials, which help to create smart solutions. Smart materials are created in the areas of e.g. laminated, composite and functionally graded materials, thermal and piezoelectric actuation, active and passive damping, vibrations and waves in smart structures. (Compare [4]) Smart materials allow the design and implementation of actuator, sensor fields and networks. Further examples are self-reporting materials, which autonomously report about problems and defects. This allows an evaluation and control of defects of components during their use and application. (Compare [5])

In the context of Industry 4.0, the matrix production concept represents revolutionary solutions from a technological and logistics point of view. In a matrix production system, flexible, configurable production and assembly cells are arranged in a grid layout, and the in-plant supply is based on autonomous vehicles. Adaptable and flexible material handling solutions are required to perform the dynamically changing supply-demands of standardized and categorized manufacturing and assembly cells. Within the frame of this paper, the authors describe the in-plant supply process of matrix production and the optimization potential in these processes. After a systematic literature review, this paper introduces the structure of matrix production as a cyber-physical system focusing on logistics aspects. A mathematical model of this in-plant supply process is described including extended and real-time optimization from routing, assignment, and scheduling points of view. The optimization problem described in the model is an NP-hard problem. There are no known efficient analytical methods to find the best solution for this kind of problem; therefore, we use heuristics to find a suitable solution for the above-described problem. Next, a sequential black hole–floral pollination heuristic algorithm is described. The scenario analysis, which focuses on the clustering and routing aspects of supply demands in a matrix production system, validates the model and evaluates its performance to increase cost-efficiency and warrants environmental awareness of the in-plant supply in matrix production.

Logistics 4.0 means the application of Industry 4.0 in the logistics area. Therefore, many new practical and scientific solutions are created and published giving a huge amount of individual examples for realizing different logistics tasks. To find solutions in a systematic way, it is necessary to create and use meta-knowledge. The paper gives an overview about typical solution fields, the level of knowledge and application. It makes a difference between objects, processes, systems and the relevant infrastructure of logistics according the model “Smart Logistics Zone". The “Smart Logistics Zone” is defined as a scalable examination and action area for the analysis, evaluation, planning, control, regulation and (re-) configuration of logistics solutions. Basis of the research formed many years of scientific work and practical experiences in the area of logistics. This is connected with an evaluation of current scientific publications and own scientific projects on the area of Logistics 4.0. The starting points are changed requirements and conditions according to Logistics 4.0. Solutions of Logistics 4.0 are identified, systemized and described. One solution group are e.g. the possibilities of autonomously driving. They have the same idea to move, to handle and to transport without a driver or pilot realized by different means of transport. The majority of solutions of autonomous driving are on the level of prototypes and pilot projects. The new developed model “Smart Logistics Zone” is recommended to solve all tasks of logistics engineering according to Logistics 4.0 A new model is developed to systemize process knowledge. Logistics 4.0 is integrated. Important trends of Logistics 4.0 are characterized to sign the future. The theory of logistics must be further developed. Therefore, some new and improved systematics are presented in this paper: solutions of Logistics 4.0, strategies to improve logistical processes and trends of Logistics 4.0.

The paper describes the terms Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 as two of the most important trends in production and logistics. Industrie 4.0 (Industry 4.0) is a German term and a synonym for the fourth industrial revolution. It is connected with the common trend of digitalization, virtualization and networking of data and information. The term Logistics 4.0 brands the specific application of Industry 4.0 in the area of logistics. Therefore a new research approach was developed the “Smart Logistics Zone” (SLZ) by Fraunhofer IFF and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. This is defined as a scalable examination and action area for the analysis, evaluation, planning, control, regulation and (re-) configuration of logistics solutions [1]. The Smart Logistics Zone differs into logistics objects, logistics processes, logistical systems and logistics infrastructure. Every logistics solution should be built by using all of these four aspects in a free combination by increasing dynamics and complexity. Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 create new business processes. The question is, how will they change the traditional logistics concepts and strategies? The paper answers the following research questions: What are solutions of Logistics 4.0? Are there any successful realized solutions, which optimize logistics at a whole? Which requirements on logistics management will exist according to the criteria of Industry 4.0/Logistics 4.0? Are the classic logistics strategies still valid according to the digital transformation process?

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