The dynamic and ever-evolving world of intralogistics is full of technological marvels. Yet, beneath the surface of innovation, the industry grapples with one persistent challenge: connectivity. At the recent LogiMAT conference, we had the opportunity to talk to industry representatives of over 50 intralogistics companies about their connectivity experiences and concerns.

Let’s decode these narratives, and in doing so, explore the pressing issue of connectivity in the intralogistics market.

Wi-Fi Woes: The Struggle with Stability in Intralogistics Connectivity

Wi-Fi emerged as the primary connectivity method for about 70% of the companies we engaged with. However, the Wi-Fi experience has been far from smooth, with around 30% reporting significant reliability issues. Some even resorted to alternative communication methods, such as “Stromschiene” signaling the need for more robust and reliable solutions.

5G: A New Hope or a Mirage?

Amidst Wi-Fi’s struggles, 5G is gradually inching its way into the spotlight, promising high-speed and reliable connectivity. Some companies have already started testing the 5G waters. However, a noticeable customer-driven demand for this technology seems to be lagging, possibly due to pricing and challenges in closed indoor spaces. This is precisely where the elegance of mesh network technology shines. With its unique capability to adapt seamlessly to physical hindrances and amplify signal strength, it presents a compelling and promising alternative that’s truly worth considering.

The Illusion of Perfect Control in Intralogistics Connectivity

The pursuit of perfect control over connectivity was a common thread among several companies. These companies often manage every aspect of their system, from developing their wireless modules to choosing specific OEM products. Yet, even they aren’t immune to occasional connectivity hiccups. This highlights the pressing need for more flexible and robust connectivity solutions.

Hardware Hang-ups: Beyond the Size and Speed

Hardware limitations were a recurrent theme in the discussions. Slow adaptation to new technologies and issues with size were common pain points, causing some companies to replace their hardware. This calls for a more flexible solution like Meshmerize, designed to work with existing infrastructure and hardware. A single software update is required to make it fully operational, making this transformative solution remarkably user-friendly.

The Intralogistics Connectivity Scaling Dilemma: Growing Pains

The challenge of maintaining reliable connectivity amplifies as intralogistics systems scale up. Particularly in larger installations, numerous connectivity issues have been reported. This situation emphasizes the need for scalable connectivity solutions, a space where a comprehensive network software like Meshmerize could bring significant improvements.

In Conclusion: The Connectivity Cure

Drawing from the myriad of conversations, it’s clear that the intralogistics industry is at a crossroads with significant connectivity challenges. While there’s no magic bullet, the path forward lies in continuous exploration and innovation. A potential game-changer could be the adoption of mesh technology and solutions like Meshmerize, offering enhanced reliability and scalability.

By bringing these issues to light, we aim to contribute to the dialogue and innovation around improved connectivity solutions. Remember, in the face of every challenge lies the seed of an opportunity. Stay tuned as we navigate the path toward a seamlessly connected future in intralogistics.

Meshmerize is a startup based in Dresden, Germany that provides the ultimate mesh network software to an array of industries. The full potential of Meshmerize is yet to be seen. We would like to hear your thoughts – let us know what you think at [email protected]