Intralogistics has become a strategic pillar for modern warehouses and distribution centers. As companies adopt Industry 4.0 , automation enables faster operations, higher accuracy, and real-time visibility of material flows. Automated transport systems, robotic handling, and intelligent storage solutions are transforming how goods move inside facilities, reducing manual labour, improving safety, and accelerating order fulfilment. At SMC, we support this transition with a comprehensive portfolio designed for flexible, safe, data-driven, and energy-efficient intralogistics environments.
The role of industrial automation in intralogistics
What is intralogistics?
Intralogistics refers to the management, movement and control of materials within warehouses and distribution centers. Automation enables faster operations, higher accuracy, and real-time visibility of material flows, supporting efficient and reliable internal logistics.
Unlike logistics, which covers transportation between locations, intralogistics focuses on internal warehouse operations including receiving, storage, picking and shipping. It forms the operational core of warehouse automation solutions.
From compact pneumatic components to advanced electric actuators, wireless communication systems and vacuum technologies, SMC provides the reliability and performance required to optimise key intralogistics processes.
Intralogistics processes in an automated warehouse system
Typical intralogistics processes include goods receiving, inspection, storage allocation, internal transport, order picking, consolidation, packaging and dispatch. These processes are coordinated through warehouse systems and automated material handling technologies to ensure traceability and operational efficiency.
