Once a year, the »warehouse logistics« community gathers for a participant meeting to exchange views on current developments, discuss future prospects, and network in person. The event is organized by the »warehouse logistics« team and has a 25-year tradition. All providers who have listed a logistics IT system on the “warehouse logistics” platform are invited.
© Vinzenz Neugebauer - Fraunhofer IML
The participant meeting is distinguished by several unique features. First, it offers an exclusive platform for the »warehouse logistics« community that focuses specifically on logistics IT. Second, the event combines various formats: keynotes by renowned experts, moderated panel discussions, interactive exchange formats such as the Gallery Walk and World Café, lab tours of research facilities, and practice-oriented panels. Third, the focus is on personal exchange and networking. It’s not just about sharing knowledge, but also about lively discussions and genuine relationships among participants. Ultimately, the conference serves to foster the community. It’s a place where existing relationships are deepened and new connections are made.
The 25th participant meeting in 2026 brought several new developments: For the first time, the meeting took place as one of several sessions within the framework of the »Zukunftskongress Logistik – 44. Dortmunder Gespräche«. This congress is organized annually by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML at the Westfalenhallen in Dortmund. The morning of the event was reserved as a closed session exclusively for members of the »warehouse logistics« community. During a workshop, participants discussed current developments in the logistics IT market. In addition, as part of the platform’s ongoing development, there was a preview of this year’s market report as well as a presentation of the new »warehouse logistics« website. In the afternoon, the event opened to all congress visitors. Under the theme »Reliable IT in a Connected World«, external speakers provided practical insights during two panel discussions: First, on the growing importance of cybersecurity and mitigating cyber risks in logistics IT, and second, on the question of how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly and securely in logistics IT systems. Participants thus benefited from concrete recommendations for action, first-hand accounts, and practical solutions. The approaches presented provide valuable practical guidance even beyond the conference.
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all participants for the many engaging discussions and valuable contributions that made the day a special and successful event.
Are you a provider of a logistics IT system and would like to attend the next participants’ meeting? Then please feel free to contact us, we look forward to hearing from you!
Cybersecurity is becoming a decisive factor for logistics IT providers. Customers increasingly assess security, driven by regulations, cyber-insurance requirements, and growing awareness of cyber risks. At the »warehouse logistics« participant meeting held on 9 September 2026 at the Westfalenhallen in Dortmund, logistics IT providers discussed current market developments in an interactive workshop format called Gallery Walk. The discussion centered on the following key question: How important is cybersecurity to the customers of logistics IT providers, and what conclusions do the providers draw from this for themselves? The following findings are an excerpt from this discussion.
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The »warehouse logistics« team has validated all logistics IT systems listed on warehouse-logistics.com, thereby bringing the Logistics IT Database up to date.
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Logistics software must work—that goes without saying. But does it also work for the people who use it every day? Software ergonomics and the design of the graphical user interface (GUI) are critical to acceptance, efficiency, and the success of an implementation. For this purpose, Fraunhofer IML has developed a structured Usability Check for logistics software within the "Picking Lab" project of the Leistungszentrum Logistik & IT, specifically identifying potentials for improving user experience, efficiency, and process reliability.
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