Dm drogerie markt was looking for a way to simplify the distribution of goods from logistics centers to store shelves while reducing the labor involved in restocking and handling packaging. The solution came in the form of Pally trolleys, whose implementation reduced labor at each store by approximately 30% and contributed to increased upselling. The return collection of empty boxes from stores is made more efficient by folding transport units, which save space and reduce transportation costs. The project also has a significant sustainability aspect – it reduces the use of single-use packaging, minimizes waste production, and shortens the time required for handling cardboard boxes.
Conference program 2025
Joint program
28. 5. 2026
Intralogistics
28. 5. 2026
Transport & SCM
28. 5. 2026
HR roundtable
28. 5. 2026
SEELOG
29. 5. 2026
8.00–9.00
Registration
Opening words
Zuzana Lazarová, ATOZ Logistics
Jeffrey Osterroth, ATOZ Group
9.15–10.30
Logistics as the Nervous System of Civilizations: Why Technological Progress Fails Without Human Culture
Civilizations have never collapsed because they lacked technology. They collapsed because they failed to deliver what was needed—food, energy, information, trust, and coordination. In other words: logistics failed.
Ancient Egypt maintained stability through forecasting the Nile, storing grain, and coordinating human labor. The Roman Empire rested on roads, ports, and the provisioning of cities. The Maya civilization and other complex societies in Mesoamerica developed sophisticated systems for managing resources and information. The pattern was always the same: when logistics became too complex, dependent on fragile infrastructure, or disconnected from human decision-making, it ceased to be a pillar of stability and became a source of risk.
Today, we face a similar inflection point. Automation, AI, robotics, and autonomous systems dramatically increase logistical efficiency—but at the same time create new types of failure: loss of situational awareness, accountability, the ability to improvise, and human judgment in crisis situations.
The presentation will connect:
- historical collapses of civilizations caused by failures of logistical and distribution systems
- current challenges of digitalized logistics (AI, automation, data dependency)
- the role of humans as the key synchronizing element between technology, culture, and the ecosystem
The presentation will show why the future of logistics does not lie in further acceleration, but in better synchronization of technological progress with human culture, organizational behavior, and the system’s ability to survive disruption. Logistics is once again becoming a strategic discipline—not merely a technical one, but a civilizational one.
Sara Polak
10.30–11.00
Morning coffee break
Panel discussion: Technology and People – Partnership or Competition?
Automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics are fundamentally transforming logistics. But what is happening to the people in this process? Do technologies really deliver the promised savings, or do they come with hidden costs and unexpected challenges that only humans can solve? How can we find the balance between the efficiency of automation and the irreplaceable value of human decision-making, creativity, and empathy? This panel discussion will connect the experiences of those who develop, implement, and use technologies in practice. We will seek answers to questions such as: Where do technologies enhance human abilities, and where do they limit them? How are the roles of employees changing in automated environments? How can teams be prepared for change and gain their trust? And above all – how can we create an environment where technology and people truly work in harmony, rather than competing against each other?
Jiří Šrámek, PENNY Česká republika
Martina Šmídlová, Šmídl Holding
Lukas Jatta, Miebach Consulting
Martin Baláž, Prologis
Jindřich Kadeřávek, Element Logic
Stanislav Břeň, Systémy Logistiky
12.15–13.45
Lunch & BizLOG
12.30–13.30
Conference hall C3
BizLOG speed-dating meetings
For more information: BizLOG
13.45–16.00
Afternoon sections
13.45–16.00
Conference hall C1
Afternoon section: Intralogistics
Automation and digitalization are transforming internal logistics and delivering tangible results. Which technologies have proven effective, and what factors determine the success of implementation? The afternoon session on Intralogistics will present case studies from practice, showcasing how automation and robotics have transformed warehouse and production logistics. The presented projects will cover the entire process, from the initial analysis to the achieved results. Key project objectives, implementation challenges, and specific improvements will be discussed. We will also focus on lessons learned from these projects and what companies would do differently if they had the opportunity to start over.
13.45–16.00
Conference hall D8-D9-D10
Afternoon section: Transport & SCM
While the first afternoon section will focus on intralogistics, in the second we will – to put it briefly – look at what is happening outside the company. That means the topic will be transport and supply-customer chains. Both elements are very closely related, which has been particularly evident in connection with the covid-19 pandemic, Russian aggression in Ukraine or tensions in the Middle East. This program point will again be conceived as a set of short case studies that will thematically depict areas such as transport, forwarding, supply chain or inventory management.
13.45–16.00
Conference hall D3
Afternoon section: AI roundtable
This year’s congress will feature a round table dedicated to artificial intelligence in logistics and supply chain management for the first time. AI is no longer the future, but a reality that is changing the way routes are planned, demand is predicted, and warehouses are optimized. There are many topics for discussion: predictive analytics in inventory management, AI for transport optimization and emission reduction, chatbots in customer service, computer vision for quality control, generative AI for administrative automation, but also implementation challenges, hidden costs, data quality for model training, and the question of when to leave decisions to humans and when to trust algorithms, etc. The round table will be moderated and will also feature short presentations of real projects that will raise a specific topic and stimulate subsequent debate.
13.45–16.00
Konferenční sál D3
Afternoon section: HR roundtable
As part of this year’s congress, we will once again feature the popular HR round table, focused on human resources with experts in personnel issues related to logistics and transportation. There is no shortage of topics for discussion: the shortage of workers and new ways of attracting them, rising personnel costs, the need for specialization in certain professions while simultaneously requiring workers with versatile skills for others, effective collaboration between people and automated systems, changing expectations from the younger generation of employees regarding careers and company prospects, upskilling and reskilling in the era of AI, and more. The round table will be moderated, and there will also be short presentations to introduce certain topics and stimulate the ensuing debate.
16.00–16.20
Afternoon coffee break
16.20–16.50
Letterpress 2.0: How to Win the Race for Adaptation in the Era of Polycrisis and AI
History does not repeat itself. But it has a weakness for rhymes. Letterpress once dramatically reduced the cost of spreading information, accelerated innovation, and reshaped Europe’s economic map. At the same time, it poured gasoline on social conflict: more voices did not automatically mean more consensus. Today, we stand at a similar inflection point. Generative AI is the “letterpress” of our generation—arriving in an era of polycrisis. Demographic pressures are tightening labor markets, geopolitics is rewriting trade routes, and polarization is eroding our ability to agree on change.
In Europe, we often fixate on lagging behind in building the largest language models. But economic victories are not decided in laboratories; they are decided in operations—in who can translate technology quickly and intelligently into productivity, quality, and resilience. This is a crucial message for logistics. Logistics is the nervous system of the economy, and it is here that we will first see who treats adaptation as a core discipline and who reduces it to a one-off IT project.
The presentation will show why, in a world that is hard to predict, the primary tool is no longer “better forecasting” but resilience: scenario thinking, rapid learning, strategic decision-making under uncertainty, and the ability to uncover internal weaknesses before a crisis does. “Back to the human” does not mean nostalgia for paper; it means upgrading the human—cultivating a growth mindset, learning from failure, building new capabilities, and practicing leadership that can steer organizations in a constant state of change.
The conclusion is optimistic, but not naïve: the Czech economy has exceptional industrial and engineering breadth—we can “make almost anything.” Our opportunity is not to win the race for the largest model. Our opportunity is to win the race for the fastest and deepest adaptation. To technologies, megatrends, and risks, we must respond by strengthening the human.
David Navrátil, Česká spořitelna
Panel discussion: Economics, AI, Volatility – How to Win the Race for Adaptation?
Geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, supply chain instability, and economic volatility are simultaneously affecting companies. At the same time, artificial intelligence and automation promise a revolution in logistics. How do the Czech, European, and global economies stand? What are the real costs and benefits of investments in AI and automation – where do they bring savings and where do they hide unexpected expenses? Do nearshoring, reshoring, and friendshoring affect supply chains? How can businesses adapt to volatility caused by tariffs, technologies, geopolitics, or shifting investor priorities? Who is lagging behind in the race for innovation, and why? What is the prevailing sentiment among managers and investors? This discussion will connect the perspectives of economists, suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics operators who are handling these challenges in practice.
The discussion will be moderated by Veronika Jonášová of the economic portal e15.
Pavel Boháč, Aimtec
Michal Přib, CTP
Jan Vymazal, Alasans
Mojmír Barák, ŠKODA AUTO
David Navrátil, Česká spořitelna
Daniel Knaisl, Geis
Veronika Jonášová, e15
17.50–23.00
Evening program
17.50–23.00
Conference hall D5-D6-D7
LOGISTICS BUSINESS MIXER
For more information: Logistics Business Mixer
13.45–16.00
Conference hall C1
Afternoon section: Intralogistics
Automation and digitalization are transforming internal logistics and delivering tangible results. Which technologies have proven effective, and what factors determine the success of implementation? The afternoon session on Intralogistics will present case studies from practice, showcasing how automation and robotics have transformed warehouse and production logistics. The presented projects will cover the entire process, from the initial analysis to the achieved results. Key project objectives, implementation challenges, and specific improvements will be discussed. We will also focus on lessons learned from these projects and what companies would do differently if they had the opportunity to start over.
Empathy in Intralogistics: When Technology Makes Work Easier for Both People and Customers
Růžový slon, a major player in Czech e-commerce, faced increasing demands for speed and flexibility in its logistics operations, including significant seasonal peaks. The solution came through cooperation between SmartBox, Logisio, and Commarec. A key role was played by the implementation of the Logisio WMS, which enabled more efficient management of warehouse processes, improved visibility over warehouse operations, and stabilized operations even during seasonal peaks. The combination of digitalization, warehouse space optimization, and modern navigation technologies resulted in a 50% increase in picking efficiency within the first days after deployment. The presentation will also include a video demonstration showing the original state of the warehouse and the implementation of the solution.
René Ščotka, Růžový slon
Michal Kovařík, SmartBox
PET Packaging Production Without Downtime Thanks to Smart Warehouse Automation
The Petainer Czech Holding plant in Aš is one of the largest PET packaging manufacturers in the region, producing over 200 million preforms annually, which are then blown into bottles, barrels, and other packaging for both domestic and international markets. Continuous 24/7 operations and daily shipments of 30 trucks put extraordinary demands on intralogistics. To address this, Toyota Material Handling CZ implemented a high-density, aisle-less Radioshuttle warehouse system at the plant and, since 2022, deployed five autonomous stackers, the Autopilot SAE160, navigated by LiDAR technology. These machines handle pallets directly from the production lines and transfer them to the warehouse or to the blowing lines without operator intervention. The material flow is coordinated by a central module, the Order Manager, connected to the customer’s WMS. The result is a smooth and safe operation without increasing staffing levels, with a return on investment within 24 months.
Bohumil Vojkůvka, Petainer Czech Holdings
Aleš Hušek, Toyota Material Handling CZ
Mobile terminals, clear rules, higher performance: How Chart Ferox gained control over intralogistics
Chart Ferox, a leading European manufacturer of cryogenic equipment, has elevated its intralogistics to a new level through collaboration with Time Slot Control. By implementing planning and tracking of shipments via mobile terminals with barcode scanners, production has gained clear organization, pace, and transparency. Operators work with predefined time slots, foremen can submit transport requests within seconds directly from their mobile devices, and every movement of materials is easily traceable. The result is real-time visibility of team workloads, standardized operations, and a smoother flow of materials between halls.
Tereza Sáviová, Chart Ferox
Dana Klištincová, Lotraco
Autonomous Collaboration of Vertical Lift Modules and AMR Robots in Modern Manufacturing
Flexcon, a traditional manufacturer of cable harnesses, needed to handle increasing production volumes and accelerate material flow within its multi-level warehouse. To achieve this, the company implemented a solution integrating Modula LIFT vertical storage systems, MiR250 AMR robots, and the Helios enterprise system, along with Modula WMS and MiR Fleet, into a single automated ecosystem. This integrated setup enables intelligent picking through a Put-to-Light system as well as autonomous material transport between the warehouse, production, and shipping areas. The implementation resulted in a significant reduction in error rates, faster material handling, and an overall increase in efficiency—without the need to expand the facility’s footprint. As a result, Flexcon has established a stable and flexible intralogistics system ready to support further growth.
Tomáš Sekyra, FLEXCON
Tomáš Rada, Bohemia – SysTech group
The Robotic Autobox Transformed Schaeffler’s Intralogistics in Trutnov
Schaeffler Motion Technologies CZ in Trutnov, a manufacturer of components for automotive emission sensors, replaced part of its high-bay warehouse with a robotic system from Hikrobot. This is one of the first implementations of this type of technology in active operation in the Czech Republic. Eight autonomous robots store boxes without operator intervention, reaching heights of up to eight meters, and the entire operation is managed by SAP connected to the supplier’s control system. The project also included the demanding preparation of the floor and negotiations with the fire department regarding fire safety solutions. As a result, the warehouse’s performance increased by 25%, saving hundreds of square meters of space, and the return on investment is expected within three years.
Jan Kašlík, Schaeffler Motion Technologies CZ
Petr Sodomka, Schaeffler Motion Technologies CZ
15.30–15.45
Shipping Capacity Limits as a Catalyst for Boukal’s Logistics Transformation
Boukal, based in Litvínov, sells tools, machinery, and equipment to both retail customers and wholesale clients in the automotive industry. Rapid growth in e-commerce sales hit a capacity ceiling – the warehouses were fragmented and lacked the ability for efficient management. The company therefore decided to build a new greenfield logistics center in Chomutov, based on a study prepared by LOGICON PARTNER. The centralization of logistics also required a change in the information system. A key role was played by K2 ERP, which enabled the implementation of a managed warehouse (WMS), the unification of processes across the company, and created room for further growth without limiting sales. The logistics project thus became a catalyst for the transformation of the entire company.
Tomáš Verner, Boukal
Pavel Motan, K2 atmitec
13.45–16.00
Conference hall D8-D9-D10
Afternoon section: Transport & SCM
While the first afternoon section will focus on intralogistics, in the second we will – to put it briefly – look at what is happening outside the company. That means the topic will be transport and supply-customer chains. Both elements are very closely related, which has been particularly evident in connection with the covid-19 pandemic, Russian aggression in Ukraine or tensions in the Middle East. This program point will again be conceived as a set of short case studies that will thematically depict areas such as transport, forwarding, supply chain or inventory management.
Different Commodities, Different Requirements – One Shared Challenge
Harvests, combine harvesters, crop sales, and the specialized transport of live animals. Every year, K2-Agro faces significant seasonal fluctuations and diverse equipment requirements. Before the cooperation, arranging transport was associated with time pressure, the need to оперативně search for available capacity, and handling each situation individually. By using TIMOCOM, the company gained access to flexible transport capacity without the need to maintain specialized trailers throughout the entire year. The result is faster transport arrangement, better coverage of seasonal peaks, reduced downtime of combine harvesters, and more efficient management of investments in equipment. The case study will openly describe the initial situation, the process changes implemented, and the specific benefits of the cooperation from the perspective of agricultural operations.
Renata Schuldesová, K2 Agro
Radovan Tišer, TIMOCOM
From Tender to a New Logistics Hub: The Vileda–HOPI Partnership
How does the selection of a logistics partner for a strategic project take place, and what determines the success of such cooperation? This case study presents the formation of a partnership between Vileda and HOPI, which led to the opening of a new distribution center in Chomutov and a transformation of the logistics model for the German market. Representatives of both companies will outline the motivation behind the change, the course of the tender process, and the key moments in the project’s implementation. They will also focus on practical experience in managing operations, addressing legal and operational aspects, and the main lessons learned throughout the entire process—from the initial idea to the launch of full operations.
Benjamin Grass, Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions
Peter Macala, HOPI
Last-mile logistics at dm drogerie markt using Pally trolleys
Petr Vaněček, dm drogerie markt
Pavel Semanco, Loadhog Sarl
Panel Discussion: Technology and the New Era of Transportation and Supply Chains
Technology is transforming the transportation sector in ways that were only dreamed of a few years ago. Advanced assistance systems, AI planning, telematics – these are no longer the future, but the present. But what does this reality look like from the perspective of those living it every day? The panel discussion will focus on the relationship between people and technology in operations. How is the work of drivers and dispatchers changing as more decisions are made by software? Where do algorithms truly help, and where do they complicate matters? Are technologies helping to address the shortage of workers in transportation? How is legislation responding to rapid technological development, and what is the societal impact of automation? Transportation experts, technology suppliers, and representatives from both the private and public sectors will discuss the future of transportation in the age of advanced technologies.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Tatiana Koššová, country manager SK of ATOZ Group.
Michal Hajkovský, FM Logistic
Jan Pavlíček, Antwell
Jana Zahradníková, Brose
Roman Bartolšic, SolverTech
Viktor Sučka, Transportly
Pavel Sovička, Panattoni
Tatiana Koššová, ATOZ Group
Afternoon section: HR roundtable
As part of this year’s congress, we will once again feature the popular HR round table, focused on human resources with experts in personnel issues related to logistics and transportation. There is no shortage of topics for discussion: the shortage of workers and new ways of attracting them, rising personnel costs, the need for specialization in certain professions while simultaneously requiring workers with versatile skills for others, effective collaboration between people and automated systems, changing expectations from the younger generation of employees regarding careers and company prospects, upskilling and reskilling in the era of AI, and more. The round table will be moderated, and there will also be short presentations to introduce certain topics and stimulate the ensuing debate.
The roundtable discussion will be moderated by Roman Molek, Managing Partner of Transearch International.
Roman Molek, Transearch International
9.30–12.00
SEELOG
The aim of this program part is to introduce “logistics in practice” and to provide information about interesting projects directly from the managers of important logistics centers in the Czech Republic. It is a unique opportunity to get to know the latest operating systems and trends in storage, supply chain management and on-site distribution.
Registration for SEELOG will open at the end of April 2026 and is conditional on participation in the EASTLOG congress.
10.00–11.30
The automated warehouse Autobox at Schaeffler in Trutnov
The Autobox automated warehouse at Schaeffler Motion Technologies CZ’s manufacturing plant in Trutnov showcases modern intralogistics based on Hikrobot technology. Covering an area of 1,012 m², it offers a capacity of 11,220 positions and is operated by a fleet of autonomous robots that handle both inbound and outbound box handling in a goods-to-person mode, with a performance rate of up to 100 boxes per hour. Visitors will witness the complete material flow, from receiving and automated storage to production dispatch, including integration with SAP and robot fleet management. Key aspects of implementation, safety, and operational impact will also be presented – including a 25% increase in warehouse performance and an investment payback period of approximately three years.
Visit details:
- The maximum group size is 20 people.
- Closed-toe shoes and a reflective vest are required.
- An expert guide will lead the group.
10.00–12.00
Logistics center of HOPI for the Vileda brand in Chomutov
The distribution center of HOPI CZ at Panattoni Park Chomutov North started operations in June 2025 and serves as a central distribution hub for Western Europe, supplying customers in Germany, France, and the Benelux countries. With a total area of over 31,000 m² and a clear height of 10.5 meters, HOPI provides comprehensive logistics services for Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS) – the manufacturer of cleaning products under the world-renowned Vileda brand. The storage system, with a capacity of 50,000 pallets, is built on racking supplied by Stow. The center handles up to 2,500 pallets per day using modern material handling equipment from Still (reach trucks, stackers, and low-lift pallet trucks). The operation also includes a VAS department with semi-automated packing lines for assembling Vileda cleaning sets. The building is certified according to the BREEAM Excellent standard and is equipped with photovoltaic panels.
Visit details:
- Closed-toe shoes are required; safety vests will be provided on site.
- The group will be accompanied by a professional guide; the commentary will be in Czech.
- Individual transport (Panattoni Park Chomutov North, Průmyslová 91, Vrskmaň, 431 15 Chomutov), parking available on site.
10.00–12.00
Automated warehouse of Plzeňský Prazdroj in Plzeň
Plzeňský Prazdroj is one of the pioneers of automation in intralogistics in the Czech Republic, and its Pilsen plant is currently undergoing another phase of significant transformation. As part of the ongoing expansion, the integration of production with the automated warehouse is being completed, an automatic pallet sorter is being installed, and the entire transport hub is being connected, all the way to fully automated truck loading. Visitors will see a modern intralogistics operation at a time when the new automated solution is just being launched into full operation.
10.00–12.00
Kion Dematic Logistics Center
The Dematic manufacturing plant in Stříbro began operations in 2020 as the third KION Group facility at the site and specializes in conveyor systems, overhead storage systems, and Multishuttle systems. The facility operates an ASRS for 17,000 KLT bins with robotic picking, high-bay warehouses, and a BK25 pallet conveyor system. The plant has also recently introduced AGVs and implemented virtual reality in its training center for more efficient employee onboarding. Production was expanded and modernized in 2025.
