Thermoformed Parts in Practice

Optimizing Intralogistics – How Trays Improve Your Intralogistics Processes

Rising customer demands, flexibility needs, and resource efficiency goals require companies to constantly improve intralogistics. To remain competitive and sustainable, they must optimize material flows, minimize handling times, and implement efficient storage and transport.


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Sarah Guaglianone

2. Juni 2025

Intralogistik mit Trays optimieren
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Effective management of internal material and information flows helps save time, resources, and costs. In this context, trays play a crucial role in streamlining intralogistics operations.

What Is Intralogistics?

Intralogistics refers to the organization of all material and information flows within a company’s premises. It includes warehouse movements, inventory control, and internal goods transport but excludes external logistics processes such as distribution and delivery.

Intralogistics covers the planning, execution, and optimization of internal material handling to ensure seamless operations and cost efficiency.

Prozesse, um die Intralogistik zu optimieren

Key Components of Intralogistics

The core tasks of intralogistics include:

  • Managing internal material and information flows
  • Planning and executing internal transport processes
  • Warehousing and inventory management
  • Order picking and goods preparation
  • Material flow control and optimization
  • Implementation of conveyor systems and warehouse automation
  • Process optimization for increased efficiency
  • Integration of IT solutions for seamless workflow management

Intralogistics relies on technologies such as warehouse management systems (WMS), automated material handling systems, robotics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to optimize stock levels, route planning, and logistics processes.

To enhance internal transport and storage efficiency, plastic trays are widely used. Learn how deep-drawn trays contribute to intralogistics optimization in the following section.

How Deep-Drawn Trays Optimize Your Intralogistics

Optimized intralogistics processes focus on enhancing efficiency, ensuring smooth workflows, and reducing operational costs. Trays play a key role in achieving these goals:

Schwarzes Tray mit durchsichtigem Deckel zur Intralogistik Optimierung

Improved Transport and Handling

Deep-drawn plastic trays, also known as workpiece carriers, facilitate the internal transport of partially processed components, assemblies, or products within production facilities. They are designed to integrate seamlessly with conveyor systems and logistics workflows.

Tray with recessed grips

Trays with ergonomic grip recesses allow for easy manual or automated handling, reducing strain on workers and improving efficiency. Their lightweight construction simplifies transport and minimizes additional resource requirements.

Efficient Organization

Tray mit Farbstreifen
Tray with color stripes

Plastic trays enable structured organization and sorting of products. Color-coded trays or labeled inserts enhance identification, reducing search times and errors in logistics operations.

Optimal Space Utilization

Stapelbare Trays für die Optimierung der Intralogistik
Stackable trays

Stackable tray designs enable space-saving storage in warehouses. Adjusting packaging densities (number of items per tray) helps streamline inventory processes.

The maximum packing density depends on specific application requirements, thermoforming constraints, and automation capabilities. By optimizing tray layouts, companies can maximize available space and improve logistics efficiency.

Sustainability and Reusability

Reusable plastic trays offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to disposable packaging. Unlike single-use solutions, trays can be used multiple times, significantly reducing waste and lowering costs.

Additionally, plastic trays are often fully recyclable, allowing them to be processed into recycled materials (regranulate) for further use.

Versatility and Customization

Trays als Mehrwegverpackungen
Trays as reuasable packaging

Plastic trays are available in various sizes, shapes, and designs to meet specific industry requirements. They are widely used in sectors such as:

  • Automotive: Workpiece carriers for precision components
  • Electronics & Semiconductors: ESD trays for static-sensitive parts
  • Industrial Automation: Custom trays for robotic systems

Whether for medical device transport, food storage, or industrial logistics, deep-drawn trays offer flexible and customized solutions to optimize intralogistics processes.

Optimizing Intralogistics with Trays – A Conclusion

Plastic trays play a critical role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability in intralogistics. Their impact on safe and efficient storage and transport, along with their reusability, versatility, and organizational benefits, makes them an essential part of modern logistics operations.

Request your customized tray today via our configurator!

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