The following interview was conducted via email with Mr. Carsten Spiegelberg, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, SSI SCHAEFER, before his passing. His insights and reflections are shared here in remembrance of his invaluable contribution to the intralogistics industry.
Global Supply Chain: How is SSI SCHAEFER addressing the rising demand for cold chain logistics amid global temperature shifts?
Carsten Spiegelberg: There is a growing need by logistics companies to develop cold chain logistics infrastructure as to support the growth in online grocery shopping, particularly in perishable products, as well as temperature-sensitive products in the pharmaceuticals and life sciences sector.
It is about understanding the customers’ intralogistics challenges and working with them to develop a long-term solution that best meets their material handling objectives. There are many tested and proven solutions that can be adapted for cold storage warehouses, from manual to semi-automated and fully automated, while maintaining system’s modularity and operational traceability and compliance.
GSC: Can you elaborate on how the SSI Exyz system enhances efficiency in high-bay cold storage facilities?
CS:Fully automated storage and retrieval machines (ASRS) like the SSI Exyz can be utilised in high-bay cold storage facilities up to -30°C and can go up to a height of up to 45 metres.
The system is compatible for single-deep, double-deep, or multi-deep storage and retrieval, thus allowing to individually cater for the optimum configuration in terms of balancing performance and storage density. Coupled with the SSI Orbiter load handling device, it can be utilised as a single-boom or twin-boom machine.
Also, the SSI Exyz is an energy efficient solution.Compared to conventionalASRSs, companies can save up to 25% in energy savings for the lifting process. This is owing to our Green Crane Technology – moving counterweights integrated into the boom can be fitted and compensated for up to two thirds of the pallet truck’s own weight.
Furthermore, the compact design of the system translates into more storage capacity while maintaining access to every pallet location. The high storage density is an enabler to enhancing operational efficiency for high-bay cold storage facilities.
Its modular design enables shorter delivery and installation times and easy maintenance from the ground. It can also be easily integrated with SSI Schaefer’s WAMAS Software Solutions or SAP’s logistics solutions, critical for maximum efficiency in warehouse operations.
GSC: What are the biggest challenges in balancing energy efficiency with storage density in temperature-controlled environments?
CS: Balancing energy efficiency with storage density in temperature-controlled environments is one issue. At the same time, we also need to find the right balance between performance and selectivity on one hand, and the need for high density on the other.
It is in the interest of any temperature-controlled facility to maximise capacity as much as possible to achieve high energy efficiency, i.e. loss of energy for cooling void volumes. At the same time higher storage density reduces air circulation and may requires additional machine cycles to access specific products – thusincreasing energy consumption.
Every storage facility requires an independent assessment of storage requirements, SKU rangeand performance requirement to identify the individually best compromise between storage density, choice of handling equipment and energyefficiency. This should include the consultation of specialist refrigeration engineers at an early stage of a project.
Fully automated solutions like the automated storage and retrieval systems, combined with intelligent software, can additionally help to keep an operation energy-efficient while enabling high storage density.
It is essential for any cold chain businesses to evaluate which solution best fits your warehouse operations.
GSC: What role does the UAE play in your global supply chain strategy?
CS: The UAE is an important market to SSI SCHAEFER, not only because of its geographical location, but it’s vision for logistics excellence.The UAE logistics ecosystem and forward-looking policies make it an ideal location for advancing automation and cold chain solutions that are critical for the region’s food security, pharmaceutical integrity, and retail growth.
From our Middle East and Africa headquarters located in Dubai, we candeliver projects efficiently, provide responsive customer support, and ensure seamlesssoftware deploymentacross the Gulf and beyond.Having local, on-the-ground expertise is critical in resolving our customers’ intralogistics challenges quickly and effectively.
The UAE’s commitment to developing advanced infrastructure and sustainability perfectly aligns with SSI SCHAEFER’s “Think Tomorrow” vision.It allows us to showcase what the next generation of intralogistics resilience looks like when you integrate hardware, software and service excellence into one cohesive ecosystem.
GSC: How do you tailor automation solutions to meet the unique needs of emerging markets?
CS:Every market develops at its own pace, and at SSI SCHAEFER, our role is to meet the customers at where they are and support them in taking a modular approach towards automation. In emerging markets, flexibility and adaptability are key. We consider not just in deploying advanced technologies alone, but the local ecosystem where labour availability, infrastructure, energy costs, and skill deployment matter. That means designing scalable solutions that grow at their own pace and evolve in complexity as our customers’ businesses mature.
That’s because at SSI SCHAEFER, we invest in building long-term relationship with our customers based on trust.As a family-owned company, this valueis deeply ingrained in the way we do business.
Further, our extensive portfolio and expertise across multiple market sectors allow us to design automation as a journey for all our customers. A relationship that’s built on collaboration, shared learning and continuous improvement. In this way, our customers can always rely on us to take their next step together toward a smarter, more sustainable, and data-driven logistics and supply chain.
GSC: What are the latest robotics innovations SSI SCHAEFER has introduced to improve warehouse agility?
CS:This year, SSI SCHAEFER has taken some major steps toward solutions that could address fast-changing markets such as retail, e-commerceand cold chain logistics, where through-puts are critical.
One of the highlights is our Fastbots Solution, a new generation of autonomous robots that roam freely between storage and workstations. They enable highly dynamic material flow without the constraints of fixed conveyors, thus giving warehouses the freedom to adapt their layouts and processes according to the market demands. Under the precise control of the intelligent fleet controller, the fast bots transport various load carriers, including trays, cartons, containers and even polybags. It is an ideal solution for markets such as grocery, healthcare and 3PL operations where product variety and order profiles change periodically.
We also expanded our RackBot Systems portfolio to includeRackBot System Elevate that is capable of running vertically and horizontally across the racks. These systems are suitable for small parts storage where speed and accessibility are paramount.
Finally, our roaming shuttle solutions, which include 4D pallet and roaming tote shuttles, solutions that elevate the handling of pallet, tote, trayand carton movements in all directions within the storage racks. This setup is ideal for regional distribution hubs and especially cold storage facilities where storage density, fast access to goods and ergonomic order picking are key.
Altogether, these solutions redefine warehouse agility, not just via technology but by empowering all businesses to scale intelligently and respond faster to their customers’ demands.
GSC: How do smart warehousing solutions contribute to sustainability goals and resource optimisation?
CS: Smart warehousing drives sustainability and innovation in intralogistics.It’s not only about future-proofing for growing demand but also about environmental and social responsibility. Through automation and intelligent software, these systems make goods-flow clearer, reduce wasted movement, idle time and excess inventory.
Software is the cornerstone of smart warehousing. Solutions like the WAMAS Software Suite can analyse processes, identify inefficiencies, and provide actionable insights for decision-making. These may seem like small processes, but it goes a long way in streamlining processes. Furthermore, it can even eliminate the need for manual labour in certain tedious processes such as picking and sorting. It’s also only with software where we can analyse system data to predict and prevent equipment failures − or what we know as predictive maintenance. Allthese helps improve warehouse efficiency while reducing resources.
Additionally, sustainability is embeddedthroughout our value chain. SSI SCHAEFER’s innovation strategy is aligned with global sustainability frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring every solution is responsibly sourced and energy efficient. It’s about continuous improvement and being a responsible corporate citizen.
Smart warehousing sets the path for improved material flow efficiency, increased profitability while advancing sustainability commitments.
GSC: Can you share examples of how your automation systems have delivered faster ROI for clients?
CS:SSI SCHAEFER’s automation solutions have consistently delivered faster ROI for clients across industries and markets.
Coop Sweden transitioned from manual operations to a 95% automated facility using the SSI Case Picking system. Robots now handledepalletising and palletising of store-friendly mixed pallets, centralising material flow for both ambient and fresh goods. This shift has significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced workforce productivity.
In Southeast Asia, Thai automotive spare parts distributor Chin Seng Huat has invested in a total semi-automated solution, including the SSI LOGIMAT, carton and bin conveying systems, the Mobile Racking System, and a Mezzanine system. This has resulted in increased throughput,improved picking accuracywith 100% picking selectivity,and enhanced order fulfilment.
Closer to home, our partnership with Noatum Logistics, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, resulted in the largest mobile racking installation for deep-freeze cold rooms in the UAE. At the KEZAD KLP21 hub, storage capacity rose by over 90%, while cooling efficiency and safety were enhanced through PLC-enabled fail-safes.
These examples demonstrate how SSI SCHAEFER’s semi- and fully automated systems not only accelerate ROI but also support long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and operational excellence.
GSC: What trends do you foresee shaping the future of intralogistics and supply chain automation?
CS: The frontier of intralogistics lies at the intersection of agility and intelligence augmented byrobotics, and we are already seeing the building blocks emerging. First, the ubiquityof connected systems and intelligent networks means the ‘Warehouse of the Future’ no longer functions independently, but rather as anecosystem that is adaptable and ‘buildable’.
Next, we are seeing a shift in how automation is being adopted. Itisn’t all about a‘big bang’ approach, but rather, a modular and incremental rolloutin phases. This is particularly important tothe emerging markets and companies that favour lower upfront investments and agile response to environmental demands.
That said, while roaming Shuttles, AMRs and AGVs are becoming more common for their flexibility and low entry cost, reliability and system longevity remain non-negotiable. Traditional ASRS stacker craneswould continue to be the backbone of high-performance warehouses because they offer unparalleled longevity, precision, uptime and safety – especially in temperature-controlled and mission-critical environments. These proven systems are scalable and seamlessly integrated into intelligent software, which makes them the preferred choice for operations that demand long-term reliability and predictable performance.
Eventually, we believe that the future isn’t about choosing one technology over another. It is to design the right blend of automation that balances innovation and trust. At SSI SCHAEFER, our focus has always been on building systems that not only meet today’s demands but continue to deliver value and support in the decades to come.
GSC: How is SSI SCHAEFER preparing for the next wave of digital transformation in logistics?
CS:Digital transformation is reshaping logistics, and intralogistics is at the heart of this evolution. At SSI SCHAEFER, we are preparing by developing solutions that empower customers to stay ahead—making operations more efficient, flexible, and scalable to meet dynamic market demands.
We are integrating key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics to enable real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and automated decision-making. These innovations allow warehouses to achieve smarter inventory control, optimised workflows, and improved responsiveness.
Across the organisation, we are ramping up testing efforts in areas such as AI in a safe and responsible manner, ensuring full compliance with EU regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation and the EU AI Act.
SSI SCHAEFER strives to deliver future-ready solutions that help customers achieve operational excellence.
GSC: SSI SCHAEFER has been at the forefront of supply chain innovation—what’s driving your team’s momentum right now?
CS: What drives us today is Purpose. Innovation in SSI SCHAEFER is more than just advanced technology for its own sake. Whether it is a straight-forward semi-automated solution in improving cold chain reliability, or enabling a highly complex e-commerce fulfilment solution, every system that the team designs begin with understanding our customers’ realities.
Pull quote: Our momentum is our people. Across the Middle East, we are seeing incredible growth potential, and our team is motivated by the opportunity to shape the region’s logistics transformation.
Being a family-owned company gives us the freedom to think long-term, where we value relationships and invest in systems that withstood the test of time. Our Purpose and Our People, I believe is the formula that keeps us moving forward with agility that is grounded in experience and trust.
