First published: October 30, 2025
In mid-October, the next SCM Dialogue took place at Lila Logistik’s headquarters in Ottmarsheim. Under the theme “Tomorrow’s Logistics: Between Aspiration and Reality,” three external speakers and our branch manager Lukas Weber from Althengstett highlighted the challenges that need to be overcome and how the respective solutions are being implemented.
Christian Schorndorfer from DÜRR DENTAL presented intelligent logistics concepts for A, B, and C-part management and demonstrated how DÜRR DENTAL optimally manages production, inventory, and resources—as well as the Supply Chain—to achieve maximum transparency. He emphasized project, employee, and inventory monitoring as key to achieving the highest possible level of independence and operational flexibility when it comes to serving our customers.
Stephan Feldmann from Philips Medical Systems spoke about current requirements for medical device manufacturers and their Supply Chains. Here, the challenges in the healthcare landscape are growing, partly due to complex regulations and increasing protectionism. At Philips Medical Systems, we steer and manage our customers’ four key dimensions day in and day out with the help of our qualified service providers: treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. If one dimension falters, the company reacts quickly, immediately, and in full compliance with regulations—which is why Philips needs service providers who understand the business and are constantly thinking ahead.
Lukas Weber, Branch Manager in Althengstett, provided the answers with our Supply Chain solutions for medical device manufacturer Philips at the Althengstett site. He highlighted what it means to operate as a logistics service provider in the medical device technology sector. This always involves rapid implementation without letting standards slow you down, while at the same time adhering to them 100 percent—that’s the balancing act on LILA’s side. That’s why Quality Compliance is the foundation of our collaboration—because safe processes are the foundation for safe products.
Kai Albus from MANN+HUMMEL then concluded the session with a presentation on successful inventory management in global Distribution logistics for the automotive aftermarket. He focused on the balancing act in the after-sales market: improving service levels while reducing inventory. This effort was based on an uncompromising analysis of processes and systems to understand the current state of affairs. In the next step, central functions created a new framework in close coordination with the decentralized units—covering processes, tools, and governance—which subsequently led to higher service levels and a measurable, significant reduction in inventory.
At the conclusion of this SCM dialogue, everyone looked back on interesting presentations and insights, as well as a lively exchange among participants. There were only satisfied faces, as everyone was able to take something away to apply to their day-to-day business.