Italy Logistic Automation Market Overview, 2029
Italy, a major player in the European logistics sector, has seen significant automation expansion as a result of increased demand for efficiency and technical advancement. The Italian logistics automation market emerged in the late twentieth century, when Italy's industrial sector sought to modernise supply networks and increase efficiency. The early 2000s saw the beginning of considerable investment in automation technologies. By 2015, the emphasis has switched towards incorporating robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into logistical operations. ABB and KUKA introduced robotic solutions for picking, packaging, and sorting, considerably increasing operational speed and accuracy. In 2017, Supply Chain Management Review revealed that AI integration began to alter logistics planning and predictive analytics. The Italian logistics automation business is subject to severe European rules. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which went into effect in May 2018, has had an impact on how organisations handle data in automation systems. Furthermore, the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards guarantee quality management and environmental stewardship in logistics operations. The COVID-19 epidemic began in early 2020 and had a significant impact on Italy's logistics automation business. The crisis revealed supply chain vulnerabilities, driving rising need for automation to mitigate disruptions. The epidemic has hastened the adoption of contactless technology and remote monitoring solutions. According to a Logistics Management (2021) research, Italian enterprises have increased their attention on automation to deal with variable demand and assure operational continuity.
According to the research report ""Italy Logistics Automation Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Italy logistics automation market is anticipated to grow at more than 13.34% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Several major businesses dominate the Italian logistics automation market. Geodis Italy is a key player that provides comprehensive automation systems and services. Palfinger, well-known for its innovative lifting and handling equipment, is also a key player in logistics automation. Elettric80, which specialises in automated storage and handling solutions, has played a key role in fostering industry innovation. Italian suppliers and distributors make major contributions to the logistics automation business. SSI Schäfer supplies a variety of automation solutions, such as warehouse management systems (WMS) and conveyor systems. Stöcklin Logistik is another notable provider that provides integrated automation solutions for a variety of industrial applications. Italy imports a large percentage of its automation technology from Germany, the United States, and other European countries. Advanced robotics, software solutions, and conveyor systems are among the most commonly imported items. In contrast, Italy exports automation solutions to neighbouring nations such as France, Spain, and Switzerland, utilising its strong industrial base and technological competence. In 2018, Sistemi collaborated with Honeywell to offer integrated automation solutions for the Italian market. Such alliances enable the interchange of expertise and technology, thereby stimulating innovation and increasing the competitiveness of Italian logistics. The Logistics & Distribution Italy fair, held annually in Milan, provides a forum for firms to showcase their most recent automation solutions and technology. Promotional initiatives also include webinars and workshops organised by industry associations like Assologistica, which attempt to educate firms about the benefits of automation.
In the Italian logistics market, many logistics types play essential roles in improving supply chain efficiency and effectiveness, with each supported by domestic suppliers and distributors who specialise in automation solutions. Sales Logistics is currently the dominant segment in Italy's logistics automation market. Because of the increased demand for quick and dependable delivery services, this market has undergone significant automation expansion. Automation technologies, such as advanced sorting systems, picking and packaging robotics, and sophisticated warehouse management systems (WMS) offered by firms such as SSI Schäfer and Palfinger, are critical for handling complicated distribution networks. Production logistics is the efficient handling of supplies and products throughout the manufacturing process. Leading providers include Elettric80 and Dematic, which provide automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and conveyor systems that interface smoothly with production lines. Recovery logistics is the management of returned goods and waste products, with a focus on recycling and disposal. While traditionally less mechanised, there is an increasing emphasis in improving efficiency through technology. Procurement Logistics is responsible for acquiring raw materials and components required for production. In Italy, this type has benefited from automation by utilising automated procurement systems and inventory management solutions. Companies like as Kuehne + Nagel offer comprehensive solutions to expedite the sourcing process and improve supplier collaboration.
In the Italian logistics automation market, companies' organisational sizes—Large Enterprises and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)—influence their approach to automation and involvement in the industry. Large corporations dominate the Italian logistics automation market due to their vast resources and scale. These organisations make significant investments in advanced automation technology to improve efficiency and optimise their complicated supply chains. They use cutting-edge technology like automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), robotics, and sophisticated warehouse management systems (WMS) to manage enormous volumes of commodities and complex logistical networks. Leading competitors in the market include Geodis and Kuehne + Nagel, which use cutting-edge automation technology to streamline operations and provide comprehensive logistics services. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), while not as dominating in terms of scale, are increasingly turning to automation to remain competitive. SMEs in Italy frequently seek more scalable and cost-effective automation solutions adapted to their individual requirements. These include automated picking systems, simple conveyor belts, and basic warehouse management systems. Companies like as Sistemi and Elettric80 offer modular automation solutions tailored to the demands of SMEs, delivering flexibility and scalability at a lower cost. Automation benefits SMEs by increasing operational efficiency, lowering human labour costs, and boosting inventory management accuracy. However, due to their modest size and budget constraints, companies often implement automation solutions gradually.
In the Italian logistics automation business, Inventory and Storage Management and Transportation Logistics are two essential tasks that benefit from sophisticated automation technology but differ in focus and application. Among these functions, Inventory and Storage Management now dominates Italy's logistics automation market. This leadership is due to the increasing necessity of efficient warehouse operations and inventory control in a fast changing e-commerce industry. With the growing demand for speedy and accurate order fulfilment, more businesses are focussing on inventory and storage automation. Advanced storage solutions and inventory management systems enable organisations to efficiently handle big volumes of items while lowering operational costs and improving order processing accuracy. Key domestic vendors such as SSI Schäfer and Elettric80 provide solutions adapted to inventory and storage requirements. Transportation logistics refers to the planning, implementation, and optimisation of the movement of products from one site to another. This function includes route planning, load optimisation, and shipment tracking in real time. Automation in transportation logistics comprises modern Transportation Management Systems (TMS), automated routing software, and real-time tracking systems. Companies such as Geodis and Kuehne + Nagel play important roles in this area, providing full TMS systems and incorporating automation to improve transportation efficiency. These technologies contribute to lower transportation costs, faster delivery times, and greater supply chain visibility.
In the Italian logistics automation industry, hardware, software, transportation management systems (TMS), and services all play important roles in improving supply chain efficiency and operational effectiveness. Among these components, software now leads the Italian logistics automation market. The increasing complexity of supply chains, as well as the requirement for real-time data and analytics, are driving demand for advanced software solutions. Software solutions such as WMS and TMS are critical for integrating and managing many hardware components, optimising logistical processes, and increasing overall supply chain efficiency. The emphasis on software solutions reflects the industry's concentration on using data and automation to improve decision-making and operational performance, making it a critical component of the logistics automation ecosystem. Dematic and Kuehne + Nagel are important participants in providing integrated software solutions that improve real-time visibility, inventory management, and data-driven decision-making. Hardware technologies include automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), conveyor systems, and robotics. These components are critical for simplifying warehouse operations, improving material handling, and optimising storage. Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are critical for planning, carrying out, and optimising the movement of commodities. TMS technologies automate route planning, load optimisation, and real-time tracking, all of which are critical for lowering transportation costs and boosting delivery performance. The logistics automation sector offers Value-Added Services (VAS), Maintenance, Consulting, Deployment and Integration, and Support and Maintenance.
Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029
Aspects covered in this report
• Logistic Automation market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
By Activity
• On-farm Sales
• By Logistics Type
• Production Logistics
• Sales Logistics
• Recovery Logistics
• Procurement Logistics
By End User
• Retail and E-Commerce
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
• Food and Beverage
• Automotive
• Logistics and Transportation
• Others (chemicals, aerospace)
By Organization Size
• Large Enterprises
• Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
By Function
• Inventory and Storage Management
• Transportation Logistics
By Component
• Hardware (AMRs, AGVs, AS/RS, Automated Sorting and Conveyor Systems, De-Palletizing/Palletizing Systems, AIDC, Order Picking Systems)
• Software(Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transportation Management System (TMS))
• Services (VAS, Maintenance, Consulting, Deployment and Integration, Support and Maintenance)
The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Logistic Automation industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.