A Look Back: The IGZ INNOVATION DAYS 2026

On October 13 and 14, 2026, the IGZ Campus in Falkenberg became the gathering place for the SAP logistics and manufacturing community: More than 200 participants from the logistics and manufacturing industries gathered at the IGZ Innovation Days to discuss the latest trends and technologies in logistics and digital manufacturing.

This year’s focus was on the journey from Zero Touch to Autonomous Operations: How can processes in logistics and manufacturing be planned, controlled, and executed with increasing autonomy using SAP, AI, and robotics? The answers came from real-world customer projects, 15 expert presentations, and over 30 live demos. They demonstrate that autonomy is already creating measurable added value today.

Making its debut: our AMR Arena. Across more than 250 m², autonomous mobile robots from various manufacturers were in live operation.

Keynotes, Customer Presentations, and Deep Dive Sessions Two Keynotes to Kick Things Off

The event kicked off with the IGZ keynote “From Zero Touch to Autonomous Operations” by Managing Directors Johann Zrenner and Alfred Meyer. It demonstrated how companies can take their operations to the next level using SAP, AI, and robotics. Other topics included manufacturing excellence with SAP DM and the future-proof modernization of existing systems.

On Day 2, the focus shifted to the future of SAP: In their strategic outlook on SAP Supply Chain Management, Florian Kuchta and Michael Körner from SAP SE provided insights into Business AI with SAP Joule, seamless end-to-end processes with SAP Digital Manufacturing, EWM, and Transportation Management, as well as current innovations and the SAP roadmap toward Autonomous Operations.

Six companies, six projects, an exclusive look behind the scenes:

Belimo: Global SAP EWM + MFS Rollout—From Rollout Strategy and Change Management to the Global Framework, Success Factors, and Risks
ContiTech: Global SAP DM template for uniform production standards, digital shop floor, and end-to-end traceability under the motto “More speed. Less complexity. Scalable worldwide.”
HiPP: 12 years of partnership and the global transformation from SAP MII to SAP DM as the foundation for efficiency, transparency, and growth
Hochland: New intralogistics system at Hochland Deutschland GmbH featuring SAP EWM, AGVs, and fully automated material flows across two sites, implemented in phases involving retrofitting, new construction, and migration while operations continued
MULTIVAC: Integrated spare parts logistics with SAP EWM, AutoStore, and a high-bay warehouse, where SAP EWM serves as the central control platform connecting all operational areas
WACKER CHEMIE: SAP EWM as the core of digitalization in the Silicones business unit, featuring a modular template, secure migration during ongoing operations, and accelerated implementation through parallelization in the rollout stream

Deep Dive Sessions: In-Depth Exploration of Key Topics

Seven sessions provided an opportunity to delve into the details. Jörg Michaelis, Head of Product Management for SAP Logistics Management at SAP SE, presented a strategic outlook on SAP LGM. SAP Warehousing focused on robotics as a growth driver, AMR fleet management with VDA 5050 directly in SAP, and autonomous operations—that is, areas where AI creates tangible added value.

Two sessions were dedicated to SAP Digital Manufacturing: The hands-on session highlighted best practices from completed projects, the integration of SAP EWM and SAP DM in Make & Deliver, and AI scenarios in manufacturing. The Smart Shopfloor session focused on standardized machine connectivity instead of custom interfaces, the orchestration of machines and equipment using IGZ, SAP DM, and UMH, and Continuous Operations for maximum availability.

In addition, the session on SAP Automation introduced “Fit to Size Packaging” as the intelligent packaging technology of the future, along with its implications for logistics planning and SAP EWM. At SAP Transportation, the focus was on the role of SAP TM in the end-to-end supply chain, as well as the transition from LE-TRA to SAP TM—a mandatory task that also presents an opportunity for transformation. The event concluded with a session by blueworks, which demonstrated how SAP EWM processes can be modeled using SAP Cloud ALM and SAP Signavio, and how testing can be fully automated using IGZ test automation.

Premiere: The AMR Arena

When Robots Take Center Stage: For the first time, the AMR Arena was part of Innovation Days. Across more than 250 m², participants witnessed autonomous mobile robots from various manufacturers performing real-world transport tasks—not on a slide, but live right before their eyes.

The brain behind it all: SAP EWM. The entire exhibition area was controlled directly from SAP EWM via IGZ Move by Robots, based on VDA 5050. This best-practice solution orchestrates transport orders and vehicle fleets across different manufacturers and coordinates material flows in real time. This forms the foundation for scalable, autonomous logistics processes.

Guided Tours: Exploring the World of AMRs with Experts

To turn amazement into understanding, guided tours were also offered this year: They took participants to the booths of our AMR partners and into the AMR Arena. This allowed them to get a close-up look at the manufacturers’ vehicles and, at the same time, see how they interact across manufacturers from within SAP EWM.

IGZ Best Practices & Live Demos at the Innovation Center

At the IGZ Innovation Center, participants experienced IGZ best practices for SAP EWM/MFS, SAP TM, and digital manufacturing firsthand across more than 500 m². Over 30 live demos showcased solutions featuring AI, zero-touch, and green technology (CO₂ reduction).

Highlights of the live demonstrations:

Warehousing: SAP LGM Counter for logistics in standardized warehouses, Move by Robots for fleet management based on VDA 5050, and Smart Quality Gate with HAWK as the “Eye of Logistics”
Automation: Pick by Robot for automated small-part picking, an autonomous AI control center for logistics and plant visualization, and Smart Slotting for AI-based storage strategies
Manufacturing: automated manufacturing cell, end-to-end integration of SAP S/4HANA, SAP DM, and the shop floor, Smart Factory Process Industry (tank management, batch processing), and SAP DM Expert Counter
Transportation: Tour Tracking App for mobile transport execution, Extended Express Ship Interface for carrier integration, and Mobile Truck Check for ADR-compliant transport monitoring

IGZ Zoiglabend: Networking at Falkenberg Castle

After a day filled with technology, the setting changed: The first day of the event came to a close with the traditional IGZ “Zoiglabend” at Falkenberg Castle. Over regional specialties and Upper Palatinate hospitality, participants took the opportunity to share experiences, make new connections, and engage in conversation with speakers, SAP experts, and users.

True to the motto: Technology is born of innovation. Progress is born of exchange.

Outlook: Autonomous operations are no longer a distant dream

The IGZ Innovation Days 2026 demonstrated that automation, AI, and robotics are no longer just a vision for the future in logistics and manufacturing—they are already creating measurable value today. The SAP keynote, customer projects, and the inaugural AMR Arena brought the path to autonomous operations within reach, and the exchange with speakers, SAP experts, and SAP customers provided valuable insights.

We would like to thank all participants, speakers, and partners, and we look forward to seeing you again at the next IGZ Innovation Days: October 12–13, 2027.