Hannover, December 2016 – The lead theme for CeMAT 2016 – the world’s leading trade show for intralogistics and supply chain management held biennially – is Smart Supply Chain Solutions. In other words, the show, which runs from 31 May to 3 June in Hannover, Germany, will highlight the pivotal role of logistics in today's increasingly digitised and integrated industrial value chains. Wolfgang Pech, Deutsche Messe’s Senior Vice President in charge of CeMAT, explains: “Logistics is growing in importance because accuracy and flexibility of supply are fundamental to the growing Industry 4.0 trend. Soon, all parts containers, racks, materials handling and transport systems and even the materials themselves will need to be intelligent so that they can communicate with their surroundings and with machines and robots.” This is where CeMAT comes in.

With its lead theme of Smart Supply Chain Solutions, CeMAT 2016 will present automation and integrated control solutions for tomorrow's intelligent, digital logistics processes. The scope will extend far beyond mere logistics optimisation solutions because the digitisation trend is revolutionising entire value chains and creating completely new business models. CeMAT has a vitally important role to play in this revolution because it is the only trade fair that provides a global perspective on the technology trends involved. For a global industry like intralogistics, there is simply no better platform for showcasing the latest amazing technologies to the world and keeping up with current trends and developments.

CeMAT 2016 is expected to attract around 1,000 exhibitors from every corner of the globe. The biggest exhibiting nations, after Germany, are Belgium, China, France, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Turkey. This high level of international participation is unparalleled in the logistics trade fair sector and is testimony to the strong industry relevance of the show’s underlying theme of Smart Supply Chain solutions.

“Visitors at the upcoming CeMAT will discover a range of full and partial automation solutions to maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their warehouse materials handling, loading, packaging and distribution operations,” says Pech.

The main sections at this show are:

*Logistics IT and Logistics IT User Forum, where IT experts and users will discuss a wide range of topics
*Move & Lift and Store & Load
*Cranes and Lifting Equipment Pavilion
*Platformers World@CeMAT featuring access platforms, mast climbers, telescopic forklifts, ladder hoists, mini crawler cranes, industrial cranes and more from a wide range of manufacturers, and
*Pick & Pack – in partnership between Deutsche Messe and easyfairs GmbH that will see easyfair’s “Empack” and “Label&Print” shows co-staged with the Deutsche Messe’s Pick & Pack showcase.