'Much more can be extracted from existing logistics facilities'

The need for service, maintenance and retrofitting solutions is high in the manufacturing and logistics sectors. E'Log Automation is responding to this. The company was founded in 2022 and now serves two hundred customers with eighty employees. Arnoud den Hoedt, country manager Netherlands: "Retrofitting in particular offers opportunities, the life of many existing installations can easily be extended."

Preventively servicing and modernizing existing systems, while building new installations according to an open and modular design completely tailored to the customer; these are two important reasons why E'Log was founded in 2022. Den Hoedt: "A number of people with a lot of experience in the sector saw opportunities to serve companies better. The initial focus was on providing service and retrofitting existing installations. Automation is the logistics thread in this and at the same time the lever to make logistics processes smarter and more sustainable."

Integrating best-in-class components

Den Hoedt: "We work brand-independently and use best-in-class components that we integrate into a working solution. By being brand-independent, we can choose freely and make the right combinations. It happens regularly that we modify an existing installation in this way. That extends the service life or gives more possibilities." In addition, E'Log develops its own software to help integrate different types of installations. "This is how we create a working whole for our customers."

Circumventing difficult new construction

Retrofits and service delivery proved to be a gap in the market. "A lot has already been built in the past decades. That offers opportunities, especially at a time when companies are facing major challenges to realize their ambitions. Now is the time to make choices, such as for investments, how to respond to nitrogen, new construction requirements, staff shortages and high (energy) costs. Many companies are hiccuping against new construction and are shifting their focus to modernizing and expanding what is already there."

Retrofitting, including of AGVs

Opting to retrofit and better maintain existing properties, systems and software is not only more sustainable in many cases, but also avoids disappointment, den Hoedt points out. "Several projects focused on new construction have foundered due to grid congestion and nitrogen issues. That makes retrofitting more attractive. In addition, well-maintained electromechanical systems have almost eternal life. If software is obsolete, new control is often sufficient. Older AGVs can also be retrofitted. For the latter, we certainly expect more attention in the coming years."

Ten years ahead

One project the country manager likes to highlight is that of a company that processes fresh fruits and vegetables. "There we are starting a retrofit: existing systems are being expanded and the controls renewed. The company can move forward for at least another ten years. The modification requires only one day of downtime. Of course, the preparation takes more time."

Service as the basis for insight

E'Log will be present at Logistica from November 4 to 6, where its main aim is to give a good impression of the projects it has carried out with the people who have effectively executed them. "Examples abound, we service the installations we build ourselves. Someone who does service has a good view of the state of an installation and knows what adjustments are needed. This approach is also the reason why we now have two offices in Belgium and one in the Netherlands. That number will certainly increase. We definitely want
present locally."