Frequently asked questions
What is supply chain network design?
Supply chain network design is the process of determining the optimal number, size, and location of logistics facilities — warehouses, fulfilment centres, and distribution hubs — to serve customers at the lowest total cost while meeting service level requirements. A network design engagement typically starts with an analysis of current volumes by postcode, delivery time commitments, and carrier cost structures. Logivalue uses geospatial modelling to run scenario simulations: one hub versus regional spokes, leased versus owned assets, automation-heavy versus manual operations. For a European e-commerce operator handling 1–10 million parcels per year, the difference between a well-designed and a poorly-designed network can represent 20–35% of total logistics cost. Our team has designed networks for fashion, grocery, and marketplace operators across Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the UK. Engagements typically take 8–16 weeks from kick-off to board-ready decision paper.
How do you assess whether warehouse automation is right for my business?
Warehouse automation is the right investment when the labour cost savings plus error-rate reductions exceed the annualised CAPEX over a 7–10 year horizon. The break-even point depends on three variables: wage levels at the target site, throughput velocity (units picked per hour per FTE), and flexibility of future product mix. Logivalue conducts automation readiness assessments that model these variables for greenfield builds and retrofit projects. We have evaluated and implemented automation systems from vendors including Autostore, Vanderlande, Dematic, and SSI Schäfer across 40+ European warehouse projects. Our assessment covers inbound, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch — and includes a buy-versus-lease analysis for the automation hardware. The output is a vendor-neutral recommendation with an indicative ROI calculation, which clients use to evaluate proposals and negotiate with system integrators. Typical assessment duration: 4–6 weeks.
How long does a logistics infrastructure project take from strategy to operations?
The timeline depends on the project type. A greenfield built-to-suit warehouse in Germany — from site identification through planning permission, construction, and fit-out — typically takes 24–36 months. A logistics network redesign without new real estate (renegotiating leases, consolidating sites, changing carrier contracts) can take 6–12 months. A warehouse automation retrofit — assessing the current layout, selecting a vendor, installing and commissioning the system while the site continues operating — typically takes 12–18 months. Logivalue manages all phases: strategy, real estate, automation design, and implementation oversight. We have delivered projects faster than industry average because we run parallel workstreams — procurement, permitting, vendor negotiation, and operational planning — without creating handoff gaps. Our project setup and implementation service provides end-to-end programme governance from kick-off to commissioning sign-off.
What is the difference between a greenfield and a retrofit logistics project?
A greenfield logistics project starts from an empty site or undeveloped land parcel. Everything — the building shell, racking and automation systems, IT infrastructure, and operational processes — is designed and built from scratch. Greenfield projects offer maximum design freedom but require site search, planning permission, and construction, which adds time and risk. A retrofit project starts with an existing warehouse that is already operational. The challenge is upgrading automation systems, layout, or processes without halting fulfilment operations. Retrofit projects are faster and cheaper in upfront capital but constrained by the building dimensions, column grid, and floor loading capacity of the existing structure. Logivalue has delivered both: our greenfield experience spans 40+ new logistics sites across Europe, and our retrofit experience includes four projects with combined CAPEX of EUR 1.2 billion in warehouse automation. We advise on which approach fits each client's timeline and balance sheet.
Who does Logivalue work with?
Logivalue works with two types of client. Operators include e-commerce companies, multichannel retailers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and CEP (courier, express, parcel) operators that need to redesign, expand, or automate their logistics infrastructure. On the operator side, our work typically starts with a network design study and escalates into real estate and automation projects. Investors include institutional real estate funds, private equity firms, and family offices that own or are acquiring logistics property. For investors, we provide property due diligence, site marketing, and portfolio strategy advice — including assessments of whether a given site is fit for the automation requirements of modern e-commerce tenants. Our founding team has operated on both sides of the table: building logistics infrastructure at Amazon and Zalando as operators, and evaluating logistics real estate on behalf of institutional investors.