A new intralogistics system designed, developed, and produced by the technical team at Logiss srl is currently being installed at the Viterbo headquarters of Formasal Distribuzione srl. This custom-designed solution meets the specific handling needs of the frozen food and general food distribution sector and has been developed in line with the principles of Industry 5.0, the new standard for more integrated, resilient, and sustainable logistics.

A tailored system for a growing company

Formasal Distribuzione is a leading player in the Ho.Re.Ca. distribution channel, with a widespread network and a product catalog of over 30,000 SKUs. At the Viterbo facility, the goal was to optimize the flow of boxes between the frozen warehouse and the Cash & Carry area, two operating environments that demand speed, continuity, and precision—without disrupting existing logistics operations.

Logiss responded with the design of a system consisting of two dedicated transport lines, positioned at a height of 4 meters above ground to ensure clear passage underneath and preserve floor-level workspace. Boxes coming from the warehouse are lifted by four continuous elevators, strategically placed at loading points, and automatically routed onto two main lines that run in parallel and at different levels.

The system is sized to handle high daily volumes in a controlled-temperature environment, as required by the frozen food industry.

A 5.0 approach to industrial logistics

One of the distinguishing features of this project is its alignment with Industry 5.0 principles. Unlike Industry 4.0, which focuses mainly on automation and digitalization, Industry 5.0 emphasizes human-machine collaboration, intelligent systems, environmental sustainability, and the resilience of production and logistics infrastructures.

In the case of Formasal, this 5.0 approach translates into:

• High interoperability with the company’s WMS (Warehouse Management System), enabling integrated management of handling data and real-time operational visibility;

• Modular and scalable design, adaptable to future layout changes or product range evolution;

• Energy-efficient components and transport routes, with a strong focus on waste reduction and improving the environmental footprint;

• Smart control systems, capable of adapting flows based on workload and predicting anomalies or critical situations.

The challenges of the food and frozen goods sector

The food distribution sector—especially when it involves frozen products—faces highly specific operational challenges: cold chain preservation, short response times, batch traceability, and high standards of hygiene and safety.

For companies like Formasal, providing reliable service means minimizing disruptions and inefficiencies, ensuring that every package is moved swiftly and under the correct conditions.

In this scenario, logistics is no longer a support function—it becomes a strategic competitive factor. Automation, without compromising flexibility, is the key to balancing productivity and service quality.

A project built for the future

The system developed by Logiss for Formasal Distribuzione is a concrete example of how technology can respond precisely to sector-specific needs while maintaining a balance between automation, customization, and sustainability.