Ferag AG’s journey from a Swiss print industry powerhouse to a global player in intralogistics solutions is a story of engineering excellence, adaptability, and customer-centric values.
Founded in Hinwil, Switzerland, in the 1950s, Ferag initially established itself in the printing sector, specialising in conveying systems and post-printing processing. Its innovative solutions quickly gained worldwide recognition, propelling the company to prominence within the publishing industry.
The technical expertise honed in designing high-speed, precise newspaper and magazine conveyors seamlessly translated to warehouse conveyors, where efficiency, accuracy, and reliability are equally critical.
Much like ensuring the timely delivery of publications to readers, Ferag’s warehouse systems are engineered to move products swiftly and accurately, meeting the demands of modern e-commerce and supply chain operations. This transition was not simply a pivot; it was a natural extension of the company’s commitment to problem-solving
and efficiency.
Today, Ferag stands at the forefront of intralogistics, offering solutions that streamline operations and elevate customer experiences across a variety of industries, including retail, fashion, and e-commerce.
Justin Boyd, Managing Director, Ferag, shares how Ferag’s evolution has always been guided by a core principle: reliability.
“A customer came to us with a machine that was no longer supported, requiring a spare part that was no longer produced,” says Justin. “Upholding our customer-centric ethics, we searched everywhere and found the crucial spare part we needed… in the Ferag museum. The part, still in perfect condition after decades, fit flawlessly, proving Ferag’s commitment to preserving the past while driving innovation for the future.”
Local presence
As Ferag expanded globally, it became clear that the company’s future would require not just technological innovation but also strong localised support networks.
“Our local presence enables us to earn trust and form long-term partnerships, something that’s harder to achieve from afar,” adds Justin. “It also lets us understand and meet local requirements and regulations.”
“Having a presence here allows us to tailor our solutions more effectively, keep spare parts and service teams nearby, and engage more directly in the local industry. This commitment to being local signals to our customers that we’re not just here for the short term, but we’re here to stay.”
Significance of APAC
The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a hub for growth in logistics and automation, with countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia driving demand for advanced solutions. These economies are experiencing a digital transformation, with e-commerce fuelling an increased need for automated warehousing, sortation, and fulfilment systems. Dynamic market growth requires both speed and flexibility, and Ferag’s systems are built to meet these needs.
“Five years ago, real-time data integration and advanced predictive maintenance weren’t as widely prioritised as they are today,” says Justin Boyd.
“Now, businesses demand more than just automation, they need smart, adaptable systems that provide actionable insights and scale with their operations. Ferag’s solutions are built to meet these demands, combining Swiss engineering precision with innovative technologies.”
Ferag’s systems enable businesses to not only automate processes but also proactively manage challenges, such as fluctuating demand and operational bottlenecks. These capabilities are particularly valuable in APAC, where dynamic market growth requires both speed and flexibility.
Product portfolio
Central to this transformation is Ferag’s doWarehouse solution, which plays a role in integrating the functionality of a Warehouse Management System, a Warehouse Control System and a Warehouse Execution System into one seamless platform.
These features enable companies to optimise processes, reduce costs, and streamline operations in today’s fast-paced logistics environment.
With transparency down to the robotic layer, companies can optimise processes and cut costs in today’s fast-paced logistics environment.
By leveraging data science and machine learning, doWarehouse anticipates system failures, identifies bottlenecks, and optimises demand forecasting. This helps businesses improve operational efficiency and adapt quickly, especially during peak times when operations are under pressure.
doWarehouse offers more than just process automation. It provides actionable insights that drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Features like real-time inventory replenishment and precise order tracking enhance productivity while reducing downtime.
“doWarehouse is more than a platform; it’s a bridge between ERP systems and automation. It creates a seamless experience, giving you visibility and control across inbound and outbound processes,” explains Justin.
“Our goal is to make human-machine interaction as intuitive and effective as possible. We believe operational technology should empower users, and that’s what excites us –that’s our passion.”
Another innovation in Ferag’s intralogistics arsenal is Skyfall, a pouch-handling system that seamlessly combines sorting, buffering, and picking functions in one platform. Think of it as a dry cleaner’s conveyor belt, but engineered for industrial precision and scalability. Skyfall goes beyond traditional conveyors, acting as an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for multiple separate systems, thereby significantly reducing costs and complexity.
What sets Skyfall apart is its energy efficiency. By leveraging gravity and low rolling friction instead of motors, the system minimises energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
“This design not only reduces operational costs but also ensures long-term reliability, making it an ideal solution for dynamic industries,” says Michael Gruber, Director, Customer Service & Support, Ferag.
In addition, Skyfall can handle a range of products, from cosmetics and apparel to electronics and even dangerous goods, making it versatile for a broad array of industries.
“For instance, if a customer needs their products delivered in a specific sequence for easier store restocking, Skyfall can ensure the correct store sequence when loading the truck. This means the goods are unloaded at the store in the correct sequence to be placed on the floor, saving time and storage in the back of the store. This helps optimise the entire supply chain, from the warehouse to the shop floor,” says Michael.
Complementing Skyfall’s capabilities is Denisort, Ferag’s tilt-tray sorting system designed for high-speed, high-accuracy performance. With a unique 3D architecture, Denisort maximises floor space while maintaining exceptional throughput. Its dynamic dual-tray configuration enhances sorting capabilities, making it ideal for high-throughput environments. Denisort is designed for industries like printing, where high-speed, error-free sorting is critical.
“For instance, in the newspaper industry, where thousands of copies must be sorted and delivered within hours, Denisort’s reliability and long lifespan are invaluable,” says Michael. “The system’s low maintenance needs make it an attractive choice for companies looking for long-term, trouble-free operation.”
Digital innovation
Ferag is at the forefront of integrating digital technologies into its material-handling solutions, empowering businesses with tools that drive operational efficiency and resilience. At the core of this effort is advanced data analytics, which optimises system performance by delivering actionable insights into operations, forecasting, and identifying potential issues before they escalate.
“Our AI-driven systems enable prescriptive maintenance by learning from past incidents, allowing us to proactively adjust material flows and tune systems to prevent issues before they arise,” explains Michael.
With its focus on continuous innovation and R&D, Ferag ensures that its products are not just meeting the current needs of industries but are future-proof, helping businesses stay ahead in an increasingly digital and automated world.
“Scenario modelling is a game-changer for our customers,” adds Justin Boyd.
“It lets them simulate different operational conditions to optimise layouts, predict bottlenecks, and make real-time decisions – all without disrupting operations. It’s like a sandbox for training, helping managers prepare for real challenges,” adds Justin.
Among the many roles played by digital technologies, safety stands out as a key focus.
“Safety technology, like wearables, ensures workers stay out of hazardous zones by sending real-time alerts,” explains Justin.
“The goal is simple – keep them safe and ensure they go home in better condition than they arrived.”
Innovative service tools and tailored approach
Ferag’s service offering goes beyond the conventional OEM support, setting itself apart through a combination of agility, innovation, and an understanding of customer needs.
While the baseline service offering across companies is similar, Ferag stands out by leveraging its software expertise to implement predictive and prescriptive maintenance – tools that not only identify potential issues before they arise but also optimise system performance in real time.
“With a young and agile team, Ferag can quickly adapt and implement solutions, exemplified by the rapid deployment of its system monitoring tool toMonitor, which was developed and implemented in just one week – something that would have taken years in larger organisations,” says Michael.
As the industry faces a shortage of qualified personnel, Ferag is tapping into the power of remote diagnostics and data analytics to address this gap. These tools help identify potential failures, reduce downtime, and streamline maintenance, benefiting both customers and the environment by reducing the need for spare parts and lowering costs.
“We also customise our support packages for diverse APAC markets, listening closely to customers’ pain points and tailoring solutions to fit their unique logistical challenges,” explains Michael.
Vision for the future
Looking ahead, Ferag aims to be a leading force in the intralogistics space across the APAC region, recognised for its innovation, customer-first mindset, and strong local presence.
In line with this vision, Ferag continues to prioritise investments in cutting-edge technology and workforce development. The company understands that advancements in AI, machine learning and the use of data lakes are reshaping the industry and is committed to staying ahead of these trends.
“As the landscape of AI and machine learning evolves, we understand the importance of staying ahead by equipping our team with thelatest knowledge and tools,”concludes Michael.
Learn more about Ferag and its services by direct contact via email at info-apac@ferag.com