Human-Centric Intralogistics: Integrating Mobile Applications into Operational Workflows

Mobile applications on shop floors can boost efficiency, productivity, ergonomics, and employee well-being. They can empower industrial workers to perform tasks more effectively, aligning with Industry 4.0’s vision of enhancing production processes using digital technologies, including machine learning, data analytics, artificial intelligence, smart sensors, cloud computing, and robotics. Mobile applications can support human-centric intralogistics by providing real-time data access, remote monitoring, supply chain visibility, and safety alerts, while also contributing to workforce empowerment through training and skills development. This review focuses on intralogistics processes in warehouses (receiving, storage, order picking, packaging, and shipping) and elucidates how mobile applications support and assist humans in these tasks. It presents a conceptual framework from a human factors perspective, highlighting how mobile applications can aid task execution and outlining the benefits and challenges of integration. In addition, it discusses the role of managers in ensuring the effective use of mobile applications.