Dematic

What is dematic

Dematic is a global provider of automated material handling systems and warehouse software used by retailers, manufacturers, third‑party logistics providers, grocery distributors and e‑commerce operations. The company designs, engineers, installs and supports end‑to‑end automation solutions that combine mechanical systems (conveyors, sorters, AS/RS, palletizers), robotics, sensors and control and execution software.

Dematic projects typically cover the full lifecycle of an automation program: requirements analysis, system design, equipment supply, software deployment, integration with customer IT (ERP/WMS), commissioning and long‑term maintenance. Their offerings are intended for high‑throughput environments where manual processes become a bottleneck and where predictable, scalable handling is required.

Dematic’s portfolio spans both hardware and software: physical automation subsystems and warehouse execution/management systems that coordinate flows, orchestrate robots and integrate data with enterprise systems. For an overview of their solution categories, see Dematic’s automation and equipment descriptions at Dematic automation solutions (https://www.dematic.com/solutions/).

Dematic features

Dematic’s product and service set covers several distinct capability areas that are commonly required in modern logistics and distribution projects:

• Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS): high‑density pallet and tote storage modules optimized for pick and put operations with configurable slotting strategies.
• Conveyors and sortation: modular conveyors, cross‑belt and tilt‑tray sorters, and induction systems designed for high throughput and low fragmentation.
• Robotics and goods‑to‑person solutions: robotic piece‑picking, collaborative robots for replenishment and palletizing robots for mixed SKU environments.
• Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) and controls: software to coordinate order release, resource allocation, real‑time sequencing, and machine control across heterogeneous equipment.
• Material handling software stack: integrations for order management, WMS, ERP, voice picking, mobile devices, reporting and dashboarding.

Each feature group includes engineering services, controls software, and support. The WES and low‑level PLC/SCADA control layers provide the real‑time orchestration required to manage AS/RS, sortation and robotic fleets while exposing APIs, messaging and data feeds for upstream ERP/WMS synchronization.

What does dematic do?

Dematic automates physical flows inside warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing plants to increase throughput, reduce manual labor, and improve accuracy. They design and supply the mechanical equipment and the control and execution software that together move goods from inbound receipt to storage, pick/pack, and outbound shipping.

In software terms, Dematic provides warehouse execution and control logic that dynamically schedules work, balances resources, and issues tasks to automated equipment and human operators. The solution set includes data capture, diagnostics, historical reporting and integration points for enterprise systems.

In operations terms, Dematic helps customers convert manual, labor‑intensive tasks into automated sequences—reducing order cycle time, increasing picks per operator, and enabling continuous operations at scale.

Dematic pricing

Dematic offers these pricing plans:

• Custom Enterprise Solutions: pricing provided on request and based on project scope, equipment selection, software modules and service levels
• Service & Maintenance Contracts: tiered annual contracts covering preventive maintenance, emergency response and spare parts (priced per site and equipment portfolio)
• Software Subscription / License: enterprise licensing or subscription models for WES and analytics, typically negotiated as part of a system sale

Because Dematic delivers engineered automation systems, pricing is project‑specific and depends on layout complexity, throughput targets, number of SKUs, level of robotics, integration scope and desired service response. For detailed, project‑level pricing and capability breakdowns, contact Dematic through their corporate site and see the Dematic solutions and services pages (https://www.dematic.com/solutions/) for typical system descriptions.

How much is dematic per month

Dematic pricing is typically quoted on a project basis and does not have a public per‑month starting price. For organizations evaluating implementation, recurring monthly costs may include software subscriptions for WES, cloud hosting, remote monitoring and service contracts. These ongoing costs vary widely: small system software subscriptions can be in the low thousands per month, while comprehensive enterprise deployments amortized over financing or managed services can translate to tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars per month for large, global operations.

How much is dematic per year

Dematic costs are normally expressed as capital project budgets and annual service agreements. On an annual basis, smaller retrofit projects may range from $100,000s while full greenfield high‑throughput facilities with AS/RS and robotics commonly fall into the $1M–$50M+ range depending on scale and automation density. Annual software and maintenance contracts are typically a percentage of equipment/software value and can range from 5%–15% of system cost per year.

How much is dematic in general

Dematic pricing ranges from single‑site retrofit projects in the low hundreds of thousands to multi‑million dollar greenfield automation programs. The total delivered cost depends on equipment selection (conveyors, sorters, AS/RS, robotics), the extent of software customization and systems integration, installation complexity, and ongoing service expectations. Early engagement with Dematic helps convert operational requirements into a scoped financial proposal.

What is dematic used for

Dematic is used to automate and orchestrate the physical movement of goods across receiving, storage, picking, packing and shipping processes. Primary use cases include:

• High‑volume e‑commerce fulfillment where speed and accuracy determine customer experience and margins.
• Retail distribution centers that require quick replenishment, store resupply and mixed‑case handling.
• Grocery and cold‑chain distribution where space optimization and throughput under environmental constraints are critical.
• Manufacturing infeed/outfeed and internal logistics where timed material delivery to production lines improves takt and reduces WIP.
• 3PL and contract fulfillment operations that need flexible, scalable automation to handle multiple customers and seasonal peaks.

Dematic solutions are also used to consolidate multi‑node operations—linking several facilities under a single orchestration layer for inventory visibility and workload balancing. The typical outcome is improved throughput, reduced labor cost per order, and greater consistency in delivery SLAs.

Pros and cons of dematic

Dematic’s strengths lie in its integrated engineering and lifecycle support, global footprint, and broad product portfolio. Advantages include:

• Deep experience with large, complex deployments and an established engineering approach for system design and risk mitigation.
• Integrated hardware and software portfolio that reduces vendor coordination overhead and eases systems integration.
• Lifecycle services and global support network offering preventive maintenance, spare parts and retrofits.

Limitations and trade‑offs to consider:

• Capital intensity: Dematic systems are engineered solutions that typically require significant upfront investment or financing arrangements.
• Implementation lead time: design, procurement and installation of large automation solutions can take months to years depending on scope.
• Customization complexity: highly tailored workflows or legacy IT environments may require additional integration engineering and professional services.

Selecting Dematic is often best for organizations with sustained throughput needs, predictable long‑term volumes, or multi‑site programs that can justify engineered automation economics.

Dematic free trial

Dematic does not offer a traditional free trial for its hardware and integrated automation systems because deployments are project‑based and require engineering, space, and installation. Proof‑of‑concepts (POCs) and pilot programs are commonly used instead; these are scoped engagements that validate throughput, accuracy and equipment choices in a controlled test cell or trial installation.

Dematic’s POC approach typically includes site analysis, a small‑scale demonstration of critical subsystems (for example, a robotic pick cell or a conveyor and sorter segment), and performance measurement against agreed KPIs. These pilots are priced separately or bundled into project budgets depending on commercial arrangements.

Is dematic free

No, Dematic does not provide a free version of its automation systems. Their solutions are capital and service offerings that require negotiated contracts, and any trial or pilot work is delivered as a scoped engagement rather than an open free trial.

Dematic API

Dematic exposes integration interfaces and control APIs as part of its WES, controls and software suites to enable integration with ERP, WMS, order management systems and third‑party applications. Common integration approaches include:

• RESTful APIs and web services for order exchange, inventory updates and telemetry data aggregation.
• Message‑based middleware using JMS/AMQP or enterprise service buses to handle high‑volume data flows and decouple systems.
• EDI and file‑based interfaces for legacy trading partner connectivity (orders, shipping notices, ASN).
• PLC, OPC‑UA and industrial protocols for machine control, sensor data and real‑time telemetry with conveyors, sorters and AS/RS equipment.

Dematic also supports custom integration work through their professional services organization, and they provide documentation and adapter libraries as part of project onboarding. For specifics on integration patterns and supported protocols, review Dematic’s integration and software capability information on Dematic products and software (https://www.dematic.com/products/).

10 Dematic alternatives

Paid alternatives to dematic

• Honeywell Intelligrated — Global automation integrator offering conveyors, sortation, robotics and fulfillment software with strong controls and lifecycle support.
• Vanderlande — Specializes in high‑speed sortation, airport baggage and parcel automation with complementary warehouse solutions.
• SSI Schaefer — Offers AS/RS, shelving, WMS and integrated logistics solutions focused on warehouse and distribution optimization.
• Knapp — Provides automated storage, picking robots, and WMS/WES solutions with a focus on flexible, modular systems.
• Swisslog — Automation and intralogistics provider with strong robotics and cloud‑enabled warehousing software.
• Toyota Advanced Logistics — Integrates Toyota material handling expertise with automation and software solutions for manufacturing and distribution.
• Dematic (for internal benchmarking) — If comparing different configurations and service models from the same vendor, evaluate Dematic’s regional offerings and lifecycle contract variants.

Open source alternatives to dematic

• OpenWMS — An open source warehouse management project that provides core WMS features for inbound/outbound, inventory and putaway strategies that can be paired with third‑party automation controllers.
• ERPNext — An open source ERP with an integrated WMS module suitable for small to mid‑sized operations that want full software control without vendor lock‑in.
• OpenBoxes — Open source supply chain and inventory management software aimed at healthcare and smaller distribution networks, which can integrate with automation controllers through middleware.
• Apache OFBiz — A general open source enterprise automation framework including order management and inventory modules that can be extended to support warehouse workflows.

Open source options address software and WMS needs but typically require additional engineering to connect to industrial controls, conveyors and robotics compared with vendor turnkey systems.

Frequently asked questions about Dematic

What is Dematic used for?

Dematic is used for automating material handling and fulfillment operations. Companies deploy Dematic to increase throughput, reduce manual labor, and improve order accuracy by integrating conveyors, AS/RS, robotics and warehouse execution software. Use cases include e‑commerce order fulfillment, retail distribution, manufacturing infeed and third‑party logistics.

Does Dematic provide warehouse execution software?

Yes, Dematic provides warehouse execution and control software. Their WES coordinates automated equipment and manual tasks, manages order release and sequencing, and integrates with ERP/WMS systems to ensure real‑time orchestration across the facility.

How much does Dematic cost per project?

Dematic costs are project‑specific and quoted based on system scope. Small retrofit or pilot programs can be in the low hundreds of thousands, while full greenfield installations with AS/RS and extensive robotics commonly total multi‑million dollar budgets depending on throughput and equipment choices.

Can Dematic integrate with existing ERP or WMS systems?

Yes, Dematic integrates with ERP, WMS and order management systems. Integration is commonly performed via REST APIs, message buses, EDI, or custom adapters and is scoped during the design phase to ensure data flow, inventory synchronization and order lifecycle compatibility.

Does Dematic offer support and maintenance contracts?

Yes, Dematic offers tiered service and maintenance agreements. These contracts cover preventive maintenance, spare parts, remote monitoring and on‑site response, and are typically negotiated per site with service level commitments based on equipment portfolio and criticality.

Is Dematic suitable for small warehouses?

Dematic is primarily oriented toward mid‑size to large operations but can support smaller sites through scaled solutions. For smaller warehouses, Dematic may propose modular or robotic cell‑based implementations that lower initial capital while allowing future expansion.

Does Dematic sell robotics for picking and palletizing?

Yes, Dematic supplies and integrates robotic picking and palletizing cells. They work with industrial robot vendors and proprietary end‑of‑arm tooling to automate piece‑pick, case‑pick and palletizing processes as part of an integrated system.

How long does a Dematic implementation take?

Implementation timelines vary from a few months for small pilots to 12–24 months for complex greenfield sites. Project duration depends on engineering, equipment lead times, site preparation, integration complexity and testing/commissioning requirements.

Can Dematic retrofit existing warehouse equipment?

Yes, Dematic offers retrofit and modernization services. They upgrade control systems, replace legacy sortation segments, add robotics or integrate a WES to extend the life and capability of an existing material handling infrastructure.

Where can I get a quote or more detailed specs for Dematic systems?

Contact Dematic for a customized proposal and system specification. The company performs site assessments and requirements analyses to produce scoped proposals; find regional sales and contact information on Dematic’s corporate site and solution pages (https://www.dematic.com/solutions/).

dematic careers

Dematic hires engineers, controls specialists, software developers, project managers and field service technicians for design, implementation and lifecycle support roles. Career paths span automation engineering, controls programming, systems integration, robotics, software product management and on‑site maintenance. Interested candidates can find regional job postings and career information on Dematic’s corporate careers page.

dematic affiliate

Dematic operates through direct sales and a network of channel partners, systems integrators and service providers. Affiliate and partner programs vary by region and typically cover reselling, implementation partnerships and certified maintenance providers. Organizations interested in partnership should contact Dematic’s business development or partner management teams through their corporate site.

Where to find dematic reviews

Independent reviews and case studies are available through logistics industry publications, analyst reports and customer case studies posted on Dematic’s site. For peer feedback and operational perspectives, search logistics‑focused trade journals and professional networks, and review third‑party analyst coverage and customer testimonials on Dematic’s case study pages (https://www.dematic.com/solutions/).