Over the years, IFA has developed fundamental models and methods in production logistics – ranging from established analytical approaches to holistic concepts for planning and control. Equally distinctive is a unique institute culture shaped by flat hierarchies, individual responsibility, and close collaboration. This combination of a strong scientific foundation and a collaborative working environment continues to make IFA a valued partner for both industry and academia.
What endures, remains
Since its founding in 1966, IFA has developed core models and methods that remain relevant to this day. Concepts such as the throughput element, the funnel model with production operating curves, and approaches to synergistic factory planning exemplify research built on robust, scientifically grounded principles. Many of these concepts have had a lasting impact on production logistics and are still regarded as benchmarks in both academia and practice.
This continuity reflects a clear philosophy: substance is built through depth – not through short-lived trends. The models developed at IFA continue to form the foundation for research, teaching, and industrial consulting, while also serving as a starting point for addressing new challenges.
This success is due not only to the content of the institute, but also to the way it operates. The dedicated team of researchers organises itself largely independently within its focus areas and maintains a strong culture of exchange. Flat hierarchies, high transparency and a deliberate limitation to around 20 researchers foster both personal responsibility and collaboration. This distinctive culture plays a crucial role in advancing the institute’s core principles consistently across generations.
What changes is integrated
At the same time, production systems today face challenges that require new approaches. Digitalization, sustainability, and the growing need for adaptability are shaping industrial reality and driving new questions in both research and application.
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Matthias Schmidt, representing the fourth generation of institute directors, IFA actively addresses these developments. New topics are not treated in isolation but understood as cross-cutting themes that are integrated into existing models and methods. In this way, the scientific foundation remains intact while the institute continues to evolve.
One example is the vision of automated production planning and control. Based on modern approaches such as multi-agent systems, solutions are being developed to support traditional planning tasks and, in the long term, take on these tasks increasingly autonomously. The use of new technologies – particularly in data processing and artificial intelligence – opens up additional opportunities for decision support.
This development highlights a key principle: progress does not result from the mere adoption of new technologies, but from their meaningful integration into existing systems. Or, put differently: technologies themselves do not replace people – rather, those who effectively leverage new possibilities will make the difference.
60 Years of IFA – Reflection, Exchange, and Outlook
In March, IFA celebrated its 60th anniversary at the PZH of Leibniz University Hannover as part of an alumni gathering. Around 50 former members came together to reflect on the institute’s development and to continue the exchange across generations.
Following a welcome address by the institute’s director, Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Matthias Schmidt, and an overview of current activities, key milestones from 60 years of IFA were highlighted – ranging from landmark research achievements and structural developments to the different generations of institute leadership.
The retrospective was brought to life by personal contributions from alumni. Through anecdotes and shared experiences, a multifaceted picture of the institute emerged, highlighting both its professional impact and its personal significance for many of those involved.
The program was complemented by contributions from the three research groups, which reflected on their respective developments. These contributions illustrated the evolution of established approaches, their transferability to new application areas, as well as the shift towards more holistic perspectives and the growing importance of modern technologies.
The event thus made visible what has defined IFA for 60 years: the interplay between stable foundations and continuous development. The day concluded with an evening gathering that provided space for personal exchange and emphasized the strong connection between the institute’s past, present, and future.
In line with its guiding principle: What endures, remains. What changes is integrated.
