TKS

What TKS does

TKS (legal entity TKS Unternehmensberatung und Industrieplanung GmbH) is a German intralogistics consulting and planning firm founded in 1989 and headquartered in Esslingen am Neckar, near Stuttgart. The company operates as a manufacturer-independent general planner, meaning it has no commercial tie to any conveyor, racking, robotics, or WMS vendor and recommends technology based on fit rather than reselling relationships. Its service portfolio spans the full intralogistics lifecycle — logistics and material flow planning, process planning, warehouse dimensioning, inventory-logistics optimization, automated storage and conveyor system introduction, WMS/LVS implementation, relocation planning, external service-provider search, and logistics real-estate consulting — delivered through a three-phase methodology (Analysis & Concept Planning, Detailed Planning, Realization). TKS serves manufacturing and industrial customers primarily in German-speaking and Central European markets, with named enterprise references across automotive (BOSCH, Porsche Leipzig, Schaeffler, Faurecia, ElringKlinger, Knorr-Bremse, Vitavolta), electronics distribution (Rutronik, Avnet Logistics, heo), sportswear (ERIMA), industrial adhesives (Delo), sanitary (Hansgrohe), specialty chemicals (Otto Chemie), and contract logistics (Dachser), among others.

The technical stack combines industry-standard CAD layout tools with proprietary analysis and 3D design tooling layered on official AutoStore planning software, enabling real-world-scale visualizations of AutoStore grids, robots, and ports for client validation. TKS holds a certified AutoStore Consulting Partner status (since 2021, founded on Germany's first AutoStore implementation in 2010 and the first two-level AutoStore in 2018), and runs competitive open tenders among AutoStore distributors on behalf of clients. The firm also manages ERP-to-WMS-to-controls interface architecture as a core competency. Delivery is supported by an interdisciplinary team of engineers, business economists, and CAD professionals under three managing directors (Carolin Eichner, Thomas Eichner, and Volker Mast), with project leadership maintained end-to-end under a 'one face to the customer' principle. The Hungary-based subsidiary KIT KFT additionally operates developed industrial zones on the M1 motorway, adding a logistics real-estate dimension.

Commercially, TKS runs a sales-led B2B consulting motion with no standardized offers or published pricing. Engagements begin with a no-obligation introductory meeting often combined with an on-site walk-through, then move through bespoke scoping and individually quoted project fees. Marketing is concentrated in the company's own website, downloadable PDF brochures, regular news/blog case studies, LogiMAT trade-fair presence, and a strong referral base built on multi-decade relationships. There are no disclosed external investors, acquisitions, or capital raises; the company remains privately held under the Eichner family alongside operational management.

Name

TKS

Legal name

TKS Unternehmensberatung und Industrieplanung GmbH

Website

https://tksgmbh.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

TKS (founded 1989, Esslingen, Germany) is a manufacturer-independent intralogistics consulting firm that plans and delivers warehouse, material-flow, AutoStore, and WMS projects for manufacturing and industrial enterprise clients across Central Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Intralogistics Planning & Consulting

NAICS

Engineering Services (54133), Management Consulting Services (54161), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Systems Engineering & Technical Program Management (BPAHAIAI)

Keywords

• Intralogistics planning
• Warehouse design consulting
• Material flow optimization
• Conveyor system planning
• Logistics process consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Esslingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Intralogistics Consulting and Planning Services: TKS generates revenue primarily through project-based consulting and planning engagements. Services are scoped individually for each client and billed according to the agreed project scope, from initial analysis through to realization supervision and acceptance management. Engagements range from focused process optimization studies to full-scale greenfield logistics center general planning.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

TKS is a manufacturer-independent intralogistics consulting and planning firm that designs, plans, and supervises the realization of warehouse, material flow, and logistics systems for manufacturing and industrial clients. The firm delivers an end-to-end three-phase engagement model — analysis and concept planning, detailed planning and procurement, and realization/project management — covering logistics planning, process planning, warehouse design and dimensioning, inventory optimization, automated storage and conveyor systems, warehouse management system (WMS/LVS) implementation, relocation planning, and logistics real estate consulting. It acts as a vendor-neutral general planner, including specialized expertise as a certified AutoStore consulting partner.

Product overview

TKS (TKS Unternehmensberatung und Industrieplanung GmbH) is an independent consulting company specializing in intralogistics planning and material flow optimization. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Esslingen, Germany, TKS offers integrated intralogistics solutions from a single source. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of services organized into three project phases: Analysis & Conceptual Planning (process analysis, material flow development, requirements capture), Detailed Planning & Procurement (CAD layout design, equipment specification, tender management), and Implementation & Project Management (supplier coordination, acceptance testing, interface management). Core service offerings include logistics and material flow planning, process planning, warehouse planning and dimensioning, inventory logistics optimization, automated warehouse and conveyor systems, warehouse management system (WMS/LVS) implementation, relocation planning, external service provider search, and real estate consulting. TKS maintains manufacturer-independent positioning and has established particular expertise in AutoStore systems, having planned and implemented the first AutoStore installation in Germany in 2010 and the first 2-level AutoStore system in 2018.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Logistics Planning & Material Flow Planning Analysis and optimization of material flow from goods receiving through quality control to production supply and shipping, ensuring efficient movement of goods with proper timing, quality, quantity, and destination for manufacturing and industrial clients.
• Process Planning
• Warehouse Planning & Dimensioning
• Inventory Logistics Optimization
• Automated Warehouse & Conveyor Systems
• Warehouse Management System (WMS/LVS) Implementation
• Relocation Planning
• External Service Provider Search
• Real Estate Consulting
• Implementation & Project Management
• Analysis & Conceptual Planning
• Detailed Planning & Procurement

Quantifiable outcome

• ERIMA 'Home of Teamsport': double-level AutoStore with 150,000+ bin locations, 52 robots, 13 ports — described as 'the most modern team sport logistics center in Europe'
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers32 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AutoStorecoreTechnology or Integration · 31 May 2021TKS has been a certified AutoStore Consulting Partner since 2021. TKS was selected by AutoStore based on comprehensive experience accumulated since planning and implementing Germany's first AutoStore installation in 2010. The partnership includes multi-day team training on AutoStore design, optimization, and IT integration. TKS conducts distributor-independent planning of AutoStore systems using official AutoStore tools and its own 3D design tools. The partnership enables TKS to assess fit, dimension systems, create 3D visualizations, and run competitive open tenders among AutoStore distributors.
• Körber Supply Chain Software GmbHcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKörber Supply Chain Software GmbH (Stuttgart) was selected as SAP-EWM implementation partner for the Franz Binder project. TKS oversaw the software selection process and coordinated the implementation to ensure seamless integration between the warehouse management layer and the automated shuttle system.
• Körber Supply Chain Automation GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationKörber Supply Chain Automation GmbH (Leingarten) served as general contractor for the Franz Binder project, delivering and commissioning the automated shuttle and pallet warehouse technology. TKS managed the overall project from planning through final acceptance as general planner.
• Hochschule Pforzheim (Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTKS collaborates with Hochschule Pforzheim on student project work within the Bachelor's program in Procurement and Logistics. Student teams conduct practice projects at TKS's existing customer sites, supervised by experienced TKS consultants. Projects may span one semester or extend across multiple semesters. This partnership brings cutting-edge research insights into TKS customer projects while providing students with practical experience.
• Vollack GruppeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVollack is a specialist in method-based planning, construction, and revitalization of sustainable, energy-efficient buildings in office, industry, and healthcare sectors. With 300 employees including 150 architects and engineers, Vollack is part of the 'UND-Netzwerk | Unternehmen Neu Denken'. TKS collaborates with Vollack on integrated building and intralogistics planning projects.
• proComet GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerproComet provides holistic, results-oriented organizational design for over 20 years, covering optimal future strategy, lean and organization, and sustainable leadership culture. Partnered with TKS for organizational and process transformation aspects of intralogistics projects.
• EMPORION GMBHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmporion is TKS's partner for inorganic growth strategies. Specifically, Emporion supports SMEs and corporations in strategic company acquisitions through structured acquisition processes, strategy development, market analysis, target identification, and mediation in approaching target companies through closing.
• Colliers InternationalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorColliers International (Frankfurt/Stuttgart) advises on site selection and property search for TKS clients, providing transparent decision-making foundations and accompanying clients through the entire process to signing of lease or purchase agreements. Collaboration addresses both the property and the processes of the people who will use it.
• KIT KFT.minorOthersTKS operates and manages three fully developed and well-located industrial zones in KISBÉR, Hungary, directly on the M1 motorway, with rail connections and loading ramps available. Japanese U-Shin Group and SEWS Hungary (automotive suppliers) are established tenants. The site offers ample space for further development.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Detecon: Deutsche Telekom-affiliated management and technology consulting firm with engineering and digital supply chain practices. Competes in technical consulting for industrial/logistics transformation at larger scale.
• Körber Supply Chain: Large Hamburg-based supply chain software and integration provider that partners with TKS on SAP-EWM and automation projects. Overlaps in WMS/LVS implementation and broader supply chain execution, but at much larger scale with software-led offering.
• Roland Berger: Global strategy consultancy with established operations practice that includes supply chain and intralogistics advisory. Competes for the strategic-planning layer of large enterprise logistics transformations that TKS also targets.
• Staufen AG: German operational excellence and lean consulting firm with established intralogistics transformation practice. Competes with TKS in operational improvement and warehouse/process optimization engagements for industrial clients.

Direct peers

• 4flow: Berlin-based supply chain and logistics consulting firm with comparable mid-sized professional services model, covering transport, warehousing and network optimization. Overlapping customer base and consultative delivery style.
• Miebach Consulting: Frankfurt-headquartered international consulting firm specialized in supply chain, logistics and intralogistics planning. Closest functional peer to TKS, with comparable vendor-neutral planning, warehouse design and WMS advisory offerings, though operating at larger scale with global offices.
• psb intralogistics GmbH: German intralogistics planning and consulting firm offering similar services in warehouse design, conveyor/automation planning and material flow optimization. Directly comparable in service portfolio and target market to TKS.

Others

• Fraunhofer IML: Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics, Germany's leading applied research institute for intralogistics. Comparable in technical depth and innovation focus (cube storage, AMR) but operates as a public research body rather than commercial consultant.

Emerging players

• Camelot Management Consultants: Mannheim-based management consultancy with strong supply chain management practice, including SAP-enabled logistics transformation. Comparable in size to TKS and overlapping on enterprise industrial clients.
• Logivations GmbH: Karlsruhe-based intralogistics software and consulting firm with comparable focus on warehouse design and process optimization. Smaller, more software-tilted competitor to TKS in the German market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/tksinternational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TKS