# Material Flow Optimization as a Tool for Improving Logistics Processes in the Company
## 1 Introduction  
Optimization of material flow is one of the key areas that directly impact the efficiency of production processes and the overall competitiveness of enterprises. In the context of current challenges in railway and transport technology, this issue becomes even more crucial, as effective material flow management is closely related to logistics, transportation, and cost optimization in transport systems [1, 2]. Material flow represents the organized movement of materials within the production process or product circulation, characterized by the direction, intensity, frequency, length, performance, structure, and nature of the transported material, as well as the applied transport and handling technology [3, 4]. Analysis of material flow involves examining the efficiency of material movement within the various stages of the production process, including the representation of essential production process requirements and their integration into the external logistics chain [5]. Optimizing material flows in production and logistics enhances competitiveness, as theoptimal arrangement of elements and relationships significantly influences costs, flexibility, and overall productivity [6]. An inseparable component of material flow is the information flow, which plays a key role in ensuring the efficiency and continuity of the entire logistics chain [7]. Information flow provides essential data for monitoring, planning, and coordinating material movements, thereby supporting decision making and process optimization [8; 9]. Within the broader framework of logistics and supply chain management, material flow optimization aligns with lean logistics principles, reducing waste and improving efficiency through just-in-time (JIT) inventory strategies and streamlined production planning [10]. Furthermore, supply chain resilience depends on the adaptability of material flows to external disruptions, highlighting the importance of predictive analytics, real-time tracking, and automation in modern logistics operations [11]. Efficient material flow management is also integral to supply chain agility, enabling businesses to respond more quickly to changes in demand, supply chain disruptions, and market fluctuations [12; 13]. Incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies, such as digital twins, IoT-based tracking, and AI-driven demand forecasting, further enhances the ability of enterprises to optimize material flows dynamically [14]. In transport logistics, integrating optimized material flows with multimodal transport strategies, including railway transport--can significantly reduce costs, lower carbon emissions [15; 16; 17], and improve overall supply chain sustainability [18; 19; 20; 21]. In today's competitive environment, it is essential for businesses to continuously improve their processes. The terms analysis, planning, and optimization are closely interconnected, as following this sequence ensures a continuous improvement cycle, providing companies with competitive advantages and a higher probability of maintaining profitability [22; 23]. Therefore, businesses must place increased emphasis on analyzing and optimizing material flows, enabling them to achieve greater efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen their market position. This paper focuses on identifying deficiencies and proposing solutions in material flow management at a manufacturing company in Veseli nad Luznici, which produced animal feed. The primary objective is to conduct a thorough analysis of the current operational processes to uncover key issues that negatively impact efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall performance of the company's logistics system. Based on the findings, measures are proposed to eliminate identified shortcomings. The layout of the company is presented detailing the spatial arrangement of the workplaces and various sections of the production facility.