Material Handling Automation
Material handling automation uses a wide range of automatic guided vehicles, robotics, and drones to transport and store materials without human intervention. Equipment automatically lift, rotate, and shift materials, fetch and carry loads to and from racks, store and retrieve materials, transport loads over long distances, and can deliver and collect loads to and from a wide range of conveyors, processing machines, palletising systems and automated storage and retrieval systems. The improved accuracy and precision of these systems improves efficiency, reduces cycle times, and creates a safer working environment. They are commonly deployed to handle sensitive or hazardous materials and to operate in harsh conditions. Material handling systems use sensors, such as lasers and radars, to identify and stop when in proximity to obstacles that cross their path. They are also equipped with readers to read RFID tags or other identifiers that are attached to loads. And they are typically controlled by a warehouse management system that tracks orders, inventory and equipment status, and coordinates routes and distribution plans. This is critical part of a just in time supply chain Orchestration system.
Customers: Customers value mass customization for the ability to personalize products according to their unique preferences, tastes, and requirements. Customization options empower customers to create products that reflect their individuality, resulting in higher satisfaction and engagement with the brand.
Designers: Designers play a crucial role in mass customization by creating adaptable product designs that can be easily customized and personalized. They collaborate closely with customers to understand their needs and preferences, translating them into customizable design elements and options.
Warehouse Managers: Warehouse managers value automation for its ability to optimize space utilization, improve inventory accuracy, and enhance order fulfillment processes. Automation systems provide real-time visibility into inventory levels, enabling proactive decision-making and efficient warehouse management.
Operators and Technicians: Operators and technicians benefit from automation by being able to focus on higher-value tasks, such as equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and process optimization. Automation systems reduce manual labor and repetitive tasks, creating safer and more ergonomic working environments.
Automated Equipment: Automated material handling equipment includes conveyors, sorters, robotic arms, palletizers, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). These technologies automate tasks such as loading, unloading, sorting, picking, and transporting materials, improving efficiency and reducing manual labor.
Control Systems: Control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, orchestrate the operation of automated equipment, monitor process parameters, and enable real-time control and optimization of material handling operations.
Sensor Data: Sensors embedded in automated equipment collect data on material movement, location, and condition. This sensor data provides insights into equipment performance, process efficiency, and potential bottlenecks, enabling proactive maintenance and optimization of material handling operations.
Inventory Data: Automated systems integrate with inventory management software to track inventory levels, monitor stock movements, and manage replenishment processes. Real-time inventory data allows businesses to maintain optimal stock levels, prevent stockouts, and minimize excess inventory holding costs.
Equipment Installation: Automated material handling systems, such as conveyor belts, robotic pickers, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), are installed and configured according to the specific needs of the facility. This may involve redesigning workflows, retrofitting existing infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Software Integration: Automation systems are integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and other software applications to enable seamless data exchange and process orchestration. Integration ensures that material handling operations are synchronized with broader business processes and objectives.
