Oct 10, 2023 | ABCO Systems, AGV, AMR, Automation, E-commerce, order fulfillment, Robotics, Supply Chain
In the labyrinth world of modern warehousing, where precision and efficiency reign supreme, the emergence of Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) has been nothing short of revolutionary. AGVs are able to navigate through this intricate maze, transforming the way businesses handle material transport within their facilities. In this guide, we embark on a journey through the winding paths of AGVs, unveiling their capabilities, diverse applications, and the manifold benefits they bring to the logistics and warehousing business operations.
AGVs: The Vanguard of Automation
Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are self-contained, self-propelled robotic vehicles engineered to perform material transport tasks autonomously. These tireless machines navigate through warehouses using an array of navigation systems, each with its unique advantages and applications.
The Navigation Spectrum
AGVs use several different types of navigation systems, each designed to suit specific environments and tasks:
Magnetic Guide Tape: AGVs equipped with magnetic sensors follow predefined paths marked by magnetic tape on the floor, making them ideal for precise, repeatable routes.
Wired Navigation: Wired navigation uses embedded wires or cables in the floor to guide AGVs, ensuring they remain on their designated paths.
Laser Target Navigation: AGVs use lasers to identify and follow reflective targets placed strategically throughout the warehouse, providing flexibility in route planning.
Inertial Navigation: These AGVs rely on accelerometers and gyroscopes to track their movement, making them adaptable to dynamic environments.
Vision Guidance: Vision-based systems use cameras and machine vision algorithms to navigate, offering high flexibility and adaptability.
Geoguidance: These systems utilize natural features like landmarks or magnetic fields for navigation, ideal for outdoor or non-standard environments.
LiDAR: AGVs equipped with LiDAR sensors create detailed maps of their surroundings, enabling precise positioning and obstacle avoidance.
Applications for AGVs
AGVs are versatile workhorses with applications spanning various industries:
Automated Guided Carts: Ideal for carrying smaller loads and materials within factories and warehouses.
Forklift AGVs: Equipped with forklift mechanisms, these AGVs excel in pallet handling and are commonly used in logistics and distribution centers.
Towing AGVs: These AGVs tow multiple carts, optimizing material flow and reducing the need for manual transport.
Unit Load Handlers: Designed for heavy lifting, unit load handlers excel in moving large, single items.
Heavy Burden Carriers: These robust AGVs are built for transporting exceptionally heavy loads, making them indispensable in industries like automotive manufacturing.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): AMRs are highly adaptable AGVs that can be programmed for various tasks, from material transport to collaborative operations with human workers.
Benefits of AGVs
The adoption of AGVs in warehouses and manufacturing facilities yields a multitude of benefits:
Increased Efficiency: AGVs operate 24/7, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. Their precise navigation minimizes travel time and optimizes material flow.
Enhanced Accuracy: AGVs are programmed to follow predefined routes with exceptional precision, reducing the risk of human error in material handling.
Labor Cost Reduction: With AGVs handling routine tasks, human workers can focus on higher-value activities, leading to labor cost savings.
Space Optimization: AGVs can navigate in tight spaces and vertical storage environments, making the most of available storage space.
Safety: AGVs are equipped with safety features such as obstacle detection and collision avoidance systems, ensuring a safe working environment for both robots and human workers.
Flexibility and Scalability: Warehouses are dynamic environments, and AGVs are designed to adapt. They can be reprogrammed or reconfigured swiftly to accommodate changes in product types, demand patterns, or operational layouts. As businesses grow, AGV fleets can also be easily expanded or reconfigured to adapt to changing needs.
Conclusion
By better understanding the classifications, navigation systems, applications, and potential of AGVs, businesses can make an informed decision on which AGV is right to streamline their operations, enhance accuracy and improve safety. Reach out to us today to get world class consulting and explore the potential of AGVs and the great opportunities they bring to the world of warehousing.
Oct 9, 2023 | Solutions - By Supplier, Uncategorized
Highly scalable high-speed automated sortation for small items
The Sure Sort™ solution is a highly-scalable, cost-effective system that is ideal for handling multi-line ecommerce orders, parcel sorting, and reverse logistics. This high-speed automated sortation system is designed for small items and parcels of any shape weighing up to 5 pounds.
Increasing throughput to meet seasonal peaks or increased demand is easy to implement with expansion modules or additional iBOTs. Compared to existing sorters, the Sure Sort requires fewer touches and with the six-sided scan tunnel, all barcodes can be read regardless of orientation. Sure Sort is an ideal solution for micro-fulfillment centers, small businesses looking for a cost-effective entry into fulfillment automation, and larger fulfillment operations looking to streamline processes.
The Sure Sort is essentially an automated put wall for small items. An operator places items onto a belt that inducts items through the six-sided scan tunnel. Items are deposited onto an iBOT, an intelligent, wireless multi-direction vehicle contained in the system, and then deposited into the designated bin location. Once a bin contains every item to complete the order, an LED light illuminates as part of the pack-to-light system, alerting an operator that the order is ready to be packed for shipment.
The Sure Sort system is easily scalable as your operations grow or to meet seasonal peaks by adding expansion modules or additional iBOTs. Sort locations are highly configurable with different sized containers. It also easily integrates with existing WMS systems.
- Fast, accurate sorting of up to 2,400 items per hour with only three operators
- Easily scalable by adding or removing expansion modules or iBOTs to adjust to seasonal peaks and changes in demand
- Customizable to meet unique customer needs
- Handles parcels and items of differing shapes and sizes, up to 5lbs.
- Compact size
- Integrates easily with existing WMS systems
- Fewer touches required than with existing sorters
- One Sure Sort system can replace up to six traditional put walls
- ROI in as little as two years
- Fast implementation – once delivered, Sure Sort can be operational in as little as three days
- Length: 5.1’ up to 45.8’ (1.55 m up to 13.96 m)
- each additional expansion module is 3.7’ (1.13 m)
- Width: 11’ (3.35 m) at the input conveyor, 5.8’ (1.77 m) at the expansion module
- Height: 8.9’ (2.72 m)
- Product dimensions: Minimum 2” x 2”, up to 15” x 12” W. Height up to 4”
- Product weight: up to 5 lbs (2.27 kg)
- iBOTs: up to 22
- Throughput: up to 2,400 items per hour
Oct 7, 2023 | Solutions - By Technology
Solutions
Sortation Systems
Sortation systems are automated solutions designed to rapidly and accurately separate and route items or products to their respective destinations within a facility. These systems can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them invaluable in industries where high-speed sorting and order fulfillment are essential.
Types of Sortation Systems:
- Belt Sorters: Belt sorters use a series of belts and diverters to guide items to their designated chutes or conveyor lines based on predefined criteria. They are versatile and handle a wide range of product sizes and shapes.
- Shoe Sorters: Shoe sorters feature slanted shoes or paddles that divert items at an angle, allowing for gentle handling of delicate products. They are commonly used in the apparel and e-commerce industries.
- Cross-Belt Sorters: Cross-belt sorters use individually powered belts to move items to their designated locations. They are ideal for handling high volumes of small to medium-sized items.
- Push Tray Sorters: Push tray sorters use trays to transport items to the designated chutes. They are suitable for fragile or irregularly shaped items.
- Tilt Tray Sorters: : Tilt tray sorters utilize trays that tilt to divert items to the correct chute. They are efficient for medium to high throughput operations.
Advantages of Sortation Systems:
- High-Speed Sorting: Sortation systems can process thousands of items per hour, significantly boosting productivity and reducing order fulfillment times.
- Accuracy: Automated sorting reduces the risk of errors associated with manual sorting, ensuring that each item reaches its correct destination.
- Versatility: Sortation systems can handle a wide variety of product sizes, shapes, and weights, making them adaptable to diverse industries.
- Space Optimization: These systems maximize floor space utilization by efficiently routing items, eliminating congestion, and facilitating smooth operations.
- Reduced Labor Costs: Automation reduces the need for manual labor in sorting processes, resulting in long-term cost savings.
- Enhanced Order Fulfillment: Sortation systems enable businesses to meet customer demands for fast and accurate order processing, boosting customer satisfaction.
Applications of Sortation Systems:
- E-commerce and Retail: Crucial in e-commerce warehouses and distribution centers, ensuring swift and precise order picking and shipping.
- Parcel Handling: Logistics companies use it to efficiently sort and route parcels to their respective destinations.
- Postal Services: Postal facilities use it to automate mail and package sorting for timely delivery.
- Food and Beverage: Used in food processing and bottling plants to sort products for packaging and distribution.
Before investing, businesses should consider factors such as the type of products to be sorted, required throughput rates, facility layout, and future scalability.
Sortation systems are the linchpin of modern order fulfillment and logistics operations. Their ability to rapidly and accurately sort and route products is indispensable in today’s fast-paced business environment. Whether in e-commerce, parcel handling, or other industries, these systems offer a myriad of benefits, from increased efficiency and accuracy to reduced labor costs and enhanced customer satisfaction. By embracing the power, businesses can optimize their operations, stay competitive, and meet the ever-growing demands of the modern market. If you’re looking to revolutionize your sorting processes, consider the implementation of a custom sortation system tailored to your specific needs and requirements.
Speak to an ABCO Systems Engineer today.
Oct 3, 2023 | ABCO Systems, Automation, Conveyor, Maintenance, Robotics, Sortation, White Paper
In today’s fast-paced world of material handling and logistics, automation is the name of the game.
But how do you ensure your automation equipment not only performs at its best, but also stands the test of time? Dive into our latest White Paper where we provide a detailed guide how to achieve equipment longevity. Also, discover how ABCO Systems can be your trusted partner in this journey, with our unmatched expertise in automation equipment maintenance and servicing.
Don’t miss out on this essential read!
Click the “Able Approved” icon to download the “Ensuring Longevity: Maintenance and Servicing of Automation Equipment” – White Paper.
Sep 27, 2023 | 3PL, ABCO Systems, AGV, AMR, Automation, Conveyor, E-commerce, order fulfillment, Sortation, third party logistics
In the world of order fulfillment, precision and speed are paramount. Every second counts, and every error can be costly. That’s where cutting-edge Pick Modules come into play, revolutionizing the way businesses handle their picking operations. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of Pick Modules, unveiling how they streamline order picking, increase efficiency, and make the entire process painless.
The Pick Module Advantage
Pick Modules are multi-tiered systems designed to optimize order picking in warehouses. They are carefully engineered to maximize both vertical and horizontal space, creating a highly organized environment where items are readily accessible. Let’s explore how they elevate order fulfillment:
1. Vertical Optimization: In warehousing, vertical space is often underutilized. Pick Modules change the game by stacking inventory vertically while maintaining accessibility. This vertical optimization drastically increases storage capacity, making it possible to store more SKUs in a smaller footprint. This is achieved through the clever integration of conveyors that efficiently transport items to different tiers, effectively utilizing every available inch of space.
2. Speed and Efficiency: Pick Modules are strategically designed to minimize travel time for pickers. Products are stored in a way that ensures fast and efficient retrieval. Conveyors, pick-to-light technology, and pick walls work in harmony within these modules. Conveyors seamlessly transport items to the picker, while pick-to-light systems guide them to the precise location of the required products. Pick walls, equipped with compartments and technology, further aid in streamlining the process. These technologies collectively reduce the distances pickers need to traverse, order fulfillment speeds skyrocket, enabling you to process more orders in less time.
3. Customization: One of the most significant advantages of Pick Modules is their adaptability. They can be tailored to match the specific needs of your products and order profiles. Whether you’re dealing with small, fast-moving items or larger, slower-moving goods, Pick Modules can be configured to accommodate them all. This customization extends to the integration of Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for tasks such as material transport, ensuring a seamless flow of items within the module.
4. Scalability: As your business grows, so does the demand for efficient order fulfillment. Pick Modules are inherently scalable, allowing you to expand your picking capacity without needing to relocate or rebuild your warehouse. This flexibility ensures your operation can evolve with market demands. AGVs, in particular, are a versatile addition, capable of adapting to changing workloads and efficiently moving products in and out of the module.
5. Improved Accuracy: Inaccurate picking can lead to costly errors. Pick Modules are designed to enhance picking accuracy. Products are organized logically, and pickers are guided to the correct locations through technologies such as pick-to-light. This reduction in human error ensures that the right products are selected, reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
6. Ergonomics and Safety: Employee safety is paramount. Pick Modules are often equipped with features like ergonomic workstations and safety measures, reducing the risk of accidents and minimizing strain on workers. This extends to the collaboration between pickers and AMRs or AGVs, where safety systems are implemented to ensure smooth interactions.
The Future of Order Fulfillment
In an era where customers expect swift and error-free deliveries, Pick Modules have emerged as a game-changer for order fulfillment. These systems seamlessly blend advanced technology such as conveyors, pick-to-light systems, pick walls, AMRs, and AGVs with vertical optimization and customization to create a painless, efficient, and future-proof picking process.
By investing in cutting-edge Pick Modules equipped with these technologies, businesses are not only meeting the challenges of today but also preparing for the demands of tomorrow. Contact us today to explore possibilities to get a well-designed Pick Module system in place. By working with us, you’ll not only enhance the speed and accuracy of your order fulfillment but also pave the way for satisfied customers and continued growth.
