Safety is of paramount importance in any warehousing operation. At ABCO Systems, we understand the gravity of this responsibility, and as a leading material handling integrator company, we take it upon ourselves to champion the cause of workplace safety. With this white paper, we aim to shed light on the transformative impact of automated material handling equipment in creating a safer work environment for all.Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a safer working environment.
Click the “Able Approved” icon to download the “Enhancing Safety in Warehousing Operations: The Role of Automated Material Handling Equipment” – White Paper.
Implementing Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in a warehouse can potentially lead to several cost-saving benefits. Here are some ways in which AGVs and AMRs can contribute to cost reduction:
1. Labor Costs and Shortages: AGVs and AMRs can automate material handling tasks previously performed manually by human workers. By replacing or reducing the need for manual labor, companies can save on labor costs, including wages, benefits, and training expenses. Additionally, AGVs and AMRs can operate continuously without breaks, increasing productivity. You can also upskill these workers yy investing in the development of employees’ skills and knowledge; companies can reap several benefits, including increased efficiency, improved employee morale, and a competitive edge.
2. Increased Efficiency: AGVs and AMRs can optimize workflows and reduce inefficiencies in warehouse operations. They can navigate predefined routes, pick up and deliver goods, and transport them to the appropriate locations, all without human intervention. This streamlined process can reduce cycle times, eliminate errors, and improve operational efficiency.
3. Space Utilization: AGVs and AMRs are designed to operate in compact spaces and can navigate narrow aisles, optimizing the use of warehouse space. By utilizing vertical storage systems and efficiently moving goods within the warehouse, AGVs and AMRs can help maximize storage capacity and reduce the need for additional storage facilities or warehouse expansion.
4. Improved Inventory Management: AGVs and AMRs can be integrated with inventory management systems, allowing for real-time tracking and monitoring of inventory levels. This enables better inventory accuracy, reduces stockouts, and minimizes the risk of overstocking, leading to cost savings associated with inventory carrying costs and obsolescence.
5. Reduced Product Damage: AGVs and AMRs are equipped with sensors and collision avoidance systems, reducing the risk of product damage during material handling. This can lower costs associated with damaged goods, returns, and customer dissatisfaction.
6. Energy Efficiency: AGVs and AMRs are often designed to be energy efficient. They can be powered by rechargeable batteries and optimized for minimal energy consumption. By reducing energy usage compared to traditional material handling equipment, such as forklifts or conveyor belts, companies can achieve long-term cost savings on energy bills.
7. Scalability and Flexibility: AGVs and AMRs offer scalability and flexibility in warehouse operations. They can be easily reprogrammed or reconfigured to adapt to changing operational needs, such as adjusting routes, adding, or removing robots, or integrating with new systems. This scalability and flexibility enable efficient resource allocation and minimize the need for significant infrastructure changes or capital expenditures.
It’s important to note that the actual cost savings achieved through the implementation of AGVs, and AMRs can vary depending on factors such as the size of the warehouse, the nature of operations, the specific tasks automated, the initial investment costs, and the level of integration with existing systems. A thorough cost-benefit analysis should be conducted to assess the potential return on investment (ROI) before implementing AGVs and AMRs in a warehouse.
Implementing Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in a warehouse can potentially lead to several cost-saving benefits. Here are some ways in which AGVs and AMRs can contribute to cost reduction:
Labor Costs and Shortages: AGVs and AMRs can automate material handling tasks previously performed manually by human workers. By replacing or reducing the need for manual labor, companies can save on labor costs, including wages, benefits, and training expenses. Additionally, AGVs and AMRs can operate continuously without breaks, increasing productivity. You can also upskill these workers by investing in developing employees’ skills and knowledge; companies can reap several benefits, including increased efficiency, improved employee morale, and a competitive edge.
Increased Efficiency: AGVs and AMRs can optimize workflows and reduce inefficiencies in warehouse operations. They can navigate predefined routes, pick up and deliver goods, and transport them to the appropriate locations, all without human intervention. This streamlined process can reduce cycle times, eliminate errors, and improve operational efficiency.
Space Utilization: AGVs and AMRs are designed to operate in compact spaces and can navigate narrow aisles, optimizing the use of warehouse space. AGVs and AMRs can help maximize storage capacity and reduce the need for additional storage facilities or warehouse expansion by utilizing vertical storage systems and efficiently moving goods within the warehouse.
Improved Inventory Management: AGVs and AMRs can be integrated with inventory management systems, allowing for real-time tracking and monitoring of inventory levels. This enables better inventory accuracy, reduces stockouts, and minimizes the risk of overstocking, leading to cost savings associated with inventory carrying costs and obsolescence.
Reduced Product Damage: AGVs and AMRs are equipped with sensors and collision avoidance systems, reducing the risk of product damage during material handling. This can lower costs associated with damaged goods, returns, and customer dissatisfaction.
Energy Efficiency: AGVs and AMRs are often designed to be energy efficient. They can be powered by rechargeable batteries and optimized for minimal energy consumption. Companies can achieve long-term cost savings on energy bills by reducing energy usage compared to traditional material handling equipment, such as forklifts or conveyor belts.
Scalability and Flexibility: AGVs and AMRs offer scalability and flexibility in warehouse operations. They can be easily reprogrammed or reconfigured to adapt to changing operational needs, such as adjusting routes, adding or removing robots, or integrating with new systems. This scalability and flexibility enable efficient resource allocation and minimize the need for significant infrastructure changes or capital expenditures.
It’s important to note that the actual cost savings achieved through the implementation of AGVs and AMRs can vary depending on factors such as the, size of the warehouse, the nature of operations, the specific tasks automated, the initial investment costs, and the level of integration with existing systems. A thorough cost-benefit analysis should be conducted to assess the potential return on investment (ROI) before implementing AGVs and AMRs in a warehouse. Click below for a cost-benefit analysis and see how ABCO can help you determine your cost savings with AGVs, AMRs and a diverse array of Warehouse Automation solutions.
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Shannan Newsome
Sr. Vice-President of Sales
Shannan has over two decades of Warehouse, Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Robotic Automation experience. She has broad and focused functional experience in the global arena, including Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics across multiple industries, modes of transportation, and systems working with clients across North America and Europe.
Robotics has the potential to revolutionize the distribution industry, improving efficiency, accuracy, and speed of operations. This article will explore the current state of robotics in distribution, the benefits and challenges of implementing these technologies, and the potential future of robotics in the industry.
Current State of Robotics in Distribution:
Robotics is already being used in a variety of roles within the distribution industry. These include tasks such as order picking, packing, sorting, and transportation. Some distribution centers have implemented fully automated systems, while others have adopted a hybrid approach, using robotics to complement the work of human employees.
One example of a company that has successfully implemented robotics in its distribution operations is Amazon. The company uses a variety of robotic systems in its fulfillment centers, including Kiva robots for order picking and transportation and Pegasus robots for sorting packages. These systems have allowed Amazon to improve efficiency and speed of operations, leading to faster delivery times for customers.
Benefits of Implementing Robotics in Distribution:
There are several benefits to implementing robotics in distribution operations. These include:
Increased efficiency: Robotics can work 24/7 without breaks, allowing for uninterrupted operations. In addition, robots can perform tasks with high accuracy and precision, reducing the need for rework and correcting errors.
Improved accuracy: Robotics can help reduce the risk of errors in tasks such as order picking and packing, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Reduced labor costs: By automating tasks that are currently performed by humans, companies can reduce labor costs.
Increased speed: Robotics can help speed up operations, leading to faster delivery times for customers.
Challenges of Implementing Robotics in Distribution:
There are also several challenges to implementing robotics in distribution operations. These include:
High upfront costs: Implementing robotics can be expensive, with the cost of purchasing and installing the systems being a significant barrier for some companies.
Lack of skilled labor: There is currently a shortage of skilled workers who are able to program and maintain robotic systems. This can make it difficult for companies to find the personnel needed to implement and maintain these systems.
Complexity of operations: Distribution centers often have a high level of complexity, with a wide range of products being stored and shipped. This can make it difficult to implement robotic systems that are able to handle the diversity of tasks required.
Limited adaptability: Robotics systems are not currently able to adapt to changes in operations as easily as human workers. This can make it difficult to respond quickly to changes in demand or shifts in the market.
The Future of Robotics in Distribution:
Despite the challenges, the future of robotics in distribution looks bright. As technology continues to improve and costs decrease, more and more companies will likely adopt robotics in their operations. In the future, it is possible that fully automated distribution centers will become more common, with robots taking on an even wider range of tasks.
Robotics has the potential to revolutionize the distribution industry, improving efficiency, accuracy, and speed of operations. While there are challenges to implementing these technologies, the benefits and potential for growth make it an attractive option for many companies. As technology continues to improve, we will see increasing adoption of robotics in the distribution industry.
ABCO Systems offers years of expertise and insight into product flow to help you navigate any challenges you may face in the design and implementation of automation and robotics in your warehouse distribution. We maintain relationships with the top robotics and automation solutions suppliers to help you find the right solution for your unique situation. CLICK for more information or a consultation on how we can help you increase efficiency and productivity in your warehouse.
*Image depicts robotic solutions from Addverb Technologies on display in the ABCO Systems Showroom and Training Center.
Thank you to everyone who attended the DC Velocity webinar on December 15th, where we collaborated with our partner Addverb Technologies. For those unable to attend, we are pleased to provide a link here where you can view the webinar.
For further information on how ABCO Systems can help you navigate your Automation and Robotics needs, CLICK HERE, and an ABCO Team member will contact you.
Over the past several years, as warehouse automation has become a necessity rather than a luxury, companies of all sizes have started investing more in warehouse robots. Using automated robots helps to streamline how goods are sorted and shipped, increases productivity, and raises the stakes of the game for warehouses throughout the country.
As demand for warehouse automation continues to grow, warehouses big and small are looking into which robots make sense for their warehouse. At ABCO Systems, we want you to understand the different options for robots and which solution might help take your warehouse to the next level.
AMRs
What are AMRs?
AMR stands for Autonomous Mobile Robot — a self-contained machine that can be programmed to carry out a wide range of material moving activities.
An AMR does not need human supervision thanks to sophisticated sensors and cameras that it uses to see. This gives it the ability to detect if a human or obstacle is in the way and move out of the way accordingly which helps keep warehouses safe even while introducing automation.
What can AMRs do?
Transport and sort goods
Help with the picking process
Manage inventory
Avoid collisions with humans, objects, and fixed structures
Benefits of AMRs:
Increases efficiency and productivity by eliminating the need for workers to complete repetitive, physical tasks
Frees up employees to focus on more important tasks
Streamlines picking processes which reduces human error
Saves time, cuts costs, and increases productivity
Can work safely with humans
Smaller than other machinery including forklifts
Can obey programming instructions
Can be deployed in minutes with proper route mapping
Types of AMRs:
Picking and putting which picks up items and places them where they are needed
Inventory management to track SKUs in real-time and alert the need to replenish low stock
Transportation for bringing direct goods to their next stop
AMRs are dependable and can work for 12-15 hours before needing to be charged. A single robot can free up to two employees, allowing them to work on other more important jobs. If your team is constantly carting things around large areas, AMR technology will benefit your warehouse.
AGVs
What are AGVs?
AGV stands for Autonomous Guided Vehicle — an unmanned guided vehicle that completes automated repetitive tasks that help keep warehouses moving smoothly. AGVs move materials from one part of the warehouse to another, often delivered directly to processing lines via a predetermined path mapped by QR codes on the floor. By using an AGV, a warehouse is more likely to keep running smoothly rather than deal with delays due to waiting on humans.
What differentiates an AGV from an AMR is an AGV travels on a predetermined path and cannot make corrections to its path in real time.
What can AGVs do?
Transport raw materials
Deliver materials directly to production lines
Deliver materials without needing human interaction
Move materials to storage or retrieve items from storage
Benefits of AGVs:
Increases efficiency and productivity by eliminating the need for workers to complete repetitive, physical tasks
Frees up employees to focus on more important tasks
Streamlines picking processes which reduces human error
Saves time, cuts costs, and increases productivity
Can work safely with humans
Smaller than other machinery including forklifts
Can obey programming instructions
Types of AGVs:
Carts that move around the facility and carry materials
Tuggers which can pull carts with loads up to 50,000lbs
Forklifts that can move paper rolls, coils, and more
Unit-load that can move single products such as a pallet or bin
Heavy haul that can move machinery up to 250,000lbs
How to choose between AMR and AGV
AGVs have been a warehouse staple for decades and were first introduced in the 1950s. Until recently, they were one of the only options for automating the repetitive tasks of bringing goods from one place to another. However, with the introduction of AMRs, their status as the primary warehouse robot is being challenged.
AMRs are more sophisticated, flexible, and cost-effective. They are also more autonomous when maneuvering and can detect objects and move around them or stop. For example, if an AMR detects a human moving towards it is trained to get out of the way while AVRs follow predetermined tracks on the floor and cannot adjust their path, even to avoid hitting a person or machine.
5 Differences between AMRs and AGVs:
AMRs have better data collection than AGVs
AMRs are safer than AGVs because AMRs can move around objects and humans in their path while AGVs cannot
AMRs are more cost-effective than AGVs as it does not require changing the building infrastructure needed to create the predetermined paths AGVs use
AGVs have a simpler control system and sensors than an AMR
AGVs stick to their path while AMRs can become “lost” when crossing large expanses of floor space
We hope that this article was able to shed some light upon the differences between AGVs and AMRs. While Automation continues to become an integral part of warehouse operations, robotics may still feel like uncharted territory that is financially out of reach for many businesses. Remember that the cost of robotics is highly dependent upon many factors. As a Systems Integrator, ABCO Systems is at your service to help you navigate your way through the countless options in robotics and all other aspects of automation.
To learn more about if an AGV or AMR is right for your warehouse, or to set up a consultation to discuss your challenges and how we can offer solutions to fit your unique needs, CLICK HERE and an ABCO Systems Team member will put you in touch with the right team to make your dreams of Robotics a reality.
