Four reasons for innovation and automation in intralogistics
Four reasons for innovation and automation
Due to the enormous growth of e-commerce, and the resulting high demand for labor in the logistics sector, the pressure on intralogistics systems is increasing enormously.
Introduction
Due to the massive growth of e-commerce and the resulting high demand for labor in the logistics sector, pressure on intralogistics systems has significantly increased. This has led to a growing need to optimize and even automate the efficiency of warehouses and production. The logistics industry has been rapidly evolving for years, with new technologies continuously emerging. The market now offers a range of innovative solutions in the areas of automation, robotics, and data intelligence.
These solutions include advanced and intelligent conveyor systems, automated sorting systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and automated storage systems such as picking robots or mini-loaders. Even basic operational activities that are difficult to automate, like order picking, can be made more efficient with systems like pick-to-light or barcode scanners.
Automating logistical bottlenecks in a warehouse, distribution center, or production facility can quickly lead to success and turn the investment into profitability in the short term. However, it's essential to understand that every decision should be based on a unique business case. Designing and implementing an automated intralogistics system is a complex puzzle for every company, whether it’s a family-owned business or a multinational corporation. Below are four key factors to consider before investing in new innovations for your internal logistics:
1. Quick Installation for Rapid Business Growth
In the Netherlands, quick decision-making and flexibility in intralogistics are crucial. Long lead times for machines, which often need to be programmed and tested before they’re operational, pose a significant challenge. A transport or sorting system may perfectly meet design requirements, but could fall short once implemented.
Interroll’s Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP) and Modular Pallet Platform help address these challenges. Their conveyors are pre-assembled as complete modules and come equipped with sensors, MultiControl, and wiring. Thanks to the modular concept, they can be easily and quickly installed, with the flexibility to replace parts during installation if necessary. This plug-and-play approach makes replacing standardized transport modules fast and adaptable, allowing your internal logistics to be automated quickly and at a relatively low cost. These conveyors, as well as pallet conveyors, can operate on both 400V and energy-efficient 24V or 48V RollerDrives. A retrofit of your current transport system is also an option, leading to rapid business growth and increased throughput capacity in your warehouse.
An important next step is choosing the right sorting system. Various types, such as MCP sorters, cross-belt sorters, split-tray sorters, pop-up sorters, or manual sorters, all have their advantages and capacities. A thorough analysis of the products to be sorted based on capacity requirements will help in selecting the right solution.
2. Reducing Downtime, Workload, and Accidents
The high consumer and business demand for shorter delivery times puts immense pressure on warehouse turnaround times. No logistics company can afford machine downtime anymore. Additionally, warehouse workers are increasingly vulnerable due to heightened workloads and the growing risk of workplace accidents. Frequent interactions between forklifts and workers raise the likelihood of collisions. Automated order-picking solutions like AGVs, automated storage systems using picking robots or mini-loaders, or automated pallet storage can immediately reduce downtime and the risk of accidents.
The Nipper AGV autonomous pallet truck is designed with warehouse worker safety in mind. These AGVs are equipped with safety scanners and meet the strictest safety standards, automatically stopping to avoid collisions when potential dangers are detected.
With a TBWB Mini-Load LT or a picking robot like the Rowa Vmax for efficient storage of individual SKUs, your warehouse can have fully automated storage. These solutions enable you to store both small and large products in bulk, using a goods-to-person picking method, where operators receive the necessary items at their picking stations without moving from their location. This ensures optimal storage utilization and smooth inventory throughput.
3. Addressing the Shortage of Order-Picking Capacity
The rapid growth of e-commerce and internal logistics poses major challenges for every warehouse in improving the order-picking process. Order patterns are becoming more complex, requiring more staff for order picking and expanded material handling capabilities. These material handling challenges can be addressed with industrial robots and task-specific machines, such as palletizers, pallet packaging machines, measuring and weighing equipment (DMWS), and automatic packaging machines.
Order-picking processes can be quickly and easily automated by integrating pick-to-light systems into your warehouse. This system is ideal for use with a foreign workforce, as it is language-independent. With pick-to-light, new staff can quickly become part of the order-picking process.
The first step toward sustainability is, of course, going paperless in your warehouse processes. Using 1D and 2D QR barcode scanners can streamline the order-picking process, reduce warehouse staff travel time, and directly increase order-picking efficiency. Wireless Bluetooth barcode scanners pair seamlessly with common Android applications like PocketApp, which communicate orders directly with your ERP or WMS system.
4. Cost Reduction and Improved Sustainability
Automating your warehouse is both cost-effective and sustainable. AGVs can reduce costs by working 24/7, without the need for overtime pay. The Nipper AGV has a charging time of just 30 minutes and can operate for 4-5 hours non-stop, improving just-in-time logistics and lowering costs for optimal warehouse management. This helps reduce waste and boosts inventory turnover.
Thanks to their smooth and efficient operation, AGVs consume less energy than traditional pallet trucks and forklifts. Moreover, AGVs can work overnight and in complete darkness, leading to direct savings on electricity and heating costs in the warehouse.
Whatever your challenge, TBWB provides solutions for every type of internal logistics automation. Interested in finding out if automating your logistics operations is right for you? Contact us at 0161 411 916 or via email at sales@tbwb.nl.
TBWB has a solution for every logistical challenge!
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