With the sudden and rapid development of the whole e-commerce volume, the shortage of skilled labor increases, and the demand for improving warehouse and production efficiency also intensifies. Industrial automation seems to be the solution to all logistics problems. Excellent material handling experts have spent decades researching new technologies to improve efficiency, increase productivity and eliminate the risk of human error.
A recent article on this topic by McKinsey, a global consulting giant, shows that with AI controlling the repetitive tasks that warehouse operators must perform, the emergence of a new logistics model will lead to the automation of many operations by 2030. It is predicted that in this industry, we will see fully automated elevated warehouses and automated forklifts shuttling through the aisle.
However, the decision to automate the material handling process is not as simple as the solution itself. In order to succeed, the company's operation must be considered and analyzed in detail. How many activities are repetitive and can benefit from automation? Which areas have problems due to lack of skills or manpower? Which operations are not time efficient? What are your overall expectations for automation?
(1) Support business growth
Companies that want to grow their business and increase productivity often think that factory automation is the solution. Today's AGVs are not only easier to implement and more extensive than ever before, but in many cases they have proven to actually help companies improve productivity and achieve an attractive return on investment.
(2) Improve work quality
In the field of logistics, retaining qualified warehouse staff may be a real challenge. Warehouse activities may be repetitive, demanding and stressful, requiring many actions to be completed in a short or long distance. Through the introduction of industrial automation system in the field of repeated work, employees can get rid of these monotonous tasks and engage in other value-added activities, which will have more returns and open up new job opportunities. This will improve staff morale. AGV can also provide many career opportunities in the field of maintenance.
(3) Reduce costs
As an automatic lift vehicle, AGV can reduce the cost of ordinary and special personnel, because they can work during the day, at night and on weekends. This facilitates timely logistics operations, which in turn reduces costs and inventory levels. AGV also helps to create more streamlined operations, enabling your business to reduce waste and improve the productivity of inventory leaving the warehouse.
In addition, AGV can help companies reduce costs caused by accidental damage to facilities and staff, health and safety costs. As AGVs use scanners and sensors to manipulate goods with high accuracy, damage to goods and infrastructure and health and safety issues are also reduced.
(4) Reduce the risk of accidents
Operators may face the risk of accidents in the workplace because their working environment is fast-paced, forklifts and people often cross, and there is a great possibility of collision and damage.
Our automatic forklift series is designed on the premise of safety. The possibility of accidents in the workplace can be reduced by replacing the manual operation of the forklift with the manual operation of the AGS. TOYOTA's autonomous vehicle equipped with a safety scanner continuously monitors its operational environment and avoids danger. Once a potential hazard is detected, the AGV will automatically stop to avoid collision. An automated industrial system is not only more efficient, but also safer.
(5) Improve sustainability
Companies seeking to make their operations more environmentally friendly can greatly benefit from the use of AGVs. Their efficient and smooth driving helps reduce waste and requires less energy than traditional fuel sources.
In addition, the progress of lithium battery technology makes it possible to abandon the charging room of AGV forklift. Charging can be completed automatically, and the battery itself saves 30% more energy than the alternative power supply. Since AGV can be used at night and in a completely dark environment, the cost of electricity and heating in the warehouse can also be reduced.
Warehouse automation system
Of course, although AGVs have many advantages, they are not always the correct answer to all logistics needs. This is the case when non repetitive tasks are not so easy or economical to automate, which is why material handling experts always advocate that the best solution is to combine automated machines with supporting the work of skilled personnel.
