PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES EMBRACING AUTOMATION
GUIDANCE AUTOMATION
Creating a more efficient and engaged workforce – and a safer working environment
Few manufacturing and logistics companies are unscathed from ongoing challenges over the last few years ; from supply chain disruptions , the difficulty of recruiting skilled staff , and the rapid rise in costs . To safeguard margins and profitability , efficiency improvements have become an imperative .
One way to transform productivity is by investing in automation . It can create a far more efficient and engaged workforce – and a safer working environment . Yet , too many companies have held back due to a fear of business disruption and a lack of available funds .
The good news is that automation doesn ’ t have to be disruptive or expensive . From Autonomous Mobile Robots ( AMRs ) to lightdirected material handling solutions , with the right approach , companies can embrace automation step-by-step , adding value and building confidence with every small change .
Automation technologies , from AMRs to Pick-to-Light solutions , can be added without disruption or upheaval . It is a simple process to add one or two AMRs into an area of operation to reduce the amount of time spent walking by humans , for example . Not only can this automation be introduced seamlessly into the existing set up , but AMRs can even be trialled without cost with the right business partner . And once a company has experienced the ease of which an AMR can work side-by-side with humans , the business may evaluate the benefits of adding Pick-to-Light to reduce error rate and improve efficiency .
With an incremental approach to automation , the investment can be specifically targeted at the biggest areas of business pain . The entire process can be achieved step by step , reflecting a business ’ needs and investment options – making it far easier to build a business case for automation . For example , by using AMRs to reduce the physical demands on staff , a company cuts the risk of injury and frees up staff to undertake added value roles , such as quality assurance .
For any company unsure on where to prioritise , there is help available . Working with a partner who can assess the current operational environment and suggest where an AMR could take on the heavy lifting , for example , can help to refine plans . With the addition of a free AMR trial , cost and disruption concerns are addressed . Manufacturing and logistics operations can confidently explore the power of automation to support the human workforce , creating a safe , productive environment .
Automation technologies , from AMRs to Pick-to- Light solutions , can be added without disruption or upheaval .
For further information , please visit www . guidanceautomation . com
126 PECM Issue 61