Global AGV case study

PALpack have recently installed a Global AGV system into one of the UK’s leading parcel distributors. The criteria for this project was that a machine had to be supplied for a two-week trial period and it also had to be supplied very quickly. This outline made it almost impossible for most suppliers of AGV, due to significant infrastructure which had to be installed, before any AGV could operate. Also, the paths that needed to be taken by the AGV would have to be programmed and dedicated software had to be written.

Global AGVs are in stock, with around 150 machines available for immediate delivery. The Global system is unique, in that there is no software to be written and no infrastructure needed. Our machine was delivered within two weeks of the order being placed. Our engineer then went to site and installed the machine in three days. Our AGV has ground-breaking software, so we “walk” the AGV around the factory, whilst a built-in scanner maps the entire factory. Once this is done, the resulting map is stored inside the machine, simply picking the pick-up and put-down points and drawing lines between these positions, finishing the programming.

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PALpack is the UK’s agent for Global AGV, and we’ve been leaders in automation for over 25 years. We work closely with you to ensure your specifications are met, and the automation works exactly as required. For more information, please get in touch – we’d be happy to discuss your requirements with you.

Our partners at Global AGV recently announced that the payback period for some of its automated guided vehicles is less than one year. With such a quick return on investment, would it make more financial sense to replace manpower with an automation system? We think so, and here’s why.

Reduced labour costs

Labour is the biggest outlay for most businesses, and if you have a large workforce with more than one shift then you are probably paying out more than you would like. Automating some of the more manual jobs will reduce headcount and save money on your direct costs.

Saving on your wage bill will help you pay off the cost of your automation system quicker. We estimate that you will see a return on investment after just 12 months.

Increase in productivity

People tire, they have accidents, and even lose concentration near the end of a long shift. Machines don’t – they are able to work 24/7 without a reduction in productivity. Their results are consistent, and you can rely on their continued output over the course of a day, a week, or even a year.

What’s more by taking away the burden of heavy-duty manual processes you can cut down on common injuries to your workforce, from knee strain to pulled backs.

Automation systems

An automated guidance vehicle (AGV) is just one way of automating a repetitive manual process in a production or manufacturing facility. These robotic vehicles can be programmed to do whatever you need, for example, picking up empty pallets or returning loaded pallets to the warehouse.

These machines are energy efficient, low cost to run, and packed with other benefits, such as:

• • quick and easy installation
  • seamless integration into existing operations
  • flexible programming for workflow changes
  • 360° obstruction sensors for safety
  • No need for added infrastructure, which means our AGVs do not require magnetic guide strips embedded into your shop floor, as we use a GPS system
  • The programming of the Global system, is done by simply walking the AGV through the path you wish the AGV to travel in
  • Two weeks lead time for delivery and two to three days installation and training

The cost of buying machinery shouldn’t be a barrier to businesses looking to update their systems and processes. With payback in one year, you can invest in the future knowing that you’ll see a return on investment quicker than you think.

Contact PALpack

If you want to know how automation systems can save your business money, contact PALpack today for expert advice and guidance.

Innovation has always been a key driver in manufacturing. From breaking out in your market to improving production quality and processes, it’s crucial to keep innovating to remain competitive.

Introducing new products, processes or technologies has always been integral to keeping the manufacturing industry moving. It’s accepted that we are in the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ – generally powered by a problem, constraint or opportunity, innovation ensures that you’re not being left behind in your market.

Product innovation

Introducing new products into your offering is a straightforward way to innovate, especially if your setup can handle the change of product or the setup doesn’t need adjusting at all.

This is an action that occurs regularly with food manufacturing. As an example, a new flavour of biscuit wouldn’t require much adjustment of processes or technology.

However, the issue with product innovation is that because it’s something easily implemented – patents aside – it’s easily replicated, and so doesn’t provide a competitive advantage for long.

Innovation of processes

Processes in manufacturing can include sourcing or introducing new methods of production. Much of this goes hand in hand with innovations in technology.

Automating processes is becoming increasingly commonplace, although we wrote recently about a notable lack of innovation in the UK. Options can include Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which improve internal logistics by transporting pallets using robotics. Those manufacturers that don’t choose to invest in innovating will be at a serious disadvantage as the industry moves on.

As Industry Today comments in their article, Rethinking Innovation in Manufacturing, “We’re entering an era where digital technology is so entrenched we take it for granted.” Clients have ever higher expectations for optimal delivery times, quality and pricing. It’s impossible to continuously improve these factors now without the addition of technology.

Key benefits of innovation

Innovation in manufacturing requires buy-in at every level of the company. Taking advantage of automation technology would benefit your company in more than one way. It would:

• improve efficiency
• increase productivity
• speed up turnaround times
• reduce costs
• improve profitability
• meet or exceed client expectations
• increase your competitive advantage

Government support in innovation

The UK government is investing £147 million in the Made Smarter scheme. This funding helps businesses secure a competitive advantage by introducing new technology into their manufacturing operations.

Contact PALpack

If you’re ready to explore how automation could help your business innovate, get in touch with PALpack today.

A recent IFR report has shown that the UK is falling behind in the use of robots in manufacturing.

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) calculates robot density as the number of robot units per 10,000 employees. The global average is 113, and although Western Europe is the most advanced region in the world when it comes to automation, the only G7 country with a below-average uptake is the UK.

The UK’s robot density is 91, which means it falls far short of appearing on the league tables produced by the IFR. Singapore tops the current chart with a robot density of 918.

Being left behind

It’s a real fear that the UK will be left behind in productivity and then in investments. To compete with productivity abroad, the UK must innovate.

Part of the summary of a 2019 report on Automation and the future of work from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee read:

“The UK led the First Industrial Revolution because we embraced new technologies and the opportunities that they create. The risk we face is not a robot takeover of our workplaces, but that our lack of adoption and the reluctance of businesses and the Government to lead the way in the Fourth Industrial Revolution means other countries will seize the initiative and take the advantage of new technologies, not least the growth and jobs they bring, while we are left behind.”

The report goes on to note that we failed to lead on innovation in automation as a country, but that we should be adopting it before investment ceases.

What’s causing a lack of innovation in the UK?

At PALpack, we have talked about automation with companies for decades, and we have found three main reasons for a lack of uptake:

• Fear of the unknown or making a change
• Lack of investment
• Lack of available space

We’ve worked with manufacturers to alleviate all of these concerns. In order to maintain competitive production levels, improve efficiency and grow the company, the natural next step is to leverage technology to do the hard work.

Automating your process

One of the options for those companies starting out in automation is an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). AGVs automate internal pallet transports and free up time and employer resources for more valuable tasks. With an AGV, you reduce labour costs, improve the work environment, and increase efficiency – an economical win for your company that also optimises your internal logistics from day one.

AGV installation is simple, and it can be integrated into your existing environment within 3-4 days from delivery. You get increased efficiency with a system that can work day and night, and a flexible and simple route configuration. Payback period on our AGV is less than one year.

Innovate with PALpack

PALpack’s decades of experience in the automation industry means that you’ll get expert advice on the robotics that will make the biggest impact on your production. Get in touch for more information.

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) travel factory floors, warehouses or distribution centres on a marked path to carry out the work of forklifts and conveyors, automating processes traditionally carried out by humans. What’s the human impact when a business decides to buy one of these robots, and how has the pandemic influenced investment in a machine workforce?

How has Coronavirus affected investment in AGVs?

AGVs are a well-established tool and were already on the rise before Coronavirus appeared, but the growth in ecommerce over the course of the pandemic, spurred on by shopping restrictions such as lockdown and mask enforcement, has only cleared the way for automated processes. Customer demands and expectations are high and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are efficient – fast and accurate.

The benefits of AGVs

There is no doubt that there are many positives to investing in automated equipment. Some benefits include:

• Fewer mistakes made
• Greater speed and no breaks
• Increased safety
• Scalable
• Increased productivity
• Integration to existing systems

Will jobs be created?

As TechHQ writes, automation will likely both kill and create jobs as the human focus shifts to robotic skills. For health and safety reasons alone, The International Federation of Robots (IFR) advises changing hiring practices and educating the workforce as short-term strategies, but that in the longer term, training will need to come much earlier – starting as early as school age. A recent IFR report found that there will be a high demand for workers with robotic skills to aid in post-Corona recovery, so we’re not getting rid of the human element just yet.

AGVs in action

At PALpack, we offer AGV solutions from Global, which can integrate into existing technology or operate as a standalone machine. The ease of programming is a huge benefit, installation takes days, rather than weeks and new programs can be added by simply “walking” the AGV through a new path.