Using automation technology to optimize the on-time system process

Automation and robotics continue to proliferate across all industries. Especially in the manufacturing industry, the use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is maturing, helping to improve competitiveness while enhancing the resilience and flexibility of operations. The combination of AMR and/or innovative software (such as pick-by-light and warehouse management systems) has the potential to solve many key manufacturing processes and facility-related issues, especially in the context of ongoing labor shortages and sustainable development plans to reduce waste.

As business priorities evolve into the 1 way to respond to today's challenging environment, new processes, such as Just-In-Time (JIT), are being implemented to meet customer needs in the most effective way.

Adopt a just-in-time approach

Another method of traditional manufacturing, also known 1 just-in-time (JIT) processes or lean manufacturing, focuses on producing the exact quantity of goods at the exact time the customer needs. JIT delivery relies on raw materials reaching specific production stages exactly when they are needed-the overall goal is to reduce waste in the warehouse and maximize cost efficiency.

Until recently, AGVs (automated guided vehicles) were often used in manufacturing environments in a fixed manner, with each robot performing a simple, repetitive task. However, due to the need for dynamic routing and agility, this method is difficult to apply to just-in-time manufacturing environments. So, how can businesses overcome these barriers to use automation to maximize JIT strategies?

Embrace AMR

In order to keep the production line running and achieve just-in-time lean manufacturing, the way AMR is deployed can further optimize the strategy, rather than limit them. Autonomous mobile robot programs can be built around just-in-time planning to maximize the efficiency of materials and assembly processes.

AMR can transport pallets, portable racks and special loads around the manufacturing plant, reducing the time it takes workers to manually transport items. Instead, these employees can be redeployed to take on more complex decision-making tasks. This allows manufacturers to reduce the "waste" of waiting time because the process is completed at a faster speed, while simplifying the movement of materials and achieving an optimal JIT strategy. This approach allows businesses to make the most of all resources-humans and robots.

Maximum efficiency through technology

But automation investments need not stop there. In addition to deploying autonomous robots, by combining AMR with complementary technologies, such as pick-by-light (PTL) systems or warehouse management and control systems, manufacturing facilities can achieve maximum efficiency with minimal human intervention. AMR can customize unique features to complement these systems to help operators work more efficiently and pick items faster and more accurately.

For example, the light guide system is a 1 semi-automated solution that can produce rapid gains in pick rate, productivity, accuracy, labor cost and throughput. The PTL system uses light modules installed on shelves or shelves that can guide pickers (or robots used in conjunction with AMR) to find the correct products and quantities required for the job. Eliminating the need for human intervention-traditionally manually checking and cross-out items from pick lists-will help manufacturing companies achieve higher throughput gains and manage high volume pick demand-to meet different requirements and levels of complexity.

In addition, warehouse execution systems (WES), including warehouse management systems (WMS) and warehouse control systems (WCS), are essential for coordinating complete operations by leveraging the real-time input of all automation technologies. For JIT operations in particular, enhanced operational visibility is very beneficial for implementing enhanced job/build completion processes. For manufacturers in particular, this includes maintaining a continuous inventory of parts to achieve just-in-time delivery. The system can be combined with the use of AMR to manage fleets and enhance the workforce for people-to-people picking, sorting and material movement applications.

Conclusion

Integrated collaboration solutions using AMR and warehouse technology can increase efficiency and productivity and reduce the overall process time to produce goods. With a just-in-time approach, manufacturers need to be flexible-having automation and the right technical systems will achieve the required agility in the supply chain.

By partnering with integrated solution providers who can provide AMR as well as complementary technology solutions, manufacturers can benefit from a variety of products to meet their needs, transforming their operations.