Seven Reasons AGVs are making a difference for Companies
by Jeannie Moss, DAIFUKU NORTH AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY
AGVs have been around since the 1950s, and they are more popular today than ever before. You will see this growth at the ProMat show, where dozens of AGV suppliers will showcase their vehicles. If you want to learn more about AGVs, attend one of many educational seminars. Below are seven reasons why more and more companies are using AGVs in Manufacturing and Warehousing.
1. Increasing Flexibility and Scalability –Using AGVs instead of conveyors, allows plants to modify assembly lines without tearing out equipment. AGVs follow a magnetic path that is quick to install and allows for much simpler system expansion than traditional conveyance methods. Also, increasing and decreasing capacity is accomplished by simply adding and removing AGVs from the assembly process.
2. Accommodating Product Changes – By using AGV modifications to the assembled product design that affect station timing can be accommodated by using different speeds or even stopping the carrier.
3. Accommodating Line Balancing – Similar to product changes, found or lost time can also be accommodated with AGVs
4. Making it more Affordable – AGVs are more affordable today than ever, which are guided by magnetic tape, which makes them more affordable and easier to install and modify than traditional AGVs. Finally, the savings that AGVs provide in terms of labor and inventory, make them easy to justify to companies looking for a quick payback.
5. Providing options for New Marketplaces – While AGVs still remain most popular in the manufacturing industry, they are gaining traction in warehousing and distribution, as well. AGVs are increasingly being used to support order fulfillment, end-of-the line delivery, and delivery to and from shipping docks.
6. Increasing Safety in the Workplace – All AGVs are equipped with lasers that automatically stop a vehicle when an object or person appears in its path. In addition, AGVs travel at a controlled speed compared to fork trucks, which results in a more predictable and safe environment.
7. Providing Better Controls and Software – AGV controls and software have significantly advanced in the past few years providing increased vehicle management (dynamic routing, battery monitoring, etc.), better integration with other systems (WMS, PLCS, etc.) and more graphical and comprehensive reports.
Vist ProMatShow.com to learn more.
DAIFUKU NORTH AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY is an MHI member and ProMat exhibitor.
