An intralogistics process: where do you start?
That your transport solution must work efficiently is as certain as the sun will rise. For you, it’s really more about the ‘how’. How do you attain an intralogistics process with a perfect flow? Where all parts of the chain integrate smoothly with each other, including mixing, packaging, and taping. Rens Buschers, engineer at FS Solutions, explains where to start.
The ‘why’ leads to the ‘how’
‘Why do you want to automate?’, Rens began. ‘One customer hopes to save costs, while another wants to produce faster. The reason is very important as it’s the basis for us determining whether a transport solution is the best option.’ For example, if you want to increase productivity by three, you may need multiple conveyor systems. It is possible that you may have to overhaul your entire intralogistics process.
And it works the same the other way around. For example, do you want to automate to make your company more flexible? Then another solution may also achieve that goal. ‘We’re very honest about such things’, said Rens. ‘We want the investment to be completely worth it. Which is why we always include the why in our recommendation.’
‘The approach changed occasionally because our question was not yet defined. The FS Solutions team handled this quite well.They participated in many of our meetings where we got everyone on the same page.’- Berry Selhorst, Head of Operations at Drake & Farrell
Recoup your investment
You want the investment to pay for itself. Determine how long this should take to happen. This gives you more control over the available budget. Also consider spending that may seem pricey now, but will reap you benefits later on. ‘For example, parcel carriers impose penalties when parcels exceed the maximum volumetric weight. You can place a scale in your conveyor system to eliminate such errors. If that prevents penalties amounting to seventy euros for three overweight shipments per day, the investment quickly pays for itself.’
Small space, huge challenge
Nothing is more decisive than space. If it is limited, the challenge is huge. ‘This is something we’re enthusiastic about. We can then consider how the transport solution integrates into the intralogistics process.’ However, real challenges sometimes also require higher investments. ‘It’s more advantageous for the customer if we don’t have to work at heights or with lifts.’
Our customers faced such challenges
Do you only have a limited amount of space at your disposal? According to Rens, that should not be a problem. ‘Flexibility is important. Can we install the conveyor system at all places on site? And are racks or packing tables not in a fixed place? That gives us room to work with the available options and thus minimise the costs of the intralogistics process.’
