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Today’s warehouses and production sites are under pressure to cut waste and maximise efficiency, more than ever before. Introducing automation into processes can meet this challenge, by automating simple processes or a complete system conversion for large operations, businesses can add a new dimension of efficiency.
But, how can the introduction of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) optimise your material handling processes?
1. Optimise your flow of goods
Automated forklifts contribute to a smoother material flow within a facility. By reducing bottlenecks and optimising transport routes, they ensure that goods move efficiently through the handling process. This increase in consistency improves order fulfilment rates and enhances overall performance within the supply chain.
2. Overcome labour shortages and optimise your use of staff
With automated guided vehicles doing the repetitive work, your workers become available to handle more complex tasks with added value, leading to a more efficient warehouse.
3. Minimising human error and product damage
Manual forklift operations, while skilled, are inherently prone to human error—especially under time pressure or fatigue. Accidental collisions, dropped loads, or incorrect pallet placements can lead to product damage and costly rework.
AGVs operate using sensors and systems that enable them to navigate accurately, detect obstacles, and handle materials with consistent precision. This eliminates the variability of manual handling, dramatically reducing product waste and equipment wear.
4. Improved safety
AGV are equipped with state-of-the-art safety laser scanners which detect any obstacle and stop when needed. Reducing the risk of damage within warehouse operations.
This secures a safe working environment, even when working closely to humans.
5. Cost savings
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) deliver cost savings not only by reducing labour expenses but also through improved material handling efficiency, minimised product damage, optimised energy use, and reduced downtime.
6. Reduced energy and resource waste
By optimising travel paths and load handling, AGVs minimise unnecessary movements and idling time.
This precision and efficiency not only lower energy costs but also reduce overall carbon footprint—aligning with sustainability goals and regulatory expectations for greener operations.
Size doesn’t matter
No matter the size or type of your business, automation can provide added value. Yes, even for small business owners and manufacturers!
This can be done with a step-by-step approach, automating certain processes of everyday load handling; or a complete system conversion for large operations.
Which part of your operation can you automate?
Think of all the repetitive load handling going on in your warehouse and supply chain. Automation can be implemented in the following different sections:
- Long-distance pallet transport: horizontal transport of heavy loads between work stations
- Block stacking: stacking in blocks for compact storage
- High-level storage: storing and retrieving goods at height
- Towing: delivering parts just in time between work stations
- High-density storage: pallet transport in racking
Take a look at how our customer, a wine distributor, optimised their warehouse and production facility with agvs from Toyota.