AutomAtion & robotics
AutomAtion
LeArning the secrets of uptime t
he pandemic has turned the retail sector on its head. online order volumes rocketed by 36 per cent over 2020 and look
set to remain high, pure-play fashion brands are buying up beleaguered high-street names and labour issues wrought by brexit and stringent social distancing requirements have exposed the shortcomings of manual fulfilment operations. faced with these challenges, many pure-play
and omni-channel retailers are, for the first time, turning to automation as a means to boosting performance within their fulfilment processes. technologies being adopted may take the form of mobile robots, pick-to-light technology, cross- belt sorters and fast, automated packaging solutions. but, for those unfamiliar with automated systems, the prospect of relying on machines is daunting – what if they breakdown? how do you reduce exposure to risk? understanding how to maximise uptime is
critical to the success of any automation project. it helps protect future operational performance and in addition, it’s an essential step to instilling confidence and attaining senior management endorsement. A sophisticated automated system can be a
significant financial commitment, with a return on investment (roi), even on a low capex
Automation offers a route forward for hard-pressed e-fulfilment operations – particularly, when it comes to packaging processes. But how do you build in operational resilience? What are the secrets to maximising uptime? Will Carder, automation sales engineer at Quadient, investigates...
project, typically running at around 18 months or so. protecting that investment and ensuring a good early roi depends on the efficiency of the applied technology, its durability/reliability and the competency of operators, technical staff and service support. businesses new to automation are unlikely
to have resident maintenance engineers – and for a fairly modest level of automation an onsite engineer may not be necessary. but trained staff with some level of technical ability, backed up by good, responsive support from a systems vendor will be essential. Looking specifically at advanced automated packaging solutions, there are highly sophisticated packaging systems available that can tailor-make individual cardboard boxes to the exact optimum size of the ordered item(s) at a rate of up 1,100 packages per hour. these machines use 3D imagery to scan and then calculate, cut, fold and seal a precisely made box every three seconds – along with weighing each package and applying a carrier label. these sophisticated machines deliver huge
advantages in terms of fast, efficient throughput, savings on cardboard and void fill, increased trailer density and fewer vehicles on the road. but, of course, reaping the full benefits of this technology comes down to ensuring that maximum uptime is achieved across the year and importantly, maintained during peak periods. even with highly sophisticated fit-to-size
14 JuLy/August 2021 | fActory&hAnDLingsoLutions
packaging systems, such as Quadient’s cVp everest and cVp impack, achieving an average uptime of around 97 per cent should not be difficult if five key factors are adhered to:
1. Define responsiBilities At the outset it is important to clearly define the responsibilities of the systems supplier and those of the customer. much will depend upon the level of support a customer wishes to subscribe to, in terms of call-out response times and breadth of spare-parts to be held on site. premium options reduce risk but must be balanced by available budget. the supplier should ensure that the installation
is executed efficiently and that high quality boxes are produced at the specified rate. once commissioned, it is important that operators are properly trained and that technical staff receive several hours of technical instruction.
2. proviDe ADeQuAte trAining operators are non-technical employees, so they should only be trained to levels required to operate the machine and correct minor issues such as a product fall in mid-process or to replenish supplies, like a new reel of cardboard, tape or labels etc. beyond a small easily rectified error an on-site technician should be engaged. in most instances the customer should be able
to solve the problem. it may simply be a piece of cardboard that is causing an obstruction, which
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