Challenge:
Huhtamaki, consistently continuing the development of automation in its plant, was looking for a solution to improve the implementation in the internal transport process. It was decided to automate selected tasks using autonomous forklift technology. The selected solution had to meet not only efficiency criteria, but above all safety criteria. The movement of vehicles operated by operators and employees servicing machines in production created a very dynamic and diverse work environment. Huhtamaki indicated the safety of employees in the warehouse and production areas as an absolute priority.
The assumption was to find a solution for horizontal transport of pallets and paper rolls.
Solution:
Inovatica AGV proposed the implementation of autonomous forklifts to automate the process of delivering pallets with raw materials to the production halls and paper rolls to printing machines, as well as the process of receiving finished products and paper rolls after printing. After analyzing the needs and measuring the process, Huhtamaki decided to conduct a pre-implementation analysis and then indicated Inovatica AGV as the supplier of autonomous trucks, which were adapted to the specific requirements of the warehouse. This task was carried out together with WDX S.A., a partner of Inovatica AGV.
Implementation process:
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Analysis and planning: Inovatica AGV, together with Huhtamaki, conducted a thorough analysis of the warehouse and production areas that were suitable for automation. Routes, loading and unloading points, and truck movement parameters (AGV routes) were determined.
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Infrastructure integration: Based on the analysis of the scope of tasks, Inovatica AGV, together with Huhtamaki, adapted the warehouse infrastructure, including AGV route markings and tablets for triggering orders.
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Programming and testing: The autonomous trucks were programmed to perform tasks, react appropriately to obstacles, and maintain safety. Numerous tests were conducted to adapt the navigation and location algorithms to the specifics of the warehouse.
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Staff training: Warehouse employees were trained to safely interact with the autonomous trucks and monitor their performance.
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Pilot: The autonomous trucks were introduced in the designated warehouse area in the pilot phase. The efficiency, safety, and employee reactions to the new solution were monitored.
Results and summary:
After implementing autonomous forklifts, Huhtamaki noted significant benefits and decided to implement them.
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Improved efficiency:
The process of moving and storing goods has become much more efficient, which translates into the optimization of the internal supply chain. -
Improved quality of work of manual operators:
The implementation of AGVs increased the care for order in the warehouse and in production, i.e. correct placement of pallets in their destinations and ensuring the passage of aisles, correct arrangement of goods, placing pallets in the wrapping machine. -
Reduction of errors:
Process automation minimizes the risk of human errors, which translates into better quality of customer service. At the same time, the precision of picking goods, in particular paper rolls, contributes to reducing the number of accidental damages.
The implementation of AGVs in Huhtamaki Foodservice Poland contributed to increased efficiency, improved safety and quality of internal processes. This solution turned out to be an important step in the process of optimizing the plant's work and strengthening the competitive advantage on the market of food packaging manufacturers.
