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Automated Palletizing Systems: A Game-Changer for Manufacturers
Introduction
Manufacturing industries are facing persistent economic challenges, including regional inflation, global conflicts, an aging workforce, disruptions in the supply chain, health epidemics, and other compounding factors. Business owners who reassess their strategy and consider automation are ahead of the curve. In this article, we will explore how automated palletizing systems are becoming a vital tool for manufacturers, helping them navigate labor-related challenges, enhance productivity, and foster adaptability.
People: Enhancing Workforce Dynamics
Automation is doing jobs that people don’t want. A frozen fish producer, Korea Pelagic, needed help finding people to stack pallets of fish in a freezer. Palletizing fish on very tall pallets is a physically demanding undertaking in the cold, making it challenging to find willing workers. There were very few people willing to work this repetitive, monotonous, dangerous job. Time is essential in food production, so Korea Pelagic turned to automation to ensure timely shipments.
A palletizing cobot was the perfect solution for this demanding environment. Not only was the cobot willing to work in the cold, the result was a 200% increase in productivity and an opportunity to provide more rewarding and sustainable work for their employees. Read the complete case study.
Productivity: Unleashing Operational Potential
Every pallet counts. The objective is to prevent unplanned downtime. Although frequently overlooked, the palletization process can emerge as a bottleneck. In a one-piece-flow environment, the cycle time would have to decrease to match the speed of the slowest task. Automation can alleviate this bottleneck and bring cycle time closer to takt time.
Cascade Coffee’s transition from manual to automated palletizing resolved labor shortages and eliminated bottlenecks. The cobots ensure a continuous and efficient production flow, allowing for the optimization of resources and fulfillment of delivery deadlines.
Adaptability: Meeting Market Demands with Ease
Be led by customer requirements and market opportunities, not factory limitations. Napco, a coffee distribution company, highlights the productivity gains experienced when using palletizing systems. The lead operator, who had no prior experience in robotics, was able to learn how to operate the system quickly. This automated palletizing system created a 15% increase in productivity.
Conclusion
Automated palletizing systems with integrated cobots have become indispensable allies for food & beverage, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical manufacturers facing continued economic pressures. These systems help them navigate labor-related challenges, enhance productivity, and foster adaptability. By embracing automation, manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the benefits of automated palletizing systems?
Automated palletizing systems help manufacturers navigate labor-related challenges, enhance productivity, and foster adaptability. They also provide high efficiency by keeping up with manufacturing processes, and user-friendly software makes it easy to change the palletizing cobot for new box sizes or pallet configurations.
Q2: Can automated palletizing systems adapt to changing market demands?
Yes, automated palletizing systems with integrated cobots can adapt to changing market demands. They are designed to be modular and scalable, allowing manufacturers to replicate and integrate additional units onto different production lines as needed.
Q3: How do automated palletizing systems improve productivity?
Automated palletizing systems can improve productivity by reducing labor costs, increasing efficiency, and reducing production times. They also provide high accuracy and consistency, allowing manufacturers to produce high-quality products more quickly and efficiently.
Q4: Are automated palletizing systems expensive?
Automated palletizing systems can be a significant investment, but they can also provide a substantial return on investment. With a typical payback period of one year, manufacturers can recoup their investment and begin to see the benefits of automation.
Q5: Can I implement automated palletizing systems in my manufacturing facility?
Yes, implementing automated palletizing systems is easier than you think. At Robotiq, we offer a standardized solution that is easier to scale, repeatable, and easy to use. Our team of experts can help you get started and ensure a successful implementation.
