Background
Auto components manufacturer expected to create an automated material handling system for better use of space and drive operational efficiency. The legacy operation involved:
Components had to be picked or placed in the storage areas.
- Picking components and placing them in storage
- Storage system consisted of multiple floors, with multiple rows and columns
Implementation
- HMI / SCADA screens to display vacant and occupied slots
- Used S7 300 CPU and drivers to control automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for finding exact vacant location, as well as managing retrieval from specific location
- Communication system between AGVs and control system was designed through WLAN system
Outcome
- Higher ROI on plant through optimum usage of space
- Enhanced efficiency through time and cost management
- Dust and noise pollution eliminated, as compared to systems that used cranes for pick and place operations