From purchase to performance: maximizing efficiency with logistics robots

Blog | From purchase to performance: maximizing efficiency with logistics robots
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Are you still considering investing in a logistics robot? It’s a wise choice, but also an exciting one. How do you ensure everyone in your organization embraces the new robot and the associated workflow? How do you make sure the implementation goes smoothly and that employees don’t feel threatened by the new way of working? In short: what factors should you consider in order to make this new logistics robot implementation a success?

Clear coordination and smart planning: avoiding hidden costs in designing logistics robots
Everything starts with clear coordination. No one wants unexpected costs cropping up during implementation. It’s essential to understand from the outset what you expect on the backend. For instance, if a product range is not uniform, a robot must be able to handle that variability. Will the robot need to manage both envelopes and boxes? This is crucial to know at the start of the project, as it affects the robot's design. Otherwise, mid-project adjustments to the requirements will be needed, leading to costly design modifications.

Choose wisely in selecting robots
Warehouse integrators often choose to outsource a robotics challenge to a company with extensive robotic integration expertise. Machine builders newer to the market may struggle to execute the intended process the robot needs to do. Start-ups often have impressive AI-driven technology but may lack the experience to deliver a seamless project. Together with these partners, we achieve the quality needed to build a reliable machine. Companies often want robots to handle the full range of tasks previously managed by humans, but that’s not always the best option. For instance, if an operator primarily handles rectangular packages but occasionally a soccer ball, you could make a costly adjustment to the robot, or simply have an employee handle the soccer ball manually. These details need to be clarified in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises down the line.

Gaining organizational buy-in for logistics robots
To create broad support within the organization for a new logistics robot, it’s wise to involve various levels within the company, not only in the purchasing process but also beyond. Some stakeholders may view a logistics robot as a threat, impacting project success. So, it’s advisable to engage not only the purchasing department,  but also health, safety and maintenance staff. Ensuring smooth integration for those who will operate the robot is also a key aspect of creating buy-in. What are the key safety aspects within the company? How do stakeholders envision the post-implementation phase? Have they considered service contracts and spare parts? By continually refining the design to meet customer needs, the project gains momentum across the organization, and the robot's arrival feels less like a top-down imposition.

Maximizing uptime for your robotic (de)palletizing system: the AWL approach
AWL assembles and rigorously tests the system within its own facility to ensure the machine is ready for shipment. We perform a factory acceptance test to verify functionality and ensure the machine meets customer specifications. After disassembly, the robot is reassembled at the customer’s site without significant warehouse disruptions. Following a site acceptance test, the machine is ready for use and seamlessly integrates into existing workflows.

Keep your employees happy
Success doesn’t end at delivery. Training follows to cover operation, maintenance, and process optimization, ensuring safe operation and effective integration. As employees grow comfortable with the new machine, they’ll enjoy using the robotic (de)palletizing system, contributing to lower employee turnover.

Service makes your robots tick
AWL offers service contracts with fixed service hours, extending up to 24/7 availability. This ensures rapid assistance for any issues, with essential spare parts always available to enable repairs within a day. We also ensure that each robot has a backup plan, allowing it to operate at reduced capacity during malfunctions until a technician arrives. This keeps uptime high and ensures continuity in operations.

Turning a logistics robots project into long-term success
If you’re unsure about when you might need service, we offer flexible scheduling to fit your needs. We don’t walk away when a machine isn’t working the way it should; we work together to find a solution because we embarked on this journey together. Once the logistics robot runs, our service department is always available for support. With all services under one roof, we ensure clear communication between all departments within AWL. This is why choosing a reliable partner who’s always ready to help allows you to focus on your business.

Curious about the possibilities for your organization? Request a demo at our Experience Center in Harderwijk. Here, we train our experts, build the future of robotics, and guide you through our process. Send us your parcels and we show you that we can handle them.