I simply wrapped up a manufacturing facility acceptance check (FAT) in Spain with a worldwide participant within the private care and shopper items trade. It was easy—so easy, actually, that their crew needed to rebook flights residence as a result of we completed forward of schedule.
Now, I do know what you’re pondering: if it was that simple, it in all probability wasn’t thrilling. And technically, you’re proper. This venture wasn’t difficult from an engineering standpoint. However from a deployment and long-term technique perspective? It was spot-on.
Right here’s why beginning easy was precisely the fitting transfer, each for them and for us.
Low complexity, excessive alternative
This was the primary robotic deployed of their whole group. It’s a low-speed, low-stack palletizing software: about three packing containers per minute, inflexible cardboard, simple format. For my technical aspect, nothing to get fired up about.
However from a enterprise standpoint, it is a launchpad. We’re speaking a few international group with a number of factories throughout Europe. This primary set up is a check case. If it goes properly, we’re taking a look at repeat deployments in websites with greater pace necessities, tighter footprints, and completely different security constraints.
So sure, it’s easy. But it surely’s additionally the important thing to scaling automation throughout their community.
A lean robotics method from day one
This buyer had some consciousness of Lean Robotics already, which made the dialog even smoother. Collectively, we agreed: let’s begin small, deploy quick, and reduce threat.
The venture suits completely within the “inexperienced zone”—low threat, low complexity, and excessive worth. That allowed us to:
- keep away from safeguards (a giant tradition shift for them)
- keep the present format
- cut back friction throughout the deployment
All the pieces on this first section was about constructing belief and exhibiting what’s potential when automation is completed proper.
Easy doesn’t suggest challenge-free
Though the robotic software itself was easy, we nonetheless needed to navigate a variety of complexity—simply of a special sort. When working with a big, international firm, you’re not simply fixing for automation. You’re fixing for change.
We needed to have interaction with stakeholders from IT, security, upkeep, and procurement. Everybody had completely different objectives, KPIs, and views. One individual can greenlight the appliance, but when the security lead isn’t on boa (or the manufacturing facility operator spots a problem late within the sport) issues decelerate quick.
We managed it properly, however I’ll say this: the sooner you may meet these stakeholders, the higher. A few of the suggestions we obtained throughout FAT (like field orientation changes) got here from native operators who understood the method higher than anybody. These insights have been crucial, and would’ve been much more helpful earlier on.
Why flexibility issues
As a result of we used Robotiq’s normal palletizing answer, we may adapt actually rapidly.
Throughout FAT, they requested for 4 or 5 modifications. Field orientation. Velocity changes. A tweak in pressure. Every change took 5 minutes or much less. No rewriting code. No delays. We stayed on observe and accomplished the total FAT in someday.
Their crew instructed us this was the smoothest FAT they’ve ever finished. That’s not only a win for us—it’s a robust sign that standardization and ease go hand in hand if you’re laying the inspiration for broader automation.
What’s subsequent?
This was simply the 1st step. Extra complicated websites coming: some that require pace, others that demand extra superior security setups. However that’s the place our modular, brand-agnostic platform actually shines.
We are able to assist collaborative purposes like this one and scale as much as higher-speed, extra demanding traces—all whereas maintaining the identical software program setting and core elements. That consistency is strictly what clients want once they’re planning multi-site rollouts.
Ultimate ideas
In the event you’re dealing with resistance to automation, whether or not it’s from security groups, IT, or operators who’ve been doing issues the identical method for many years, begin easy. Allow them to see the robotic in motion. Allow them to really feel how simple it’s to adapt. That’s how you modify minds and shift tradition.
This venture jogged my memory that “simple” on paper doesn’t all the time imply “simple” in actual life. However when the tech is versatile and the crew is aligned, it actually may be.
Wish to see in case your venture suits the “inexperienced zone”?
Attempt our Palletizing Match Software to determine low-risk, high-reward automation alternatives.
