Comparing AGVs to Traditional Material Handling Equipment

Automation, and in particular Automated Guided Vehicles, are best suited to operations that have well-defined and frequent material movements. AGVs are ideal for applications that involve the repetitive movement of materials, products, or components within a facility. They can be programmed to follow set routes and perform routine tasks consistently.

AGVs perform best in controlled and structured environments. If your facility layout is relatively consistent and well-organised, AGVs are a suitable choice.

AGVs can enhance operational efficiency by reducing manual labour and transportation times. If you have a high-volume production or material handling process, AGVs can help increase productivity.

Interlinking to the areas outlined above, AGVs deliver the most significant value in operations that rely heavily on manned or driven systems. For example, if a forklift driver is spending 80% of the shift moving components from A to B – AGVs enable this to be streamlined, freeing up the driver to work on more productive tasks and reducing downtime.

Automated Guided Vehicles and other forms of automated system require a higher investment than traditional alternatives. While the benefits of efficiency typically deliver a significant return on investment, it’s important to consider the feasibility of investing in an AGV system for your business.

The initial investment is high, and for smaller operations or processes that aren’t well suited to automation difficult to justify. If the volume of your material handling processes is low and unlikely to increase significantly in the short term, you could end up investing a large chunk of capital in an unnecessary system that won’t deliver the ROI needed.

As we’ve covered in this blog, AGVs are best suited to well-defined processes and layouts, delivering the highest ROI and advantages on repetitive tasks and processes.

When assessing whether you should implement an Automated Guided Vehicle into your operations, it’s important to understand the nature of your material handling processes and workflow to assess whether it would be worthwhile to automate it.

When implementing an AGV, it’s important to consider the future needs of the business and operation. AGVs can be reprogrammed to work on other processes or tasks, but if your operations are likely to change significantly in the near future, the last thing you want is a redundant piece of equipment.

In the ever-changing world of material handling, the choice between AGVs and traditional equipment is not one-size-fits-all. By assessing your unique needs and understanding the advantages and limitations of each approach, you can make informed decisions that will drive efficiency and success in your business.

Interlinking to the areas outlined above, AGVs deliver the most significant value in operations that rely heavily on manned or driven systems. For example, if a forklift driver is spending 80% of the shift moving components from A to B – AGVs enable this to be streamlined, freeing up the driver to work on more productive tasks and reducing downtime.