Industry 4.0 and Fork Truck Free (FTF) initiatives combined offer the capacity to reduce production bottlenecks, improve QA (quality assurance), track real-time usage data, and accomplish autonomous production optimization.
Automation is motivating manufacturing decision-makers as the workforce undergoes generational changes precipitated by retiring baby boomers and a growing number of millennials
Reducing the number of fork truck drivers does not guarantee that workers running smart factories possess the required digital fluency, technological savvy, or data analytics awareness.
IndustryWeek suggested that manufacturers join the Retain, Retrain and Recruit camp. Former fork truck drivers can be retrained. These retrained current key workers, with deep experience will prove invaluable when transitioning the shop floor to an automated environment.
Highly skilled roles enhance and maintain automated processes; machines simply cannot run without the support and intervention of humans. Simultaneously, manufacturers continue to implement automated processes to increase productivity and maintain a competitive edge.
Automated Material Handling Proves Best Integration ofIndustry 4.0 and FTF
Automated material handling in the FTF environment creates a more efficient material workflow that exceeds expectations with minimal overhead. Self-driving vehicles tug a string of connected carts increasing throughput by automating pick up, drop off, and transport, executing put-away, cross-docking, replenishment, and all other point-to-point deliveries. The industrial carts and tuggers are infrastructure free, adaptable, and scalable to operational, seasonal, and production shifts and re-tooling. Safety is not compromised because vehicles and carts are safely navigated around obstacles and alongside workers.
FTF is particularly useful as a total fulfillment solution combining the strengths of humans and robots with real-time Industry 4.0 intelligence. By automating piece picking, cart picking, and case picking operations industrial strength Topper carts deliver totes, cases, and pallets autonomously.
Workflow Optimization
Workflow optimization is achieved through Industry 4.0 solution simulation coordinating robots, people, and control systems across the manufacturing enterprise. These scenario planning tools in the FTF environment evaluate and suggest various automation options, determining the most efficient, safe, productive, and suitable automation methodologies. Workflow evolves in the FTF space with these operational insights and supports lean continuous process improvement.
Topper Industrial will be at ProMat in Chicago Booth # S4812 from April 8 – 11.
About Topper Industrial
For more than twenty years, Topper Industrial, (www.topperindustrial.com) has been a leading manufacturer of material handling carts and equipment solutions. Topper Industrial designs and builds industrial delivery carts, cart lifts, lifts & tilts, material handling racks, steel containers, casters, tube & joint and industrial cart parts & components. Topper Industrial specializes in services to Manufacturing, Fulfillment, Warehousing and the Distribution Sectors. Topper Industrial’s services include, but are not limited to: Design & customization, manufacturing & production, site analysis & planning and implementation justification. Topper’s material handling solutions make delivering material line side more effective through more efficient practices.
Topper Industrial is a proud member of MHI. Follow on Twitter @TopperInd or on LinkedIn.