I simply wrapped up a manufacturing unit acceptance check (FAT) in Spain with a worldwide participant within the private care and client items business. It was easy—so easy, the truth is, that their staff needed to rebook flights house as a result of we completed forward of schedule.
Now, I do know what you’re considering: if it was that straightforward, it most likely wasn’t thrilling. And technically, you’re proper. This undertaking 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 proper transfer, each for them and for us.
Low complexity, excessive alternative
This was the primary robotic deployed of their total group. It’s a low-speed, low-stack palletizing software: about three containers per minute, inflexible cardboard, straightforward format. For my technical aspect, nothing to get fired up about.
However from a enterprise standpoint, this can be a launchpad. We’re speaking a few world group with a number of factories throughout Europe. This primary set up is a check case. If it goes nicely, we’re taking a look at repeat deployments in websites with larger velocity 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 strategy 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 decrease danger.
The undertaking matches completely within the “inexperienced zone”—low danger, 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 through the deployment
Every thing on this first part was about constructing belief and exhibiting what’s doable when automation is finished proper.
Easy doesn’t suggest challenge-free
Regardless that the robotic software itself was easy, we nonetheless needed to navigate a whole lot of complexity—simply of a distinct form. When working with a big, world firm, you’re not simply fixing for automation. You’re fixing for change.
We needed to interact with stakeholders from IT, security, upkeep, and procurement. Everybody had completely different targets, KPIs, and views. One individual can greenlight the applying, but when the protection lead isn’t on boa (or the manufacturing unit operator spots a problem late within the recreation) issues decelerate quick.
We managed it nicely, however I’ll say this: the sooner you may meet these stakeholders, the higher. Among the suggestions we bought throughout FAT (like field orientation changes) got here from native operators who understood the method higher than anybody. These insights have been important, 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 in the future.
Their staff informed us this was the smoothest FAT they’ve ever carried out. That’s not only a win for us—it’s a powerful 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 advanced websites coming: some that require velocity, others that demand extra superior security setups. However that’s the place our modular, brand-agnostic platform actually shines.
We will help collaborative purposes like this one and scale as much as higher-speed, extra demanding traces—all whereas holding the identical software program setting and core elements. That consistency is precisely what clients want after they’re planning multi-site rollouts.
Ultimate ideas
For those who’re going through resistance to automation, whether or not it’s from security groups, IT, or operators who’ve been doing issues the identical means for many years, begin easy. Allow them to see the robotic in motion. Allow them to really feel how straightforward it’s to adapt. That’s how you alter minds and shift tradition.
This undertaking jogged my memory that “straightforward” on paper doesn’t at all times imply “straightforward” in actual life. However when the tech is versatile and the staff is aligned, it actually might be.
Wish to see in case your undertaking matches the “inexperienced zone”?
Attempt our Palletizing Match Software to establish low-risk, high-reward automation alternatives.
