I simply wrapped up a manufacturing facility acceptance check (FAT) in Spain with a world participant within the private care and shopper items trade. It was clean—so clean, in actual fact, that their workforce 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 in all probability wasn’t thrilling. And technically, you’re proper. This mission 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 precise 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 containers per minute, inflexible cardboard, straightforward structure. For my technical facet, 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 effectively, 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. However it’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 decrease danger.
The mission 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)
- preserve the prevailing structure
- scale back friction in the course of the deployment
All the things on this first section was about constructing belief and exhibiting what’s attainable when automation is finished proper.
Easy doesn’t suggest challenge-free
Though the robotic software itself was easy, we nonetheless needed to navigate plenty of complexity—simply of a unique 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 particular person can greenlight the appliance, but when the security lead isn’t on boa (or the manufacturing facility operator spots a problem late within the recreation) issues decelerate quick.
We managed it effectively, however I’ll say this: the sooner you’ll be able to meet these stakeholders, the higher. A few of the suggestions we acquired 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 resolution, we may adapt actually shortly.
Throughout FAT, they requested for 4 or 5 adjustments. Field orientation. Velocity changes. A tweak in drive. Every change took 5 minutes or much less. No rewriting code. No delays. We stayed on monitor and accomplished the complete FAT in someday.
Their workforce instructed us this was the smoothest FAT they’ve ever performed. That’s not only a win for us—it’s a robust sign that standardization and ease go hand in hand whenever you’re laying the muse 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 will help collaborative functions like this one and scale as much as higher-speed, extra demanding traces—all whereas protecting the identical software program setting and core parts. That consistency is precisely what prospects want after they’re planning multi-site rollouts.
Ultimate ideas
For those who’re dealing with resistance to automation, whether or not it’s from security groups, IT, or operators who’ve been doing issues the identical manner 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 modify minds and shift tradition.
This mission jogged my memory that “straightforward” on paper doesn’t all the time imply “straightforward” in actual life. However when the tech is versatile and the workforce is aligned, it actually might be.
Need to see in case your mission matches the “inexperienced zone”?
Attempt our Palletizing Match Software to determine low-risk, high-reward automation alternatives.
