Page 39 - Food & Drink Magazine April 2021

twin pallets and single pallets. The AGVs are then brought over to the second zone, where the pallets are handled and moved on to a ‘roll on roll off conveyor’ and automatically loaded into the back of a truck.
AGV management systems controls the AGVs as well as interfaces with a company’s existing warehouse management system (WMS), to track product flow from production to storage and all the way through to despatch. AGVs can also be programmed remotely to carry out required tasks.
“The robust design of our AGVs means it can withstand the typically challenging environment of a warehouse, all whilst providing a 360° safety field of protection with automatic sensors to detect any obstruction. This enables it to co-work with operators and any
amounts of coordination, we worked in collaboration with the Lion team and all other on-site partners contributing to implementation of the project. We had our team on-site providing end-to-end management and support to ensure a successful rollout was achieved as quickly as possible.” Through its full service and support program, Dematic will continue to help Lion on an ongoing basis to optimise system uptime, continuity of throughput and production efficiency.
NEW SOLUTION BENEFITS
For Lion, investing in an advanced automation technology such as AGVs to streamline warehouse operations has been a big achievement, allowing it to gain competitive advantage in domestic and global markets.
“We are very happy with the progress and benefits we have already experienced using the AGVs in the warehouse. It has been an exciting process, and the possibilities are endless with this kind of automation, which has given us a really positive outlook towards how much better operations will run in the future,” says Symons.
The AGV solution has provided Lion with a predictable logistics strategy. This allows Lion to gain insights into the number of vehicles in action within the warehouse,
Lion selected Dematic AGVs for their reliability and consistency.
and how many pallets can be
produced per day, per shift, and ✷ per year – as opposed to a
manual forklift environment,
which can create unpredictable
outcomes such as injuries and
staff availability.
Warehouse operators have also experienced significant benefits and better worker satisfaction following deployment of the AGVs, due to the inherent efficiency, productivity, accuracy, quality control and safety benefits that can be gained in comparison to manual goods handling.
Based on the successful implementation of the Dematic AGVs at its Tooheys Brewery, and the operational benefits and improved throughput already achieved, Lion will look to deploy more AGVs at other breweriesacrossAustralia. ✷
AGV 101
SUPPLY CHAIN
WHAT AN AGV IS
& HOW IT WORKS
AGVs work to manage and automate all activity within the warehouse that would otherwise be operated by manual machinery such as a forklift; working to connect both outbound and inbound products with automated truck loading.
The AGV’s high-precision navigation of the warehouse floor, combined with its dexterous design allows it to utilise any warehouse space, eliminating the need for extensive use of pallet conveyors.
With a smaller turning circle than a forklift truck it can easily manoeuvre in tight spaces.
other warehouse machinery vehicles,” Raggio says.
THE AGV ROLLOUT
or
The AGVs were successfully installed and commissioned while the site was still in full operation, allowing Lion to continue general operations meet all product delivery commitments during this period. Additionally, Dematic collaborated with Lion to ensure the solution was tailored to, and working effectively within, the facility during this time.
Raggio says: “Through large
to
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