I simply wrapped up a manufacturing facility acceptance take a look at (FAT) in Spain with a world participant within the private care and shopper items business. It was easy—so easy, in actual fact, that their workforce needed to rebook flights residence as a result of we completed forward of schedule.
Now, I do know what you’re pondering: if it was that straightforward, it in all probability wasn’t thrilling. And technically, you’re proper. This challenge 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 correct 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 packing 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 take a look at 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. Nevertheless 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 threat.
The challenge suits completely within the “inexperienced zone”—low threat, low complexity, and excessive worth. That allowed us to:
- keep away from safeguards (a giant tradition shift for them)
- keep the prevailing format
- cut back friction through the deployment
All the things on this first section was about constructing belief and exhibiting what’s potential when automation is completed proper.
Easy doesn’t suggest challenge-free
Regardless that the robotic software itself was simple, we nonetheless needed to navigate loads of complexity—simply of a unique variety. 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 objectives, KPIs, and views. One individual can greenlight the applying, but when the security lead isn’t on boa (or the manufacturing facility operator spots a difficulty late within the sport) issues decelerate quick.
We managed it nicely, however I’ll say this: the sooner you may meet these stakeholders, the higher. A number of 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 resolution, we may adapt actually shortly.
Throughout FAT, they requested for 4 or 5 adjustments. Field orientation. Pace 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 complete FAT in in the future.
Their workforce advised us this was the smoothest FAT they’ve ever finished. That’s not only a win for us—it’s a powerful sign that standardization and ease go hand in hand while you’re laying the muse for broader automation.
What’s subsequent?
This was simply the first step. Extra complicated 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 strains—all whereas protecting the identical software program setting and core parts. That consistency is precisely what clients want once they’re planning multi-site rollouts.
Remaining 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 challenge 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 could be.
Need to see in case your challenge suits the “inexperienced zone”?
Strive our Palletizing Match Software to establish low-risk, high-reward automation alternatives.
