I simply wrapped up a manufacturing unit acceptance take a look at (FAT) in Spain with a world participant within the private care and shopper items business. It was clean—so clean, in reality, that their staff needed to rebook flights residence 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 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 suitable 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 bins per minute, inflexible cardboard, straightforward structure. For my technical aspect, nothing to get fired up about.
However from a enterprise standpoint, it is a launchpad. We’re speaking a couple of international 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 greater velocity 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 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 threat.
The undertaking matches completely within the “inexperienced zone”—low threat, low complexity, and excessive worth. That allowed us to:
- keep away from safeguards (an enormous tradition shift for them)
- preserve the prevailing structure
- scale back friction through the deployment
Every little thing on this first part was about constructing belief and displaying what’s potential when automation is completed 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 unique sort. When working with a big, international firm, you’re not simply fixing for automation. You’re fixing for change.
We needed to have interaction with stakeholders from IT, security, upkeep, and procurement. Everybody had completely different targets, KPIs, and views. One individual can greenlight the appliance, but when the security lead isn’t on boa (or the manufacturing unit operator spots a difficulty late within the sport) issues decelerate quick.
We managed it nicely, however I’ll say this: the sooner you’ll be able to meet these stakeholders, the higher. A few 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 had 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 might adapt actually rapidly.
Throughout FAT, they requested for 4 or 5 modifications. Field orientation. Pace 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 sooner or later.
Their staff informed us this was the smoothest FAT they’ve ever achieved. 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 inspiration for broader automation.
What’s subsequent?
This was simply the first 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 assist collaborative functions like this one and scale as much as higher-speed, extra demanding strains—all whereas preserving the identical software program surroundings and core parts. That consistency is precisely what prospects want after they’re planning multi-site rollouts.
Remaining ideas
Should you’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 modify 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.
Need to see in case your undertaking matches the “inexperienced zone”?
Strive our Palletizing Fit Tool to establish low-risk, high-reward automation alternatives.
