When provider of hot-holding and food-to-go solutions Flexeserve needed to optimise its operations to increase throughputs due to the rising demand for its products and services, it turned to L-A-C Logistics Automation. The specialist materials handling company has delivered a tailored solution that includes mechanised production lines equipped with an inline automated pallet conveyor system.
Before implementing the automated solution, Flexeserve encountered several obstacles that hindered their efficiency and productivity. Manual handling of products, reliance on pallet trucks for movement between operators, and the need for repetitive tasks resulted in time-consuming operations. These manual processes also required operators to perform strenuous movements, leading to reduced efficiency and increased fatigue.
Nonsequential operations disrupted the flow of the product, contributing to longer cycle times. Additionally, waiting times between operations further decreased operator productivity and overall production rates. L-A-C Logistics Automation’s Custom Solution To address these issues, the primary objective was to streamline operations, minimise waiting times, improve production rates, and establish a continuous flow in the assembly line.
L-A-C Logistics Automation delivered a pallet conveyor-based production solution consisting of two mechanised lines that effectively addressed Flexeserve’s challenges. The customised solution featured a range of handling components, including a pallet loading ramp, height- adjustable workstations, buffer stations, and an unload station. These elements ensured the smooth and independent progression of products through the production line.
Streamlining Operations And Enhancing Efficiency
The height-adjustable workstations allowed operators to easily adjust the height using automated controls, reducing strain and fatigue. A work complete button was implemented to signal task completion, enabling seamless co-ordination between the operators. Buffer stations minimised operator wait times, while the unload station facilitated manual offloading after final assembly.
With safety measures in place, the CE certified system also accommodated different pallet types. Each line, integrated with a scissor lift, achieved a throughput of 60 pallets per 8-hour shift, surpassing manual operations. Overall, the project successfully improved productivity and efficiency in the assembly line, fulfilling the desired objectives.
Today, the streamlined production lines, height- adjustable workstations, and buffer stations have improved efficiency, reduced cycle times, and minimised operator fatigue.
