Transforming Manufacturing Operations Through Automation

The UK Manufacturing sector faces increasing pressure to optimise processes to keep pace with both demand and the need for cost efficiencies. Running on tight operational deadlines with supply chain fluctuations more prominent post-Brexit, the sector risks falling behind on the uptake of digital and automated technologies, with consequences to growth potential if not addressed.

Innovative Automated Solutions to Enhance Efficiency and Growth

However, the tide is turning with technology innovation fast-evolving, to offer more cost-effective, scalable, and efficient solutions than ever before. As a leading systems integrator of warehouse technology, L-A-C Logistics Automation brings innovation to the forefront of our bespoke designs for systems and solutions that are uniquely tailored to the Manufacturing sector, targeting enhanced traceability, reliability and growth potential, with favourable ROI.

Key Challenges For Manufacturers

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High Cost of Downtime

should any manufacturing process fail, the potential cost of downtime can be considerable, affecting productivity and overall profitability.

Labour Scarcity

the ongoing shortage of labour continues to affect manufacturing operations through inefficiencies and reduced productivity.

Legacy Systems

the manufacturing sector continues to use legacy processes and systems, leading to inefficiencies as older technologies are more costly to run and harder to integrate with new innovations, more suitable for modern manufacturing needs.

Maintenance Costs

the cost of maintaining ageing infrastructure is significantly higher than maintaining modern systems.

Growth

without access to modern manufacturing technology, companies face inevitable barriers to grow, thereby becoming uncompetitive.

Impact on Operations

manufacturing using outdated systems that are no longer fit-for-purpose, significantly impact operational efficiency and ultimately, profitability.

Security & Compliance

technology is vital to maintain the required security levels and legislative compliance. As technology advances and regulatory bodies deploy new standards for attaining compliance, so too must manufacturers through technology enhancements.

Investment for Modernisation

adopting new technologies can be costly and seen as a barrier, however advanced automated systems offer cost and potential growth benefits that far outweigh non-adoption.

How Automation Overcomes Manufacturing Challenges

Stock Traceability

combining efficient labelling and barcode scanning software with a robust WCS (Warehouse Control System) will enhance traceability to meet regulatory and operational requirements.

Process Reliability

automated systems bring reliability to operations across each stage of the manufacturing process, avoiding the potential of costly downtime.

Manual Handling

minimising manual activities significantly reduces the potential for errors and overcomes the challenge of maintaining a skilled workforce.

Inventory Management

visibility of inventory is vital to optimise stock levels and enhance forecasting accuracy, particularly for Just-In-Time operations.

Workforce Productivity

integrating technology that supports manual activities enhances pick efficiency and overall productivity levels.

Operational Costs

new automation technologies are far more efficient than outdated legacy systems, thus reducing the overall cost of operations and providing efficiencies for long term growth.

Order Picking

automation technology enhances accuracy, speed, and overall efficiency of order fulfilment.

Space Optimisation

automation systems help to maximise storage efficiency, minimise wastage, and ensure the seamless flow of goods around the warehouse.

Types of Automation Technologies for Manufacturing:

Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems ensure the smooth flow of materials between different stages of the order fulfilment process. From goods-in, put-away through to order packing and despatch, robust and reliable conveyor systems boost operational efficiency by minimising manual handling, and speed up the movement of goods around the warehouse. Conveyors are particularly effective in high-volume environments, optimising material flow which enables faster order fulfilment and improved warehouse productivity.

Conveyor Systems

ASRS

Goods to Person Systems

Robotics

Types of Automation Technologies for Manufacturing:

Robotics
Robotics are becoming far more widespread in manufacturing operations, as they are ideally suited to repetitive tasks such as picking and sorting. Tasks such as inbound depalletising and outbound sortation can be a bottleneck in operations and a strain on the workforce. Integrating a robotic solution to manufacturing operations not only eases the strain of repetitive and demanding tasks but also enables consistency and predictability in the operation, allowing the team to focus on further improvements in the supply chain.
Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems ensure the smooth flow of materials between different stages of the order fulfilment process. From goods-in, put-away through to order packing and despatch, robust and reliable conveyor systems boost operational efficiency by minimising manual handling, and speed up the movement of goods around the warehouse. Conveyors are particularly effective in high-volume environments, optimising material flow which enables faster order fulfilment and improved warehouse productivity.
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ASRS
ASRS systems can transform warehouse operations by efficiently managing put-away and retrieval of inventory in designated storage locations. This type of technology is specifically designed to optimise space utilisation, enhance inventory accuracy, and increase the speed of order fulfilment. ASRS solutions are particularly beneficial for operations with high-density storage requirements, ensuring an accurate and seamless flow of goods within the warehouse.
Goods to Person Systems
Order picking is a critical process in warehouse operations, typically accounting for 60% of costs in the warehouse. Integrating automated solutions such as Exotec, will enhance productivity and order accuracy, thereby minimising picking errors and reliance on limited manual labour pools. Automated solutions also offer agility to allow a business to keep up with the increasing demands for shorter lead times in a highly competitive market.
Robotics
Robotics are becoming far more widespread in manufacturing operations, as they are ideally suited to repetitive tasks such as picking and sorting. Tasks such as inbound depalletising and outbound sortation can be a bottleneck in operations and a strain on the workforce. Integrating a robotic solution to manufacturing operations not only eases the strain of repetitive and demanding tasks but also enables consistency and predictability in the operation, allowing the team to focus on further improvements in the supply chain.
Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems ensure the smooth flow of materials between different stages of the order fulfilment process. From goods-in, put-away through to order packing and despatch, robust and reliable conveyor systems boost operational efficiency by minimising manual handling, and speed up the movement of goods around the warehouse. Conveyors are particularly effective in high-volume environments, optimising material flow which enables faster order fulfilment and improved warehouse productivity.
Read more

Implementing Warehouse Automation in Five Simple Steps

The team at L-A-C Logistics Automation understands that in order to successfully implement warehouse automation systems for Manufacturing operations, a multifaceted process is required along with careful planning and execution

Assessing Needs and Readiness

The first crucial step in implementing warehouse automation is evaluating your current warehouse operations. This involves analysing the workflow, pinpointing bottlenecks, and identifying areas ready for automation improvements.

Selecting Appropriate Automation Solutions

After identifying needs, selecting the right automation technologies is crucial. This might include diverse solutions offered by L-A-C Logistics Automation, such as AMRs, conveyor systems, and more, tailored to match specific operational requirements.

Integration into Existing Processes

Integrating new technologies involves more than just physical installation; it also includes ensuring compatibility with existing IT systems. This phase is vital for the smooth running of automated solutions within the current operational framework.

Training and Change Management

A successful implementation also involves preparing the workforce for the transition. Training staff to operate new technologies and managing organisational change are key components of this process.

Continuous Evaluation and Optimisation

After implementation, it’s important to continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of automated systems. This ongoing process ensures our systems and solutions are delivering the intended benefits and are adapted or updated as your business needs evolve.

Related Case Studies

KEYSTONES BESPOKE AUTOMATION

The Advantages Of Automated Storage And Retrieval Systems Systems For Automation Of Manufacturing

Robot Palletising in the Manufacturing Industry

Importance of health and safety in manufacturing and assesing the risks

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY

L-A-C’s team of experts are here to support you from concept to the finished system, working together to design and deliver a bespoke solution that meets your current objectives and future growth expectations, with favourable ROI.

Across semi-automated and fully automated systems, L-A-C has the expertise and range of products to provide flexible and scalable solutions that will significantly enhance your operations and keep you agile as your business evolves.

Join us on a pivotal journey towards a more efficient, productive, cost effective and sustainable future with L-A-C’s innovative automation technology solutions.