5 Phases to Implementing a Successful Warehouse Automation Initiative
What pitfalls must you avoid when implementing a successful warehouse automation initiative?
Over the next few weeks we will be releasing a series of blogs defining our Design Build Process and how each phase of our process will help you successfully automate your warehouse. Conveyco prides its self on being there for every step of your project and beyond, creating a unique experience that is tailored towards your business. In each phase we will discuss where and why other companies may fall short and how to achieve the RightFIT solution for your operations.
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Phase 1 – Discovery (We Listen)
Before you can provide the best answer, you need to know the right questions to ask.
Each engagement needs to be approached objectively and with a deep level of curiosity. Caution needs to be exercised to ensure the journey to arriving at the “RightFIT” solution isn’t biased based upon what has worked well for another client. These experiences can be an asset in asking the right questions to learn what differentiates that client from another in their space. What do their clients expect of them and what challenges do they experience? How can our team help resolve the barriers they experience in achieving enhanced profitability and in providing the optimal client experience?
Phase 2 – Analysis (We Learn)
Discovery is the lens by which analysis can then be focused. How does data mining provide improved clarity?
The questions that are asked of the client in the Discovery phase drive what questions we need to ask of the data in the Analysis phase. These specific constraints that the client is experiencing in or areas of excessive costs in existing operations can help guide specific inquiry to better understand the current state of the operations. Models are built which show the current state of order and product velocities that are then compounded by factors agreed to by the project team. An understanding starts to take shape of the current challenges, potential solutions and the appropriateness of what solutions can best address the business goals faced by the client.
Phase 3 – Design (We Conceive)
Will you know the “RightFIT” solution when you see it? Our design concepts will move you.
As an Integrator, we’re not limited by a one-solution-fits-all approach, or even by a fixed number of solutions. Our team will design the most streamlined, cost-saving, efficient operating solution for a client, based on the specific goals outlined in Discovery and Analysis Phases. Our design engineering and concepting teams are not beholden to applying a limited range of solutions such as the pressure at some manufacturers who focus on a limited range of technologies or a software company whose focus is to over rely on algorithms to efficiently move product.
Phase 4 – Build (We Deliver)
What’s the difference between success and failure? Answer: Hands-On Project Management.
The best designed systems are most successful when the implemented by a common stakeholder. This end to end coordination between the design, control and deployment of the solution results in a tightly coupled result which is seamless and full realized. This process is led by a project management team which ties together all of the various disciplines for a successful project which can include: consultancy, product, applications engineering, information technology, controls engineering, software, operations, facilities, and construction.
Phase 5 – Support (We Sustain)
Will your material handling systems integration partner be there for you after they cash their last check?
We believe we have a responsibility to our clients that goes beyond the systems we design and build. It is to maximize the return on investment of our systems over the entire lifecycle of the investment. We offer this through 24 x 7 x 365 support and customer service including parts management. Additionally, we offer condition and performance audits to make sure that the system is mechanically and functionally operating at peak performance.
