Precise asset tracing and transport flow optimisation

WHILE AUTOMATED vehicles like AGVs are a proven productivity booster, operating these in the same spaces as manual trucks is a challenge, especially on complex, confined sites. How can transport flows be optimised? Who has right of way? How can efficiency-killing deadlocks and accidents be avoided? 

With BlueBotics' ANT locator, the live coordinates of manual trucks are integrated directly into the company’s ANT server AGV fleet manager. This precise positioning data enables the software to automatically manage interactions between automated vehicles, manual trucks, and even human staff - for example, via the use of traffic light systems - helping companies to use their space as intelligently and safely as possible.

"ANT locator allows companies to understand exactly where their forklifts are, and therefore where their pallets are too, whether inside or outdoors," said Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics. 

Precise tracing of manually moved goods

For material handling to run efficiently, knowing the precise location of every pallet is key. But while the drop-off points of automated vehicles are pre-programmed, knowing the precise location of every manual truck's drop-off is far from guaranteed.

With ANT locator integrated into every manual truck, the precise positions of these vehicles can be communicated continuously to a company's existing WMS/logistics software, allowing material handling teams to trace the exact location of every payload - at pick-up, at drop-off, and everywhere in between.

Improving manual truck operations via data analytics

One of the biggest barriers to optimising forklift use is not knowing how they are currently being used. Which flows are most common? Are drivers using the most efficient routes?

The precise positioning data and analytics that ANT locator supplies allow companies to improve their manual truck flows, by understanding and optimising their usage based on real-world insights. No asking, no watching, no guessing - just track, analyse, adjust, and advise.

Boosting warehouse efficiency

German warehouse management software supplier, SEP Logistik, is an early adopter of ANT locator. "We use ANT locator in our RELAG-System to determine the exact position of each forklift. The system, which provides a real-time 3D visual of the warehouse to the operator, then can show them the most efficient path to reach their target location. ANT locator even enables us to offer this functionality outdoors," explained Markus Fischbacher. "On one project for example, thanks to the efficiency gains achieved, we enabled a sheet metal producer to reduce the number of forklifts they required by 20%. With ANT locator inside our RELAG-System, our customers can enjoy greater intralogistics transparency and traceability, without needing to leave the office."

For more information: 

bluebotics.com

Tel: +41 21 694 02 90