IMPLEMENTATIONS
Planning and Executing a Successful Automated Guided Vehicle Implementation
Once you’ve made the decision to replace some or all of your manual material handling processes with automated guided vehicles (AGVs), the next step in the process is planning and executing the implementation of your system. This is it—the last mile between you and increased efficiency and optimization.
It can feel like it’s still a long road, but with trusted partners like Rocrich and your local dealer by your side, the process should be completed as smoothly as possible. By beginning with the end in mind—and drawing on our deep experience with successful implementations—you’ll be enjoying the benefits of your hard work and tough decisions as soon as possible.
The Players
Customer
That’s you!
Local Support
This is the local dealer or service center that provides local support, parts, etc.
Supplier
In our opinion, this should be us, but we often work with other OEMs that provide other products to meet your needs.
Pick Your Team
Before a single wrench is turned, you’ll want to assemble your team. The first members of that team are critically important to seeing the entire process through to completion as smoothly as possible.
Customer
- Appoint a system champion to be the key contact in the process.
- You should also appoint a data champion to crunch the numbers.
- Ideally these folks have a strong interest in the process for additional motivation.
- Since these roles stay with you after go-live, you’ll want to invest heavily in their success.
Local Support
- Your local support center should assign someone who can get onsite quickly to resolve issues.
- They can also work with the supplier when additional support is needed, be it technical or contractual.
Supplier
- We will foster cultural and organizational alignment and make sure the lines of communication are clear.
- We can also help get a service contract in place for peace-of-mind beyond your standard or extended warranty.
Best Practices During Implementations
Once the work has begun, team members from each group must be able to work together to efficiently install the solution and ensure any unforeseen challenges are overcome quickly.
Customer
- Identify your key users early in the process and ensure they receive supplier training months in advance of the go-live date. Ideally this includes multiple people per shift. Best practices dictate bringing these folks on 6-8 weeks before go-live.
- Make sure other processes that may touch the implementation are ready to deal with any changes the automation may bring.
- Engage all stakeholders from the kick-off to ensure buy-in, because change is a contact sport. This might include IT, safety, facilities, procurement, etc.)
Local Support
- Get your local support involved in the process as early as possible.
- This group should be involved in every level of the implementation to support the customer and establish solid relationships in the form of connection points with the supplier.
Supplier
- We will be with you every step of the way for as long as your solution is operating.
- We’ll make sure to keep things like holidays, shutdowns and business peaks in mind as we schedule the project.
- We are available for consultation on any idea or concern that may arise.