Blum-Novotest

To optimize intralogistics processes, our Excellent partner, SPIE ESCAD, installed a MiR250 fleet including shelf carrier top module, lift and roller shutter connection at Blum-Novotest. The vehicles transport customized mobile shelves for classic small load carriers as well as customised carts for ½ Euro pallets. This means that 90% of intralogistics processes can be done via the fleet. 

The demand for Blum-Novotest's products has increased significantly. This is due to the higher requirements for manufacturing accuracy and the ability to automate manufacturing processes on machine tools. 

Blum-Novotest used various material and shelf trolleys for its intralogistics processes. These were moved manually by the employees to the respective stations on different floors. The objective was therefore to show Blum-Novotest the best possible, flexible automation solution and to implement this on site. Tests were carried out in advance at SPIE ESCAD in Pfullendorf. 

In an initial coordination meeting, the current process and the planned, optimised production logistics process were discussed. The customer's first approach was to lift out the individual transport carriers - One Piece Flow. However, this solution would not have fully utilised the potential of the AMR MiR250 from Mobile Industrial Robots. Instead, cross-floor goods transport with a MiR250 Shelf was evaluated. The openness, simplicity, intuitive handling and collaborative approach of the system were decisive success factors - also for the collaboration with the system integrator SPIE ESCAD. 

An initial trolley (prototype) was created by Blum-Novotest, which was tested on site at SPIE ESCAD and checked for weak points. After analysing the required distances and expected transport orders, two MiR250 robots with shelf module were planned. The layout of the sources and sinks and the positioning of the loading station were worked out jointly. 

In the first stage of implementation, the door control in two production areas and the lift connection with the manufacturer were realised, and the MiR Fleet software was installed and tested. Sporadic errors in the manufacturer-related communication with the lift were analysed, localised and finally rectified by adapting the software. 

The safety-related acceptance (CE) of the MiR250 robots and the trolleys designed by Blum-Novotest (for KLTs and ½ EPAL) was carried out by SPIE ESCAD. Other areas (sources and sinks) are integrated directly by Blum-Novotest and the missions are expanded. 

Blum-Novotest was able to significantly improve the flow of intralogistics processes. The elimination of travelling and waiting times has freed up valuable employee capacity. So far, over 1200 kilometres of travel have been saved. In addition, the long waiting times in front of and in the lifts have been reduced. The automated transport system has also standardised logistics processes. This increases efficiency and reduces the error rate. 

Thanks to the iterative and agile implementation, Blum-Novotest was able to quickly gain a foothold in the new technology, understand and master it - which was important to the customer as a technically orientated company. It is now in a position to further develop the system without further support. 

At the same time, full automation was deliberately avoided. The missions for the two robot systems have to be triggered manually. The employees should see the AMR as a tool and feel responsible for it. This prevents the emergence of a competitive situation in the long term. 

Blum-Novotest has developed a 10-year agenda for the optimisation and automation of overall logistics in order to meet the increased requirements, the demands on our internal processes and the incentive for efficient production in Germany. The AGV project, part of this agenda, was successfully implemented quickly, efficiently and with a short ROI. 95% of the intralogistics processes can be mapped via the fleet. Further expansion of the fleet or connection to other automated warehouse systems is planned.