The issues
Elimination of self-locking situations of AGVs.
Analysis and re-writing of the circulation logic.
Optimization of the working capacity of AGVs.
Analysis and re-writing of mission assignment logic.
Optimization of AGV flows at production lines outbound
In Roye (80), Saint Louis Sucre has a site specializing in sugar packaging. The company belongs to the German group Züdzucker, the largest sugar company in the world. The manufacturer has decided to entrust the transfer of finished product pallets from the palletisers at the end of the production line to the wrapping machines to a fleet of AGVs (Auto Guided Vehicles).
These are automated, laser guided pallet conveyors supplied by BA Systèmes.
Two problems remained after the installation by the manufacturer: frequent self-blocking AGVs between them, palletizers poorly served by the AGVs. The mission was therefore to eradicate these two difficulties, heavy human intervention and impacting the efficiency of the production lines.
Encountered defects are classic. The manufacturer sets up a standard solution adapted to the best knowledge of the flows provided by the customer. However, no simulation is actually performed and the operating logic must be reviewed on site after the installation is started. Even if the manufacturer remains open to modifications, we can always blame the lack of proactivity and proposal.
Thus, in the case of self-blocking, it was first necessary to observe the AGVs to understand the implemented decision logic of circulation and find the flaws. It is on this basis that the manufacturer intervened to correct the defects identified.
With regard to the optimization of assigning missions to AGVs, it is still the observation that prevailed. In a second step, a modified logic solution was proposed to the supplier in the form of logigrams and algorithms. After joint study, the manufacturer finally developed and implemented it.