Checklist for meetings with AGV suppliers

The technology is exciting. The return on investment is tempting. But before you contact potential suppliers of automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS) you have to list what you need and want. Our guide below gives you input on which areas to cover.

Transportation needs

• Material handling devices used today (e.g. manual trucks, conveyor belts)
• Working hours
• Number of transports (average/peak) per hour
• Type of load: What you move (e.g. pallets, bins, cages, rolls), how far, how heavy

System integration

• List of systems in use (e.g. ERP, WMS)
• Server environment and WLAN
• Commissioning demands (e.g. must not affect production)

Project basis

• Description of where you are considering AGVs (type of application)
• Drawing of site and site conditions (e.g. indoor/outdoor, cold storage)
• Contact details for your company and team members
• Company information with emphasis on type of industry

Project performance

• Time frame
• Expected return on investment (ROI)
• Request list of references

Defining the details

The more precise input you give to your potential AGV suppliers, the better. We can help you with the details or give you a second opinion on your request for proposal. Just contact us. In the next article, you will get input on how to find the right AGV supplier for your business. Is it better to choose someone near you, or a specialist that may be on the other side of the earth? Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss it.