Boost Your Material Handling ROI via Reliable Wireless Communications

Rockwell Automation

 

September 24, 2018

By Keith Blodorn, ProSoft Technology

In many manufacturing facilities, material handling functions from parts delivery to weighing to inventory have been automated in an effort to cut labor costs and optimize resources.

These improvements carry the promise of cost and time savings but require significant investments upfront – the average cost for a frequently used solution, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system, can reach $1 million USD.

Given the expense involved, it’s imperative to plan for a reliable wireless communications network in an environment where accurate, real-time connections can influence whether product is where it needs to be. The right wireless solutions can help you achieve the return on your material handling investment at your facility, opening the door for future improvements.

Keeping Up With Your Cargo

There can be any number of moving equipment transporting parts or product in a material handling application – AGVs, stacker-reclaimers, automated storage and retrieval systems and automotive skillet lines abound all count on reliable communications and signals. Even the smallest hiccups can lead to downtime, which negates the benefits of your automated material handling equipment.

With seamless communications, you can release greater pick and pack accuracy; more streamlined conveyance of product from assembly to the trucks outside; and instant notification of any issues requiring your prompt attention. 

One solution that can be used throughout your facility – including on your AGVs – are scalable wireless radios that support very fast access point switchover times, ideally 10 ms or faster. This capability helps ensure that moving parts stay on track – sometimes literally.

Opting for radios that can link back to your central control system can help you stay up-to-date about the health of your equipment – by sending diagnostics directly to personnel who can act upon the information, you can minimize unscheduled downtime.

If you’re in a facility whose environment supports antennas, they can be used in conjunction with wireless radios and moving equipment (as a vehicle manufacturer in England found). Antenna selection and installation can be a little tricky – you will need to determine which ones should be used, and how and where they should be installed.

If you need assistance determining the best antennas for your application, it’s a good idea to talk with a trusted expert to see what they would recommend before implementing your wireless network.

Flexible Cable

Of course, there are many facilities that may be too busy signal-wise for a traditional antenna. In a plant filled with communicating devices, avoiding clashed connections is crucial. Radiating cable is an ideal solution for this type of facility.

The cable’s design features slots that radiate RF signals, and its flexible design means it can be used in tight spots. This can help isolate the signal, minimizing the impact of nearby interference.

In addition to providing a flexible avenue for communication, radiating cable can be used in place of traditional components of material handling systems that have proven problematic for some companies:

  • It can be used in place of a conductor rail or buss bar in applications involving an automotive skillet line or electrified monorail system. A conductor rail can be unreliable and hinder production.
  • Slip rings on rotating machinery can also suffer from unreliability – and expensive maintenance. Radiating cable can be used as a more robust alternative, boosting performance and reducing downtime necessitated by repairs.

Designing and implementing a reliable wireless communications network can take time, but its ability to improve upon and boost your automated material handling systems’ return on investment cannot be overstated.

For more information https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en_NA/overview.page?

 

Related Articles

  • |

    Design Systems Canada Provides Insights on the Future of Supply Chains in Canada

    The current state of Canadian manufacturing and its intricate supply chain is one of significant change. Over the past few years, global events have exposed vulnerabilities, forcing us to rethink how we move goods and materials. The reality is stark: relying solely on distant, complex supply lines leaves businesses exposed. Recent disruptions have taught us that lesson.  Within these challenges lie significant opportunities. Currently there is a powerful shift towards supply chain resilience; a concept that goes beyond simply recovering from setbacks. It’s about building systems that anticipate and withstand shocks. One crucial strategy gaining traction is nearshoring. Bringing production closer to home not only reduces lead times and shipping costs but also strengthens local economies. Consider this: a recent study by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) indicated that 78% of Canadian manufacturers are actively exploring or have implemented nearshoring strategies. This trend isn’t just a fleeting response; it’s a strategic move to build long-term stability. The role of Supply Chain Ontario and similar initiatives cannot be overstated. These programs are vital in fostering collaboration, providing resources, and driving innovation. They are helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern supply chains, from implementing advanced technologies to optimizing logistics. But what about the future? How can Canada truly solidify its position in the global marketplace? It’s about more than just reacting to crises. It’s about proactive planning, embracing technology, and fostering strong partnerships.

  • How Edge-Based and Cloud-Based Solutions Complement One Another

    For manufacturers looking to get started with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), a common question that comes up is whether they should use the edge or the cloud for data analysis purposes. However, this doesn’t have to be an either-or choice. In fact, both strategies are optimized to fit different needs and can work well together.

     

     

     

  • Safety Components on Guard

    Protecting operators from the safety hazards introduced by automated machines and robotic equipment demands an understanding of both the appropriate safety guarding level and the machine safety components needed to get the job done. As always, the designer must identify the safety risks, plan the best ways of addressing them, and ensure the proper application of safety components.

     

     

     

  • Epiroc: Right here, right now

    The 777 zinc-copper mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba is on the wane. After 15 years in  production, the underground operation is expected to close in 2022 unless Hudbay Minerals discovers more ore. In order to keep the doors open as long as possible, the Toronto-based company is trying to find efficiencies to enhance the viability of the operation.

     

     

     

Changing Scene

Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.

ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More

Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More

Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More

JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More

Latest Articles