How many companies supply AGV systems and how can I compare these companies?
There are approximately a dozen companies in the US supplying AGV systems. Of those, the top four companies have a combined 60% (approximate) of the market. Some of the ways to compare AGV suppliers are:
Longevity — How long have they been in the AGV business?
In-House Capabilities — Do they manufacture their own vehicle chassis? Do they buy or build the AGV controls?
Financial Strength — Do they have financial resources of a large or small company?
Complimentary Products — Are they a one product company or do they offer other products (conveyor, controls, storage products, sortation equipment, etc.)
Reputation — What do reference customers say about quality and service?
Product Design — Is the vehicle type for your system a standard model or a special design?
Customer Support — Do they have local service? How large is their parts and service organization? Is 24/7 help included with system?
System Training and Documentation — How much operator and maintenance training is included? Are service manuals well documented with parts lists, troubleshooting diagrams, descriptions of component operation? Does the maintenance manual come on CD?
