Implementing an AGV System

Comparing Reputations, Experience, Resources and Support

Reputation & Experience – This is the best way to separate the ‘all show and no go’ from the likely best performers. With a relatively small market, less than 100 new systems per year, reputation and experience are precious commodities in the AGV supplier world.

It is not all that likely that any given AGV company has provided an AGV system exactly like yours in the past. And, that is not necessarily a bad thing. What you are really looking for is references to check that will tell you whether the company has provided quality product, knows how to overcome problems and always stands behind their work.

In addition, the AGV company’s experience level is a good measure of it competence. Have they provided systems with similar capabilities. Do not take at face value a company’s assertion that a given element of your project or their proposed concept is routine. Question if it has been done before or is this the first time some new design or function has been used. The difference between succeeding or failing with something new often hinges on the reputation and experience level of the company providing it.

Resources & Support – An AGV project does not end even when it is installed and turned over for beneficial use. All AGV systems require ‘proper care and feeding’ in order to function reliably in the long term. The system user can not do this without their AGV supplier’s support.

Obviously, the level of supplier support required is somewhat dependent on the size and complexity of the system. But even the smallest system can be ‘brought to its knees’ through lack of sufficient supplier support. Therefore, it is vital to carefully examine each AGV company’s internal resources.

• Do they provide in-house repairs?
• What is the availability of parts? Any long lead items?
• Where does service come from? Local or single corporate office?
• How many service technicians do they have?