Implementing an AGV System

Validations

Concept Validation – If a concept is inherently simple and straightforward, validation is usually pretty easy. However, the more you wish the AGV system concept to achieve, the more important that you validate it in several ways.

Benchmark Validation – The easiest validation method is to look for similar previously installed systems. Benchmark performance and operational factors of those systems to determine if your concept will achieve your expectations. You may find that you have over or under estimated some aspects of your concept. Adjustments can easily be made at this stage.

User Validation – Never underestimate the importance of user validation. The people on the floor where the AGV system will operate often are the best source for valuable feedback on a system concept. These people are familiar with day to day operations and are in the best position to tell you whether a concept has flaws and how to address them. Users are very good at identifying ergonomic, space, interface and operational issues.

The experience of the users can provide the foresight to avoid aspects of a concept that do not take into account real world issues. By having users ‘walk through’ the concept you will not only gain their insight but also their support for the system when it is installed.

Simulation Model Validation – Not all AGV system concepts require simulation validation. However, building a computer simulation model of the system is often valuable if only to graphically illustrate the system concept in operation.

Involved systems or systems required to meet strict throughput rates should always be simulated. The only way to insure this type of AGV concept will perform as expected is to perform a computer validation simulation. Building the model forces decisions on exactly how a system should be structured to operate. In affect this causes the planner to address these issues soon rather than later. Any problems with the results of the simulation are immediately addressed by changing these operational issues.

A further benefit of a computer simulation to validate a system concept is that it visually demonstrates the system concept in operation before it is installed. This can be a valuable aid in gaining general support for the concept.

One must remember that a computer simulation is only as good as the data it employs. Even when this is the case, there is no guarantee that the concept will perform as simulated unless all the necessary factors from the simulation are replicated in the actual system implementation.