Reduction of workload at the distribution center and improvement of productivity - "Corresponds to changing transportation lines" and "Towing of long carts" are selected points -
1. Company Introduction
Since its establishment in 1953, Mizuno Sangyo Co., Ltd. has increased its lineup of products to meet the diversifying needs and has now reached the stage as a trading company.
We handle various types of goods such as kitchen fixtures such as detergents and cleaning tools from take-out packaging materials, and we do picking (total picking → picking by store), inspection, packing, shipping (transporting) work. Among them, there was a rise in personnel expenses and shortage of human resources, and to reduce the burden and increase productivity was a challenge.
3. Reason for introducing CarriRo
We aimed to reduce the workload of workers from the problems of labor costs surge and personnel shortage, to improve the working environment and improve productivity.
Especially the long cart (width 60 cm, length 180 cm) used in the processing section can carry a lot of luggage at a time, the total weight at the time of loading also became considerable, so handling was difficult. We thought that it would be possible to reduce the workload of workers if we use CarriRo, hence introduced.
Initially we considered the introduction of AGV and rented a demonstration machine and conducted a test for a few days, but it was concluded that it is difficult to introduce due to restrictions such as crossing of flow lines with forklift and work layout.
Also, because there are luggage of various shapes, there are large items not on the cart inside. It will be possible to carry items that you could not carry at once by stacking it on the CarriRo body may be all at a time.
Also, during transportation, since long carts are being pushed and transported manually, it was difficult for the front view hence difficulty for them to follow up, now it has become possible to secure front view , hence a significant improved effect was obtained.
In terms of improving productivity, products that do not appear on long carts were placed on a pallet and transported from the back with a forklift, but when items were put on the CarriRo body it became possible to carry large items not on long cart at the same time.This helped to improve productivity by transporting with a fork and picking up more than once by a worker.
5. Next Deployment
Currently, CarriRo is limited to use in certain areas. (It is due to the difficulty to return to the predetermined position after the towing.) In response to this result, we are planning to develop the operation by the CarriRo in other areas as well. In addition, if autonomous project which is currently under development is completed and it shall be introduced, it becomes possible to change from the towing of workers to the operation by towing by autonomous driving, and it is possible to drastically reduce labor. Based on that fact in the future, we are also planning the development of CarriRo while also considering a significant layout change of the workplace.
6. Overview of the layout of the premises
From the center starting point Red Course, Blue Course in 2 courses in use.
Price
5 year lease Following model:月額34,000円 / 1台 "Autonomous Moving" mode model:Monthly 52,000 yen / 1 unit