Timely production output is essential for customer satisfaction and market leadership. Companies must optimize their internal logistics systems to avoid bottlenecks and improve efficiency. For a recent project centered around an internal transport system, Yitch joined forces with VEMECH. The ultimate goal? To deliver a robust solution for a client aiming to boost production by 40%.
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Identifying opportunities for improvement
How can companies increase production output and better meet market demands? A leading client faced this very question, recognizing the need to enhance their internal logistics system. With an ambitious goal of boosting production capacity by 40%, the company sought a solution that would not only optimize existing processes but also ensure a seamless transition to the new system. To achieve this ambitious goal, they turned to Yitch.
Leveraging combined expertise
In tackling this project, Yitch recognized the importance of collaboration; not just with the client but also with their trusted partner, VEMECH. Sander Verbruggen, Business Unit Manager Automation at Yitch, notes: "For this project, collaboration turned out to be key. We worked closely with both the client and our E&I partner VEMECH, who managed the mechanical installation."
Fran Audenaert, Technical Sales Engineer at VEMECH, emphasizes their complementary roles: "Yitch excels in automation and digitalization, while we focus on the hardware side. Our strengths aligned perfectly, enabling us to address the project holistically. Yitch's expertise ensured that the automation systems were seamlessly integrated with the hardware components we provided."
The collaboration began with a series of workshops, where Yitch gathered insights from the client to refine the project scope. Maarten Van Royen, Yitch’s Solution Architect for this project, elaborates: "During the bidding phase, we conducted detailed analyses of the client's requirements. After the project was granted to us, we held extensive workshops to ensure that every aspect of the client’s operations was integrated into the final solution."
Engineering an integrated solution
With a clear understanding of the client's needs, Yitch designed a system that combined both hardware and software components. While the hardware represents the most tangible outcome of this project, the software functions as the invisible yet crucial backbone that supports it. As Sander explains: "Our solution integrates a Warehouse Control System (WCS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS), connecting seamlessly to AutoStore for product storage."
The advanced conveyor systems serve as the mechanical component, ensuring efficient movement of goods. At the same time, the software layer is essential for achieving operational efficiency. The WCS coordinates the movement of bins, ensuring efficient routing and full traceability throughout operations, allowing for optimal performance and scalability.
Live testing to save time when commissioning
A critical aspect of the project was the ability to conduct live testing of the system before it was delivered to the client. By building the transport system in advance, the team could perform thorough testing on critical components without disrupting the client's operations.
"This approach significantly reduced the time needed for the actual commissioning phase, which typically has to fit within a tight schedule," Maarten notes. “The proactive testing ensured a smoother implementation, minimizing downtime and allowing the client to start using the system more quickly and efficiently.”
Seamless integration through collaboration
The partnership exemplifies how seamless collaboration can drive logistic enhancements. Sander summarized this achievement, stating, "While the change might appear minor on the surface, there is significant innovation driving it in the background. By working together effectively, we’ve transformed the client’s logistics into a high-performing solution that not only met the client’s ambitious goals but also improved customer satisfaction. "
Key specs for this co-creation project
- Collaborative workshops for design refinement
- An advanced conveyor system as the hardware component
- Warehouse Control System (WCS) for precise bin movement
- Warehouse Management System (WMS) for seamless operations
- AutoStore integration for efficient product storage
- Real-time live testing for critical component evaluation
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