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Case study: STG
Scandinavian Tobacco Group Belgium Manufacturing N.V. ("STG") lifts its operational efficiency to new records with Nipper production logistics!
Challenge
STG, a leading tobacco goods manufacturer, faced significant challenges driven by increasing production demands, a shortage of skilled labor, and the need to manage rising operational costs. to mintain it's competitive position STG sought an innovative solution to automate its production logistics. The existing processes were manual, labor-intensive, and prone to inefficiencies that resulted in machine downtime, operational disruptions, and transportation damages. These issues, combined with the need for enhanced workplace safety and accuracy in handling various pallet types, prompted STG to explore a scalable, cost-effective automation system to future-proof its operations.
The Solution
To address STG's challenges, Nipper deployed its 4th generation autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) integrated with the AI-based ConnectedThinks® orchestrator solution from Locixx. This cutting-edge system leveraged strategically placed AI-powered vision cameras to monitor product pickup and drop-off areas. The cameras provided real-time footage, which was processed by AI algorithms to detect objects and send precise location data to the Nipper Fleet Manager. This fully automated system allowed for seamless task execution without human intervention, ensuring smooth operations.
Unlike traditional proximity sensors, the Vision AI system offered enhanced detection capabilities across a broader area, allowing STG to manage various object types, including different pallet sizes. The system was easily scalable, accommodating growth from just two cameras to dozens, adapting to STG's increasing operational needs. Furthermore, the entire setup was designed for rapid installation, requiring only a day to integrate into the existing infrastructure and enabling effortless relocation as required.
Benefits
Results
With the implementation of Nipper’s automation solution, STG achieved the following results:
- Reduced operational costs: The advanced system led to a 35% reduction in operational costs by enhancing machine performance and lowering labor expenses.
- Increased safety: Automation improved workplace safety by reducing the need for manual intervention, decreasing the likelihood of workplace accidents.
- Enhanced operational accuracy: The automation system increased the precision of operations, reducing errors and improving overall efficiency.
- Minimized machine downtime: The system significantly reduced machine downtime, leading to fewer disruptions and product transport damages.
- Reduced investment costs: STG realized a 40% savings compared to alternative solutions, thanks to the cost-effective automation system.
- Scalability and reliability: The solution provided a reliable, scalable, and future-proof platform, enabling STG to meet growing production demands and remain competitive.
Find out just how easy the move towards smart can be
From the Nipper Stretch Hood to the intelligent Nipper AGV, all Nipper’s products have been designed as building blocks. They work seamlessly together with our roller conveyor, pallet elevator, turntable, and traverse systems. And can also easily be integrated into existing logistics processes and plants.