Lindab, a leading provider of ventilation components, has continuously invested in automation to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. In recent years, the company has focused on digitalization and smart logistics to optimize production workflows.
A key challenge they faced was the inefficient internal transport of materials, where skilled production workers spent valuable time operating manual stackers instead of focusing on core tasks.
"I did an informal survey where I mapped the time spent on manual transportation. It turned out that in one specific product area, almost a whole week was spent on moving materials alone. It was a huge inefficiency," says Niels Kammer, Production Engineer at Lindab.
The challenge of freeing up production capacity
Before automation, production workers were responsible for transporting components from production to the warehouse. This meant that they were often preoccupied with logistics tasks instead of focusing on the tasks that create real value, both for themselves and for the company.
"When an operator is standing on a stacker truck, they are not producing. And we wanted our employees to spend their time doing what they do best, making quality products," says Niels Kammer.
Why SCANLOX and AGILOX
After researching different solutions, Lindab chose SCANLOX and AGILOX AMR because of the system's flexibility, ability to move in all directions and intelligent obstacle handling.
"Unlike traditional AGVs that require manual intervention to continue after an obstacle, AGILOX can assess its surroundings and continue automatically. This was a decisive factor for us," explains Niels Kammer.
Another major advantage was the AMR's ability to adapt to changes in the production environment without the need for extensive reprogramming. Before making the final decision, Lindab consulted with colleagues at a factory in Warsaw where AGILOX was already implemented.
"They shared their experience with us and even sent video documentation of the solution in operation. This gave us the peace of mind we needed before making the final decision," adds Niels Kammer.
Implementation and challenges along the way
The implementation of AGILOX AMR went quickly and SCANLOX was on site to ensure the best possible transition.
"We encountered some technical challenges along the way, but SCANLOX was ready to help. Their response time and support was very good," says Niels Kammer. "Michael (ed. SCANLOX Service & Support) was there whenever we needed him, so we were not alone with the problems."
One of the biggest technical challenges was getting the AMR to handle the varying pallet types. Unlike the standardized Euro pallets, Lindab uses disposable pallets that can vary in size and quality. This required some adjustments to ensure stable lifting and transportation.
"We had to add guide rails to compensate for height differences. It wasn't an insurmountable challenge, but something we had to take into account," explains Niels Kammer. "If the next model of AGILOX can lower the forks a few millimeters more, it will make a big difference for us."
To ensure smooth operations, Lindab also worked to make Shrek, the AMR (ed. All AGILOX AMRs are given a name before they leave production in Austria) an integral part of work routines. Employees were encouraged to see him as a colleague and ensure that pallets were placed correctly at the stations to avoid problems later on.
"The easier we make it for the AMR, the fewer problems we have. The employees quickly learned that if the pallets were set correctly, the work flowed much better," Niels Kammer notes.
They also found that when only one pallet needed to be placed at a station, it was advantageous to place it at the far end - it made pickup faster and more efficient.
Employee culture and automation implementation
A crucial factor in the success of AGILOX AMR was the employees' openness to change. While automation projects often meet resistance, Lindab experienced no significant skepticism.
"The biggest challenge in the beginning was not resistance, it was curiosity. When AGILOX started running, production almost stopped because everyone wanted to see it in action," says Niels Kammer with a smile. "But after a few days, it just became a natural part of the workday and people quickly got used to it."
Employees are now so accustomed to the solution that they react immediately if it stops.
"If the AMR stops for any reason, employees immediately come to us. It has become an indispensable part of their daily work," says Niels Kammer.
Results confirm more streamlined and efficient operations
AGILOX AMR has optimized internal logistics at Lindab. Where employees previously spent time on manual transportation, they can now simply place pallets at the right stations and order transport with a single touch.
Measurable outcomes for 2024 include:
- 1,613 km driven
- 10,189 pallets transported
- 295 tons moved
Future opportunities
Lindab sees great potential in expanding automation even further.
"We have only scratched the surface of what is possible. There are still more areas in our production where we can make better use of automation," says Niels Kammer.
Advice for other businesses
When Niels Kammer is asked for advice for companies considering automation, the answer is clear.
"Buy an AGILOX. It works. And there are many ways to configure it, whether it's manual transportation ordering or fully automated solutions. Flexibility is a huge strength."
With SCANLOX's expertise and AGILOX's advanced technology, Lindab has streamlined internal logistics, freed up production capacity and created a more efficient operation.
