Automating Logistics at LESER – Automation and Digitalization Help Boost Efficiency
Production logistics at the LESER Factory of Safety Valves in Hohenwestedt, Germany, is currently still largely based on manual processes. This especially applies to transportation, material handling, and warehousing.
Despite continuous optimization, the logistical effort has been growing disproportionately compared to production output due to the long distances involved. LESER aims to become more efficient by increasing automation and thereby enhancing economic viability.
The solution: Logistics Automation
To tackle these challenges, LESER launched the project “Logistics Automation”.
Autonomous mobile robots will take over component transfer between production areas, allowing employees to be assigned to more valuable tasks in assembly.
House to simplify stocking and picking, while digital assistance systems for assembly and commissioning will reduce the use of paper.
Fully automated transportation of components through the painting and drying center is already a reality today.
At selected CNC machines, robots have taken over component handling; in the future, they will additionally place the components in laundry baskets to reduce manual material handling.
Plans for hydrostatic pressure testing include the addition of automated testing equipment that will transfer components autonomously.
Leser production logistics 2030: more efficient processes, lower costs
It aims to automate and digitalize the logistical part of the production processes at the Hohenwestedt factory by reducing manual activities and streamlining the logistics processes.
The vision for “Production Logistics 2030” includes a “Logistics Campus” where all logistical activities will be centralized and optimized.
Transportation and handling of components and materials will be performed by autonomous mobile robots.
Centralized areas will be established at the warehouse.
The ultimate goal is 100 percent automated logistics.
This means that all processes — from transfer and material handling to stocking and picking — will one day be digitalized and integrated.
Autonomous mobile robots will carry parts between the individual production areas, and robots and automated systems will control material handling and storage.
Transferring all these processes to machines will allow LESER to assign employees to more valuable tasks, for example in assembly.
