Not every pilot project that's underway gets the media hype. This is also true of an analysis by forklift manufacturer Still at Migros, according to which the automated horizontal order picker OPX iGo neo would achieve completely new levels of "decarbonization".
The OPX iGo neo is now recognized as a highlight in the world of automated guided vehicles. As is typical in intralogistics, the value of such a purchase is measured by time savings, pick rate, route optimization, and user-friendliness. However, since regulatory pressure has increased due to legal requirements, and larger companies already face fines if they cannot present a sustainability report, the focus is no longer solely on "monetary" efficiency gains and financial amortization.
Fig.: Lebenswerk Consulting
“Meanwhile,” says Alexander Nowroth, managing director of a consulting agency with the ambiguous name “Lebenswerk” (Life's Work), “we have to step it up a notch everywhere.” In other words, the added value that arises from a vehicle supplier being able to demonstrate a company-wide, continuous chain of energy-saving measures and emission “values” must also be quantified and made visible to the customer. At first glance, the pious wish of the forklift driver might seem almost a little naive: that he would prefer to start his workday in the morning knowing that he is maneuvering his equipment “CO₂-free” through the warehouse.
But there's something to it. Nowroth considers this important. "Employees approach their work with greater motivation." This also results in a competitive advantage in the long run. At Migros, where several dozen OPX iGo neo vehicles have been put into operation, Still's brand manager Frank Müller says, "Suddenly everyone was arriving at work on time to be able to work with the new vehicles.".
F. Müller, A. Nowroth. Photo: klk
At Still, not only are 90 percent of all newly built forklifts electrically powered, but with the help of partner companies like Dematic, operating under the umbrella of the Kion Group, entire warehouses are automated from a single source. The material costs and the demands on the equipment fleet are considerable. "However, we will only achieve our goal of climate neutrality here with the help of the circular economy," he admits.
Still is currently conducting a new study on the reuse of components, with battery recycling being just one of many factors. The iGo neo, which follows its user's every word (or even drives ahead to take up position at the next station), also has the added benefit of "being virtually impossible to drive into a wall" (Müller). Its integrated sensor technology stops it beforehand. In companies that maintain an entire fleet of vehicles, such damages can quickly amount to millions over the course of a year.
"The Intouchables". Photo: Still
As studies from other forklift manufacturers have also shown, walking distances for employees are reduced, and people are relieved of physical strain. Nevertheless, the employee remains at the heart of the work. The human hand, due to its versatility, "is still irreplaceable," says Müller.
The advantage of automation in a two-shift operation, where labor costs for one employee per shift (i.e., two per vehicle) could be estimated at around 90,000 Swiss francs per year, amounts to a value of just over 10,800 Swiss francs due to the 12 percent increase in efficiency. Implementation costs, excluding the vehicle price, are approximately 20,500 Swiss francs.
F. Müller (left)
In purely mathematical terms, this could also lead to job losses – but the increased efficiency and thus higher throughput would, on the other hand, contribute to company growth. "This pays for itself relatively quickly.".
Of course, employees also need to be trained in using the new equipment. A little perseverance is required. Management consultant Nowroth's tip: "First, implement such a system with existing customers." A white paper called "Green for Growth" strategically rethinks the pricing model for "green" and digital products: moving away from "price per unit" and towards a value-based model that takes ecological considerations more into account.
Download the white paper here
