Strategic PM Solutions Profiled in Forklift News

July 9, 2011 - PRLog -- To AGV or not to AGV is the title of an important feature in Forklift News in which Melissa Barnett reports on some of these advances, particularly in the area of hybrid vehicles.
According to Barnett, Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have always been a somewhat contentious piece of equipment in the world of materials handling. Many, including traditional forklift manufacturers and operators, see them as a threat to traditional forklift use. Those in manufacturing can see their potential in cutting costs and improving efficiencies but think them overly complicated and prohibitively expensive except in large-scale use, while those in distribution see them as unable to meet rapidly changing warehouse needs.
Hesham Mahmoud of US-based Strategic PM Solutions says that "up to 80% of businesses in the US experience defective or inferior automation implementation". He believes this is because process solutions and an objective materials handling operational strategy are not carefully analysed before choosing an AGV vendor. It is suggested that when designing a system, it is important to factor in elements such as shift patterns, labour requirements and average peak demands to the process.
Mahmoud believes that the overwhelming advantage of AGVs over forklifts is their safety - for employees, the product and the facility. All workplaces using AGVs report a decrease in the number of back injuries and collisions. This is because AGVs remove from the equation human tiredness, distraction and poor decision-making. AGVs can be fitted with any number of safety devices including obstacle-detecting photoelectric and laser sensors, cameras and automatic variable lift control. EU safety standard EN 1525 directs that all driverless vehicles operating in a mixed environment be fitted with anti-collision and stopping-sensing devices, bumpers and warning lights.
Mahmoud believes dual-use/hybrid vehicles are a good way to introduce automation to traditional forklift users. "DUFs give flexibility to some companies, but are not threatening business from the AGV industry" he says. "DUFs are not an AGV replacement, but good for where human interface is already present and may continue. DUFs could be a gateway to AGVs," he adds.
Strategic PM Solutions, Inc., (www.StrategicPMs.com) based in Sellersville, PA, is the leader in setting strategic plans to overcome today's automation, material handling, and project management challenges.   The company examines facilities, analyzes situations and develops tailored lean and cost-effective solutions in project management, industrial automation solutions, and operations with other companies.  Solutions frequently involve Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and system integration selection from an objective and unbiased perspective.  Industry sectors served often include food and beverage, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, hospitals, chemicals, and paper.  
Strategic PM Solutions, Inc. is an independent industrial automation consulting company committed to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.  Expertise includes Automation Solutions and Material Handling Systems, System Integration, Strategic Business and Operations Management, and Strategic Project Management.

Strategic PM Solutions, Inc.
www.strategicpms.com
Victoria Mahmoud
PR@strategicpms.com
267 371 0467