Seegrid AGV Efficiency Featured in Food Logistics

July 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Seegrid, maker of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), is featured in the current issue of Food Logistics magazine, titled, “The Race To Automate: Wholesalers And Retailers Pass New Milestones.” Elliot Maras reported, “The challenges facing today’s food and beverage warehouse manager are numerous – SKU proliferation, omni-channel order fulfillment, burdensome new government reporting requirements, global trade opportunities, rising competition and more. And they can all be summarized by one overriding quest: improved efficiency that is economically justified.”

According to Maras, automated storage and retrieval systems continue to play a key role in making warehouses more efficient. Wholesalers are also increasingly relying on automated guided vehicles (AVGs), augmented by RFID and optical scanning, voice technology and pick-to-light picking systems.

Giant Eagle is a member of Topco Associates LLC, a $12.3 billion cooperative and leader in the grocery/supermarket industry. AGVs play a critical role for Giant Eagle, Inc., the Pittsburgh, PA based supermarket chain serving the Midwest, noted Rob Kuchta, distribution systems manager at Giant Eagle. The Seegrid AGVs, directed by the WMS, save a lot of transit time. Before the automated system, a driver had to drive pallets to a “reserve” location, and then drive back to the receiving dock. With AGVs, Kuchta estimates they save 35 percent to 45 percent per pallet hauled. “Having the Seegrid AGV do the non-value-added work has made the process more efficient,” explained Kuchta.

About Seegrid

Seegrid Corporation (www.seegrid.com) is the global leader of robotic vision-guided automated guided vehicles (AGVs).  Seegrid AGVs are revolutionizing the movement of materials handling in manufacturing and distribution environments with simplicity, flexibility, and affordability.  Robotic pallet trucks, tow tractors, and walkie stackers optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing labor and operating costs, creating economic and operational advantages.  Seegrid AGVs improve workplace safety, reduce equipment and product damage, and deliver a rapid return on investment.  The company’s state-of-the-art navigation technology requires no infrastructure for navigation—no wires, lasers, tapes, or magnets.

Guided by Seegrid partnerships with leading global industrial truck manufacturers provide businesses with a choice when selecting a brand of robotic vision-guided AGVs. Seegrid and Guided by Seegrid products are available in North America and Europe.

In addition to the 2014 Edison Award, Seegrid was named Manufacturer of the Year and the Food Logistics Top 100 software and technology providers. Follow on Twitter @Seegrid.

Seegrid Corporation
www.seegrid.com
Amanda Merrell
Marketing Director
amerrell@seegrid.com
412-379-4500