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Fleet manager intralogistics
Fleet management system for intralogistics for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), as well as all manually operated transport equipment, such as forklifts. ebp-consulting selects the appropriate tool for them!
Fleet manager for intralogistics
When is the use of a fleet management system worthwhile?
A fleet management system for intralogistics is software that controls and monitors the operation of mobile robots.
With a fleet management system, also referred to as Mobile Robot Fleet Management or control center, all types of transport equipment in intralogistics can be controlled, such as AGVs, AMRs, or forklifts. The core function of an IT-based platform for fleet management is the central orchestration and optimization of the entire material flow, designed to manage heterogeneous fleets—i.e., mobile robots from different manufacturers and other transport means—via a single platform. By introducing an manufacturer-independent fleet management system, you are not tied to a single robotics supplier, thus maintaining maximum flexibility in acquiring various vehicle types.
A fleet management system optimizes logistics operations by efficiently assigning transport tasks to the vehicles or robots, monitoring their status in real time, and controlling navigation. This helps avoid unnecessary travel and can significantly reduce the required logistics personnel.
Core functions of fleet management
- Task management: assigns upcoming transport tasks to available vehicles based on their position, status, and workload.
- Real-time monitoring: provides a live view of the location and operating state of all robots in the fleet.
- Route planning: ensures the most efficient navigation through the warehouse, with autonomous robots flexibly adapting their routes and avoiding obstacles.
- Integration: enables connection to other logistics systems such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) via standardized interfaces.
- Flexibility: enables control and adaptation of logistics processes during operation.
Different system requirements for AMRs and AGVs
While AGVs follow fixed, predefined paths, AMRs are more flexible and can autonomously avoid obstacles and adjust routes. This typically results in significantly higher transport performance when used and managed accordingly.
- AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): Follows fixed paths, e.g., via magnetic tapes, induction loops, or lines. A fleet management system is often required to control traffic flow on these predefined routes.
- AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot): Uses sensors and maps to navigate autonomously and adapt to the environment in real time. A fleet management system is essential here to coordinate in dynamic environments and optimize the fleet.
Benefits of a fleet management system
- Increased efficiency through automatic and dynamic task allocation. Optimizes utilization of the robot fleet and reduces downtime.
- Minimal travel time and fewer collisions.
- Flexibility: enables adaptation to dynamic logistics workflows.
- Live overview of all AMRs and AGVs.
- Easy scalability of the fleet via manufacturer-independent integration (e.g., VDA 5050).
- Optimized charging and energy management.
- Reduction of error rates: lowers human error through centralized control and monitoring.
ebp-consulting supports many companies in selecting a fleet management system as well as in the selection and tendering of autonomous transport systems (ATS) such as AGVs and AMRs. Thanks to the long-standing experience of our consultants, we know exactly which technology is best suited for which purpose, which manufacturers exist on the market, and what they can do. After the creation of the requirements documents, we assist our clients with the tendering process, act as a technical contact person, and, if needed, also as a sparring partner in contract negotiations. In addition, we support the implementation phase and ensure a smooth process.